I aspire to become a nurse practitioner, although I initially wanted to be an RN. I’ve come to realize that I should shoot for the stars and take my passion as far as I can. This was after the opportunity given by AnnieRuth Foundation, where I was able to explore the healthcare industry through various hands-on experiences. While some young teens might have a clear idea of their future paths, I was still uncertain at the start, so this opportunity was a pivotal step in considering what direction I should take in life.
I started my internship at the Comprehensive Care Center and North Florida Integrative Medicine, where I had the chance to shadow RN Peaches and Dr. George. With RN Peaches, the focus was primarily on prevention and treatments involving injections or medications related to sexual health. Under Dr. George and his team, I assisted with taking vitals, learned the proper technique for measuring blood pressure, and even performed my first blood draw. Their patience and encouraging teaching built my clinical confidence and introduced me to the concept of integrative medicine—emphasizing lifestyle, nutrition, and holistic healing.
During my last two weeks at Baptist Health’s Women’s Pavilion Tower, in the Lyerly Neurosurgery Outpatient Care facility, I was exposed to surgical procedures and advanced diagnostic techniques. I collaborated with medical assistants during patient follow-ups and observed neurosurgeons addressing conditions like arteriovenous malformations and ischemic strokes using real-time imaging technologies such as angiograms. I learned how to recognize carotid artery stenosis using the NASCET method and witnessed the anatomy of the Circle of Willis come to life during a procedure. Additionally, I had the privilege to learn from top researchers, who encouraged curiosity, initiative, and a commitment to lifelong learning. I am deeply appreciative of their time, invaluable insights, positive energy, and the program that facilitated this experience.
The AnnieRuth Foundation’s summer internship program prompted me to step outside my comfort zone and develop both as a student and as a future healthcare provider. I extend my gratitude to all my mentors, the doctors and medical assistants I shadowed and interned with, and to the AnnieRuth Foundation for having faith in students like me.