Rehabilitation Research Intern Program
About the Program:
Established in Summer 2017 by the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center (DVBIC) and the Polytrauma System of Care (PSC) as the Summer Rehab Research Intern Program, this initiative has since expanded into the year-round Rehabilitation Research Intern Program. It provides hands-on experience in clinical research, neuropsychology, and neuroimaging.
Who Can Apply?
We welcome students from various disciplines, including Psychology, Medicine, Public Health, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, as well as high school students aged 17 and above.
What to Expect:
Participants engage in a wide range of activities, including research projects, data collection and management, shadowing healthcare providers, and interacting with patients. All of this is done under the guidance and mentorship of experienced professionals.
Program Highlights:
- Journal Club Participation: Engage in discussions on the latest findings in the field of Polytrauma Rehabilitation, Neuropsychology, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and related areas.
- Final Presentation: Present your project to peers and mentors at the conclusion of the program. Showcasing the research and insights you have gained.
- Networking Opportunities: Engage in one-on-one opportunities with professionals, fostering relationships that may lead to future collaborations.
- Career Growth: Develop skills that will enhance your career and broaden your understanding of a dynamic research environment.
Join us in this comprehensive and enriching program that bridges theoretical knowledge with practical application in the field of brain injury and rehabilitation research.
RRIP Trainees
We are immensely proud of all our RRIP trainees and their remarkable achievements. Our former students have advanced to prestigious graduate programs and post-graduate training, including: PhD programs, Medical Schools, Master’s Degrees, Dental School, and Fellowships. In addition, many of our RRIP trainees are currently contributing to groundbreaking research in academic labs, as well as working in the biotechnology and precision pharmaceutical industries.
Former Trainees:
Naomi Bennett
I had the pleasure of working with the polytrauma team on various projects to address the long term sequalae of traumatic brain injury (TBIs) and spinal cord injuries. I worked on various aspects of projects, such as those investigating adverse childhood experiences and how they may impact health outcomes following TBIs. I loved getting to work with the team on innovative projects and talking with the veterans!
Currently, I am in my first year of medical school.
Tony Lam
During my time with the Polytrauma team, I had the opportunity to develop 3D-printed parts for recumbent bikes, including a custom brake handle extender designed to improve comfort during physical rehabilitation. I really enjoyed collaborating with a diverse team and witnessing how our ideas transform into practical solutions that make a difference in people’s lives. I am currently applying to medical school, where I hope to further explore innovative healthcare technologies to improve patient care.
Mahatma Gandhi: “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
Leonie Smik
My name is Leonie Smik and I had the privilege of doing a summer internship at the Palo Alto VA! During my time here I got the opportunity to assemble a series of PSA videos about veterans and their unique experiences regarding TBIs. This was an inspiring and insightful experience! Everyone was so welcoming, kind, and helpful. I am so happy I was able to be part of such a powerful project and hoping I can contribute more in the future!
Samantha Torrestower
I have been with the VA for three years. My journey started as a volunteer, which led to an internship and now I am a full-time research assistant. I was given the chance to participate in The Summer of Neuroscience program, which led to a volunteer opportunity. Being with a team that worked together and the buzz of the VA hospital with staff and veterans gave me a glimpse into the important research we were and are doing. Helping those that have given so much is never a job but a purpose.
It has been amazing working as a research assistant this past year. There are two projects I have been working on, one focuses on using peer whole health to help reduce homeless veterans’ frequent use of acute care and the other focuses on the use of a mobile app which helps reduce drinking and increases accessibility to alcohol-related treatment.
“Nothing in life is meant to be feared, only understood. Now is the time to understand so that we may fear less.” -Marie Curie. This quote is on the wall of my medical school and is one that has stood me in good stead whenever I have been anxious.
Mentors:
Odette Harris, MD, MPH
Professor of Neurosurgery
Director of Brain Injury
Stanford Department of Neurosurgery
Deputy Chief of Staff, Rehabilitation
Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System
Board Director, Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research
Esmeralda Madrigal
Program Director, Polytrauma Network Site
Polytrauma System of Care and Rehabilitation Center
Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System
Nytzia E. Licona, DrPH, MPH, CCTDM
Clinical Research Program Analyst, Epidemiologist
Polytrauma System of Care and Rehabilitation Center
Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System
Jennifer Terry, MSc, MS
Clinical Research Associate
TBI Model Systems
Polytrauma System of Care and Rehabilitation Services
Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System
Jerome Sabangan, PT, DPT
Program Director, Polytrauma Transitional Rehabilitation Program (PTRP)
Intensive Evaluation & Treatment Program (IETP)
Polytrauma System of Care and Rehabilitation Services
Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System
Molly Timmerman, DO
Medical Director
Polytrauma Network Site
Regional Amputee Clinic
Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System Clinical Assistant Professor Orthopedic Surgery
PM&R (affiliated) Stanford School of Medicine
Kimberly Samson, PT, DPT, MS
Knowledge Translation Specialist
Polytrauma Transitional Rehabilitation Program (PTRP)
Intensive Evaluation & Treatment Program (IETP)
Polytrauma System of Care and Rehabilitation Services
Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System
Shane W. Adams, PhD
Clinical Psychologist
Clinical Research Director, Precision Rehabilitation Program
Stanford University School of Medicine
Polytrauma System of Care and Rehabilitation Center
Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System
Eric Munger, PhD, MS
Health Science Researcher
Polytrauma System of Care and Rehabilitation Services
Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System
Neuro-Rehabilitation Lab
Contact Us
Neuroscience Journal Club
Want to join our Club? The Stanford Neuroscience Journal Club allows Stanford faculty to mentor high-school scientists in the critical analysis of a scientific paper and encourage participants to consider a career in the Neurosciences.