Internships don’t always receive the credit they are due. They provide employment training and workplace experience and the chance to enhance one’s professional qualities (such as collaboration, communication, problem-solving, and the like). As a new school year approaches, our organization remains focused on enhancing college and career pathways.
“At the end of July, I will be starting medical school at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.” Morgan Johnson, a former Access-to-Care intern, said. “My experience working within the Access to Care department has given me invaluable exposure to the barriers that many within our community face in accessing healthcare. The Open Door Clinic has not only helped me learn what patient populations I hope to work with in the future but has helped to prepare me to become an advocate for my future patients to access the care they need regardless of citizenship status, language, or income.”
At UMWC, we honor extraordinary team members like Morgan who exemplify the values of the community with compassion and professionalism. A true spirit of community. Her dedication to people and improving patient care was inspiring.
On July 20th, Morgan served her last day with us. Before her departure, she shared a few words for future UMWC interns.
“The work we do, no matter how small it may feel, is massively integral to Open Door Clinic patients’ care. For the Access to Care interns, while it may feel redundant to go over policies and ask about demographic and income information, this work allows patients to gain access to free insulin, receive a mammogram, get chemotherapy, and so much more. For our aspiring healthcare professionals, having context for how difficult accessing healthcare can be is so important.”
“Also, never be scared to practice your Spanish! Our patients are so grateful – and the more you practice, the easier it will become.”
If you’re driven by purpose and powered by human connection UMWC offers a variety of internship opportunities in our Open Door Clinic, pharmacy, food pantry, Volunteer Services department – and more. Students pursuing any level of higher education are welcome to apply!
