FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Prospective Applicants
  1. When do I apply to the SCOPE program?
    Applications are accepted twice a year: once in the Fall and once in the Spring. Check this website around September and April for exact application deadlines during the respective recruiting season.

  2. When do I start SCOPE after I apply and am accepted?
    Members are accepted during the Fall and the Spring, but start completing shifts in the following quarter (for example: if accepted in the Fall, shifts will start in the Winter). Before shifts, however, members must get their scrubs, and health and security clearance for their hospital. This process can take up to a month, so members are expected to start preparations immediately after acceptance. Also, there is usually one General Meeting and one Project Team Meeting shortly after acceptance.

  3. I am not a student at Stanford. Can I still apply?
    We accept students aged 18 and over from around the Bay Area, but operations are based at Stanford. Members who do not live near or attend Stanford are responsible for making it to all SCOPE meetings and functions held on campus.

  4. I am not a student. Can I still apply?
    SCOPE has a diverse membership, and does accept non-students. We value the perspective that an non-traditional applicant can bring to the program.

  5. The application asks for a college transcript, but I am a Freshman without one. What should I do?
    If available, submit your high school transcript. If neither are available, e-mail the Directors for further instruction. In absence of any transcript, SCOPE may ask for additional references who can vouch for your academic performance.

  6. I do not have transportation. Can I still apply?
    There are a number of transportation options that are available to those without cars (taxi, bus, friends, etc.), and you can still apply to SCOPE if you do not have reliable access to a car. However, each member is responsible for his/her own transportation, and lack of transportation is never an acceptable excuse to miss a shift or a meeting.

  7. I will not be around for the Summer, but I’d still like to be a part of SCOPE. What should I do?
    We discourage applicants from applying during the Spring when they will not be available to participate during the Summer. If this is the case, please apply during the Fall recruitment round.

  8. I don’t know if I will be around to complete 27 independent shifts during consecutive quarters. Can I still apply?
    Although preference is given to those applicants who are available for a consistent or longer period of time, SCOPE does allow members to take quarters off from the program. A leave of absence that lasts more than two quarters is grounds for dismissal from the program.

  9. I am concerned about the time commitment, because I am currently enrolled in classes. What should I do?
    Though SCOPE is a 10-15 hour a week time commitment, over 100 students have successfully completed the program while enrolled in classes.

Hospital Administrators
  1. What training does each member complete?
    Each member is required to complete at least two training shifts with an experienced SCOPE member. In addition, they are expected to know the manual — pop quizzes regarding correct ER procedures are in place to insure quality control. Before anyone starts independent shifts, they must be observed and approved by a current intern or interpreter. Interpreters must also be approved by a professional interpreter employed by the hospital.

Physician Partners
  1. How can our interns help you during your shift?
    Interns assist ER physicians with obtaining labs, keeping track of patients, and managing the paperwork that accompanies each patient. At Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, they also interpret. An extensive list of Intern/Interpreter duties can be found here. Members know that each doctor works differently and are ready to be flexible, helping in whatever way possible.
  1. How much teaching should I do with the interns?
    The first and foremost goal of the program is to improve ER efficiency, and Interns are trained to hold questions until the physician is not busy. An intern's presence should never slow the patient flow.
  1. Who should I contact if I have a comment, concern, or suggestion regarding the program or a particular intern?
    Please contact the Directors Ryanne Brown (rbrown85@stanford.edu) and Sarah Arora (saarora@stanford.edu) and, if necessary, they will consult with their advising physician regarding your correspondence.

Donors
  1. What are SCOPE’s operating expenses?
    SCOPE's operating expenses include renting rooms for meetings, providing food during functions, subsidizing trips, purchasing MCAT materials for usage by members, giving honorariums to guest speakers, hospital appreciation gifts, physician dinners, and maintaining our online member forum and website. Also, SCOPE is able to support Stanford students who qualify for work-study in a federal $10:$1 matching program.

  2. How can I donate to SCOPE?
    If you would like to help continue this student-run program, you can send a check to the following address:
    SCOPE
    PO Box 19456
    Stanford, CA 94309

Admissions Committees and Employers
  1. How do we verify that someone has successfully completed your program?
    Starting with Fall 2004, current members and alumni profiles are available here. If there is any question, please contact the Directors.

  2. Someone listed SCOPE on his/her resume, application, or as a reference, but we would like additional information. Who do we contact?
    Since SCOPE is student run, the leadership during your applicant’s involvement may have graduated. In this instance, the Directors will attempt to connect you with the appropriate person.