Participating in the AnnieRuth Foundation’s Summer Internship Program was a transformative experience for me, providing invaluable insights into the medical field. My journey began with a two-week internship under Dr. Sutton at the NEFEDA (America’s largest endocrinology practice), where I had the privilege of shadowing him and observing his interactions with patients. I witnessed firsthand the dynamic role of a doctor as Dr. Sutton adapted his approach to meet the unique needs of each patient. During this time, I observed a thyroid biopsy, learned about the process of prescribing medications, and gained a deeper understanding of the patient-doctor relationship. I was able to learn so much about endocrinology (a term I didn’t know anything about before) during this experience – especially about type-1 and type-2 diabetes, various medical conditions, various hormonal issues, medicines being prescribed, their side effects, and more. This gave me such a deep insight into the world of medicine and was a privilege that no other program other than the AnnieRuth Foundation would have been able to provide me with. Additionally, I observed the physician assistant at Dr. Sutton’s clinic, along with the nurses and the administration, gaining a broader perspective on the healthcare team’s collaborative efforts.
My journey continued with another two-week experience at Baptist Lyerly Neurosurgery Center, where I was immersed in the fast-paced world of neurosurgery. Under the guidance of world-famous neurosurgeon Dr. Ricardo Hanel (who has 350 publications and 15,000 citations), I had the extraordinary opportunity to enter the operating room at Baptist and observe open spine surgery on an aneurysm. I was also able to view an open-heart surgery on a baby with Dr. Fernanda (another neurosurgeon). I spent considerable time with other neurosurgeons such as Dr. Nima, Dr. Salvador, and others (such as nurse Mrs. Miesha) who provided me with clinical experience as well as invaluable hands-on experiences such as allowing me the opportunity to conduct an aneurysm surgery using advanced virtual practice surgical equipment. Also, I learned about some of the research the doctors were doing involving AI and other techniques which broadened my perspective of neurosurgery. Through these interactions as well as lectures by the doctors themselves, I deepened my understanding of medical conditions, particularly aneurysms and strokes, and the complexities of neurosurgical procedures. These experiences were not only educational but also inspiring, solidifying my aspiration to pursue a career in medicine.
The AnnieRuth Foundation’s comprehensive program extended beyond clinical rotations, equipping me with essential skills and certifications. The foundation allowed me the chance to earn my BLS certification, which is crucial for any healthcare professional. Additionally, I attended a medical presentation, where I learned about the inner workings of the field and how to get into medical school from experienced doctors. Every Wednesday I was able to talk and listen to all types of medical experts from nurses to PAs to doctors talk about their chosen fields and what it takes to earn a place in the medical community. A visit to the Mayo Clinic Simulation Center further enriched my understanding of medical practices and innovations. The professional development seminars on Saturdays throughout the year organized by the foundation helped me enhance my communication skills, boost my confidence, and prepare me for future success. Even though a program of this level requires consistent dedication and hard work, the outcome surpasses all expectations, making the journey extremely worth it. I am immensely grateful to the AnnieRuth Foundation for providing me with this incredible opportunity, which has undoubtedly set a strong foundation for my future career in healthcare and given me a quick but in-depth and broad view of the medical field, a field I am looking forward to joining in the future.