During my time with the AnnieRuth Foundation, I was placed at two different medical sites: a women’s health clinic at the Department of Health and a neurosurgery office at Baptist Downtown. At these sites, I was able to experience many different facets of the medical field, which has been invaluable to my understanding of what I would like to pursue in the future. Interning at these sites not only helped me learn how doctor office’s function, but also taught me how medical professionals conduct patient interactions. Additionally, the weekly Zoom meetings with the First Coast Black Nurses Association exposed me to various career paths in the medical field.
At the women’s clinic, I had the opportunity to witness several medical procedures, such as pap smears, birth control counseling, the administration of the Depo shot, and pregnancy visits. Alongside these visits, I observed the compassion the medical professionals had for their patients, often referring to them as “cute pregnant ladies,” which I found very endearing. I also noticed the sense of community and teamwork within the office space, as the staff trusted and relied on one another to function as efficiently as possible. During my time there, I learned how they calculate due dates for pregnant women. At my next internship site, the neurosurgery office at Baptist Downtown, I witnessed various neurosurgical procedures, including spinal surgeries and even a craniotomy. I also gained experience in the administrative side of the office, shadowing three medical assistants and learning about scheduling, charting, and patient interactions. Additionally, I had the opportunity to shadow Dr. Nima during his interactions with a stroke victim, which was highly informative.
Overall, my internship experience with the AnnieRuth Foundation was invaluable. It not only helped me clarify the career path I want to pursue but also gave me a deeper understanding of what goes on behind the scenes in a doctor’s office. The lessons I learned during this internship will stay with me throughout my life and will no doubt guide me in my future endeavors.