Site:
VA Puget Sound Health Care System (Seattle & Tacoma divisions)

Location:
1660 S Columbian Way (S-126)
Seattle, WA  98108
United States

Description:
Annually we take 4th year externs who split their time between our two divisions (Seattle and Tacoma). Services provided at both facilities includes comprehensive audiologic evaluations, hearing aid fittings, assistive listening devices, ABR, OAE, tinnitus management and ototoxic monitoring. Additional services in Seattle include cochlear implants, auditory osseointegrated devices, and vestibular evaluation. Students are also expected to attend monthly multidisciplinary meetings with the Geriatric Research, Education and Clinic Center (GRECC) and involvement in quarterly Otolaryngology resident trainings. They may choose to observe Otolaryngology surgeries and in the Blind Rehab Program.

Number of externship positions:
2 funded positions.  We will also offer up to 4 unpaid positions as well.

Funding is assigned by the Office of Academic Affairs and may not have been determined by the application deadline. OAA funding is announced nationally at the same time which should allow sites to know funding at approximately the same time. Historically, our site:
Generally we receive at least two stipends for 4th year externs however it is not always known by the date we choose our externs and therefore initial acceptance may be without compensation. We typically have some paid and some unpaid externs annually. We will accept a maximum of 6 externs and split them between the divisions (3 at each site).

Clinical opportunities provided during the externship:
Audiologic evaluation
Immittance measures
Otoacoustic emissions
Hearing aid selection
Hearing aid fitting
Assistive listening devices
Vestibular evaluation
Electrophysiology evaluation
Tinnitus evaluation
Tinnitus management
Cochlear Implant evaluation
Cochlear Implant management
Cerumen Management
Telehealth program
ENT clinic
Industrial/hearing conservation
Clinical opportunities not listed above:
(No response)

Externship site expects the extern to have mastered these skills before they begin their clinical externship:
Basic audiologic evaluation and hearing aid fitting.

Externship site expects the extern to learn/demonstrate these skills during their clinical externship:
Independently complete audiologic evaluations and hearing aid fittings.
Develop skills with cochlear implants, AO devices, vestibular evaluations.

Number of audiologists at site:
12

Number of staff at site:
18

Audiologists holding CCC-A certification:
11

Audiologists holding ABA certification:
0

What level of supervision is provided:
Varied depending on student skill level

Number of patients seen per year:
19000

How many students per year both interns and externs:
6

Continuing Education opportunities:
Students attend on-site hearing aid manufacturer training along with staff in the spring and fall. Planned time off is allowed if the student desires to attend an off-site training i.e. AAA.

Travel to satellites required?:
6 months at each site (Seattle and Tacoma)

Are there interdisciplinary opportunities? If so what:
Monthly GRECC meetings
Weekly vestibular review board
Quarterly Otolaryngology resident training

Are there research opportunities? If so what?:
No

Do you have a consortium or collaborative arrangements with other sites that provides additional experience?:
No

What communication or other support do you expect or require from university during externship?
Basic communication about expectations and evaluations.

Site’s application requirements:
1. Cover letter stating why you are interested in a 4th Year Externship at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System
2. Resume
3. Three letters of recommendation from clinical preceptors and/or University faculty (Note: Our staff encourages at least one letter from an off-campus placement.)

Please send documents to:
Rebecca E. Coombs, Au.D.
VA PSHCS
1660 S Columbian Way (S-126)
Seattle WA 98108

Documents may also be sent electronically:
Rebecca.Coombs@va.gov

Steps for the student/university to follow the application process:
Contact Dr. Rebecca Coombs

Site’s application deadline:
9/22/2023

Site’s externship contact:
Rebecca E Coombs