My name is Shravya Nalla, and I am a rising senior at Stanton College Preparatory High School. This summer, I had the honor of participating in the AnnieRuth Foundation’s Summer Internship Program. This incredible opportunity allowed me to shadow numerous medical professionals and experience firsthand what it’s like to be a doctor. I observed doctors interacting with various patients, each presenting unique cases. As an aspiring gynecologist, this internship provided valuable insights into the steps to becoming an OBGYN and the skills required to excel in a professional and often stressful environment. Due to my dedication to the program, I was recognized as an Award Recipient of the AnnieRuth Program, which enabled me to intern at various medical locations.
My internship journey began at the Florida Department of Health, where I had the privilege of shadowing Dr. Saint-Pre, a pediatrician. Under her guidance, I was introduced to the pediatric realm of medicine. I learned about the different procedures involved in infant and teen checkups. Additionally, Dr. Saint-Pre shared her experiences as a doctor and medical student, giving me the confidence I needed to pursue medical school. Watching her effortlessly communicate with patients who spoke different languages was truly inspiring and demonstrated the importance of cultural competence in healthcare. I also had the opportunity to shadow Dr. Foy, a family medical practitioner at Baptist. Dr. Foy opened my eyes to the various health issues that adults face, including diabetes and heart-related problems. Her warm and compassionate relationships with her patients highlighted that medicine is not just about treating health issues but also about forming lifelong connections with patients. Dr. Foy encouraged me to read various medical books, ranging from human anatomy to dermatology, which further sparked my interest in the human body and deepened my passion for medicine.
Overall, the AnnieRuth Program has impacted my understanding of medicine and helped me grow as an individual. This internship provided me with a foundational knowledge of the medical field that is rare for high school students to obtain. I am forever grateful for this program, as it has provided me with essential communication and leadership skills that will serve me well in my future career.