Summer Internship 2009

Purpose

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:

• Gain an overall view of the healthcare system in the United States
• Develop personal opinions about desired healthcare priorities in our country
• Understand the positive and negative impact of a systems approach to healthcare advocacy and reform
• Understand local piecemeal approaches to reform and advocacy in the healthcare system
• Understand the oneness between ethics and advocacy in healthcare
• Learn the social analysis method as one methodology among others in doing advocacy
• Write an opinion article for publication in the Center's Publication, "Choices"
• Learn how to mobilize a community in order that they might engage in healthcare reform
• Gain leadership skills
• Understand the impact of religion, spirituality and interreligious dialogue on healthcare and healthcare decision-making
• Get a sense of how health and healthcare in the international community impacts health and healthcare in the United States and vice-versa

Objectives:

• Assist in development of The Center's Website
• Review of ethics websites for relevancy and for updated content
• Participate in activities surrounding healthcare advocacy issues and potential linking with and within local communities
• Assist in the day-to-day operation of The Center as required
• Assist in developing The Center's role in the "AllKids" 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/possible
• Assist with ongoing liaison project
• Any other tasks as needed or required by The Center

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:

A grant for the 2009 Internship has been requested. To access posted materials, please click the above Application link. You can also call the office (847-509-9130) or email us at centerforethics@aol.com. (Although there is 2008 Internship heading on the application, the application is still valid)