Summer Internship 2006

Purpose
Interns

Purpose of Internship:

To help students gain insight into ethical issues and problems of justice in the healthcare delivery system in the United States through hands-on learning and analysis, furthering The Center's goals of assisting patients and families with ethical issues in healthcare, and addressing systemic issues through advocacy.

Goals:

1. To gain an overall view of the healthcare system in the United States,
2. To develop personal opinions about desired healthcare priorities in our country,
3. To understand the positive and negative impact of a systems approach to healthcare advocacy and reform,
4. To understand local piecemeal approaches to reform and advocacy in the healthcare system,
5. To understand the oneness between ethics and advocacy in healthcare,
6. To learn the social analysis method as one methodology among others in doing advocacy,
7. To write an opinion article for publication in the Center's Publication, "Choices."
8. To learn how to mobilize a community in order that they might engage in healthcare reform,
9. To gain leadership skills,
10. To understand the impact of religion, spirituality and interreligious dialogue on healthcare and healthcare decision-making.

Tasks:

• Review of ethics websites for relevancy and for updated content,
• Assist in development of The Center's Website
• Participate in activities surrounding advocacy issues and potential linkages with local communities,
• Assist in the overall day-to-day operation of The Center as required,
• Assist in developing The Center's role in The All Kids Program, the state sponsored health program for children.
• Research issues involving healthcare justice/injustice as these pertain to local communities, families and individuals,
• Accompany Center staff on client visits as necessary or possible,
• Any other tasks as needed or required by The Center,
• Assist with ongoing liaison project.

Qualities:

The intern must have the following qualities in order to perform these tasks:

• Be a self-starter: Be able to take ownership in projects and work in an unstructured environment with minimal supervision,
• Show initiative in pursuing areas of interest within an overall framework,
• Have an interest in healthcare issues and ethics, particularly as these relate to the poor and the disadvantaged,
• Have compassion and respect for the medically underserved,
• Previous experience in healthcare not necessary.

Application:

• Materials for 2007 Program will be posted in January, 2007

Interns

Summer 2006 Interns were Ashanti Riles and Sarah Colten. Sarah is a senior student at New Trier High School, New Trier Township, Illinois. Ashanti is a second semester senior at Clayton State University in Atlanta, Georgia. Ashanti is finishing a double major: Healthcare Management and Nursing. She is the first student to have had The Center's internship program accepted for College credit, and the first out of state student we have accepted. More information on the experience of these students is forthcoming.