Undergraduate Medical Education

Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) is now proudly part of Jefferson, creating an opportunity for students to complete most of their Phase 2 clinical training at one of Pennsylvania's premier healthcare systems. Get an inside look at what makes the clerkship experience at LVHN exceptional:

Excellent medical facilities

Students will complete clerkships at Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH)–Cedar Crest or LVH–Muhlenberg. The flagship Cedar Crest campus is the largest hospital in Pennsylvania with 850 beds. A tertiary/quaternary facility, the campus houses a Level 1 Adult Trauma Center, Level 2 Pediatric Trauma Center, ABA and ACS verified adult and pediatric Burn Center, Level IV NICU, JCAHO Comprehensive Stroke Center, Transplant Center and the Reilly Children’s Hospital with Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. Cedar Crest has been recognized as:

• 20^th for orthopedic care and 40^th for pulmonology and lung surgery nationally by U.S. News & World Report 2024-2025 Best Hospitals
• 1st in the region and 6^th in Pennsylvania by U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals
• Top Teaching Hospital by Leapfrog
• Magnet designated for excellent nursing five times

LVH–Muhlenberg is a 343-bed Leapfrog “A” hospital with a Level II Trauma Center, Level II NICU and behavioral health unit. Both sites are part of an excellent healthcare system not only to receive care, but also to train.

A wide scope of GME programs

LVHN’s robust GME programs include more than 400 learners across 16 residencies and 22 fellowships. Program directors will meet with students during clerkships to get to know them and answer questions. With a patient population that provides the depth and breadth of pathological conditions, LVHN’s GME learners are well prepared to practice their chosen specialty.

Research and scholarly activity

Students will work with dedicated faculty to forge connections with investigators and projects during their clerkships. In addition, there will be several extra-curricular opportunities to learn more about evidence-based medicine and research from our faculty.

The Lehigh Valley Region

The Lehigh Valley Region is vibrant and growing. From restaurants and nightlife to concerts to minor league baseball and hockey, students enjoy what the area has to offer. Musikfest, a nationally recognized street festival in Bethlehem, attracts the best performers from varied music genres. Outdoor activities include hiking, skiing and water sports at area lakes. There are bus lines to New York and Philadelphia.

Important Dates and Information

SKMC and LVHN, through philanthropic funds, are able to offer a tuition discount of up to $15,000 for students who complete near-full year clerkships at LVHN. This opportunity is open to all SKMC rising Phase 2 students, with capacity for up to 50 students. Please note students will need a car for this opportunity.

• Campus orientation will take place September 17^th
• Students have until October 6^th to apply to the Lehigh Valley location
• Students will be notified of the campus decision on October 27^th

Students who are not chosen for the Lehigh Valley location will then be diverted to the general scheduling lottery.