I have always aspired to help others. More recently, I have found that I want to work in the medical field, an idea reinforced and confirmed through the experience offered to me by the AnnieRuth Foundation. Throughout my Junior year I have had the pleasure of attending invaluable monthly meetings hosted by the foundation that strengthened my understanding of the workforce, time-management, and communication. Some highlights, in my eyes, included being taught how to create a resume and hearing from medical professionals. Currently, I aspire to be a medical doctor, but more specifically, I would love to be a psychiatrist. My time and involvement in this program granted me the opportunity to intern with Baptist Medical Center and the Florida Department of Health.
I began my internship at Baptist Medical Center. It was truly an eye-opening experience, as I was exposed to the intricate inner workings of the medical field and the hospital. My time at Baptist Medical Center was spent primarily in the Lyerly Building, which is the neurology center. I first worked with the head surgeon’s assistant. She handled all his patients’ calls and information. I was then given the opportunity to shadow a surgeon who specialized in strokes. He educated me on the many faucets of the condition, including its symptoms and potential treatments. From there I was able to meet and interact with patients who had the condition. Finally, I was given the chance to go to the Operating Room, in which I was present for a spinal operation. My big take-away this first week was how much I truly loved the Hospital setting. I loved the interactions between the staff and how passionate they were about their jobs. It was truly inspiring.
The second location I interned at was the Florida Department of Health. I specifically shadowed an APRN and an MD in women’s health during my time there. This clinic was smaller, and therefore tighter knit, and it was incredibly fun spending my time there. I felt included and needed in each process, making my experience even more interactive. During my time at the clinic, I learned about the importance of spreading education in the community about contraceptives and family planning. While shadowing the APRN and MD I heard many patients’ stories, many of which were sad. However, it was uplifting to see the staff go out of their way to make them feel more comfortable and to make it known they had a support system. My time spent at the clinic taught me the importance of communication in the Medical Field. It is the professional’s job to make their patients feel safe and comfortable. I spent my final week back at Baptist Hospital. This time, I had the honor to work with neurology researchers; I was able to do a simulation in which a guide wire was used in the process to treat a stroke. It was if I was working on a real patient as we got to see an X-ray as well as determine how the stroke affected the patient. On my final week I also worked with a PA who helped patients determine if surgery would be necessary. She would do this using X-rays. Once again, I was able to interact with the patients, which was truly awesome.
I am so thankful for the AnnieRuth Foundation for guiding me through this opportunity. I have learned so much and am even more steadfast in my aspiration. Each aspect of the journey was invaluable. I would recommend this experience to any student, from one that wants to get a jumpstart in their career to those who simply want to better their communication skills. I have so much thanks for Ms. Dee and her staff for the amount of time and effort they poured into this experience.