Practical Experience in Health Care Law

Students pursuing a certificate in health law must gain experience in the practical setting. The School of Law’s Legal Clinics afford students a variety of practice options that add a dynamic component and perspective to the health law curriculum. The externship program offers students the experience of working in practice settings under the direction of experienced health lawyers. Students are regularly placed in settings such as the general counsel’s office of academic medical centers, health care systems and trade associations. State and federal agency placements allow student to work on matters such as such as civil and criminal prosecution of health care fraud or administrative appeals.

Students interested in consumer based advocacy have the option of enrolling in the elder law clinic under the supervision Professor Barbara Gilchrist where they represent clients in matters such as guardianship proceedings and estate planning. Students may also serve as a guardian-ad-litem for disabled adults of all ages. The in-house clinic allows students to represent clients on a variety of matters and appear in court under Missouri’s student practice rule. A full-time faculty member supervises the in-house students. Students interested in health law and policy assist with federal and state court litigation involving civil rights laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act or challenges to state health policy. For students interested in advocacy of children with disabilities, the clinic offers the opportunity to assist families with matters such as challenges to health care coverage determinations and access to and implementation of special education services.