Pediatrics Summer Research Intern

Who is Saint Louis University? Founded in 1818, Saint Louis University is one of the nation's oldest and most prestigious Catholic universities. SLU, which also has a campus in Madrid, Spain, is recognized for world-class academics, life-changing research, compassionate health care, and a strong commitment to faith and service.

Position Summary

The Medical-Legal Partnership (MLP) summer intern will work directly at the intersection of healthcare and social justice. Under the guidance of SLU Law attorneys and in collaboration with Cardinal Glennon pediatric medical teams, the undergraduate intern will assist in identifying and addressing non-medical obstacles-like unsafe housing, food insecurity, and utility shut-offs-that negatively impact children's health. This is an ideal role for students considering careers in law, medicine, public health, or social work.

Key Responsibilities

• Patient & Family Support: Assist SLU Law staff with screening patient families at Cardinal Glennon clinics for social and legal needs (e.g., housing safety, food access, public benefits).
• Case Management Assistance: Help gather vital documentation, medical records, and family histories to support legal cases handled by the MLP attorneys.
• Clinical Team Liaison: Act as a bridge between families and medical staff. Attend pediatric clinic rounds alongside doctors, social workers, and nurses to flag non-medical resource needs.
• Community Resource Mapping: Research, update, and maintain a comprehensive database of St. Louis area community resources, utility assistance programs, and housing advocacy groups.
• Administrative Advocacy: Help draft basic advocacy letters, educational brochures for patient families, and summary materials regarding health-harming legal needs.

Qualifications

• Current undergraduate student (rising sophomore, junior, or senior) at an accredited college or university.
• Intended career path or strong interest in law, public health, medicine, social work, or public policy.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to explain complex processes simply.
• High level of empathy, maturity, and cultural competency when interacting with diverse, vulnerable populations in a stressful hospital environment.
• Strict adherence to patient privacy laws (HIPAA) and confidentiality protocols.
• Preferred: Fluency in Spanish or another second language is preferred.

Compensation & Benefits

• Academic Credit: Eligible for undergraduate internship or practicum credit, subject to approval by the student's academic department is possible, but not guaranteed.
• Professional Development: Direct mentorship from SLU Law faculty, practicing attorneys, and pediatric healthcare professionals. Unparalleled exposure to both clinical and legal working environments.

Function

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

Saint Louis University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for the position applied for without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, gender identity, or other non-merit factors. If accommodations are needed for completing the application and/or with the interviewing process, please contact Human Resources at 314-977-5847.