Interning at the School of Public Health has been a privilege because I get to observe and learn about a field that devotes their passion in finding ways to help the community through prevention methods or tackling an epidemic. I am amazed at their work and how much they are able to work on because public health is very diverse. My experience with Project ECHO exposed me to the wonders of technology and how its benefits can be used to maximize the best practices for patient care. I was not expecting to be involved in a project that utilizes technology as a way to help the community and be surrounded by many health care providers from many fields to share their knowledge. By attending the tele-meetings, I have learned so much about medicine that I also was not expecting to learn as my career itself is a whole other field of public health. In addition, learning about the INPEP has made me aware of a vulnerable population that I could also provide any help.
My educational path involves taking many rigorous science classes mainly focusing on biology and chemistry. The didactic presentations in the HIV, HCV, Cancer, and Integrated Pain Management ECHO clinics discuss medical procedures and terminology that I can relate to the material learned in those classes. In situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been helpful knowing microbiology which in turn, helps to understand the didactic presentations that are provided in the COVID-19 ECHO clinic. Connecting my classes with my internship site really helps to emphasize the importance of this valuable knowledge I gain each semester. It makes me appreciate my education more and keeps me engaged in my studies.
My professional network was initiated with the help of my supervisors after I discussed my professional goals. They connected me with professionals in and out of the School of Public Health and luckily, that led me to another opportunity to work with Dr. Gerardo Maupome in one of his research projects. I was also able to connect with another professional at the IU School of Medicine that invited me to meet a dentist that focuses on pain management in the head and neck region. Gaining this skill is very valuable to gain as it will allow for me to connect with professionals that can provide mentorship, professional advice, or help me expand my professional network.
Wanting to be a dentist, is a challenge. It takes determination, hard work, persistence and becoming resilient to achieve your dream. It was challenging to adapt to my new schedule while also learning about a completely different field other than my dental assisting career. Part of the learning experience was learning how to step out of my comfort zone with an open-mind to grow. It was necessary to acquire new skills to make my internship a success along with learning how to manage other responsibilities. There were times when I had rough weeks with school and my other job, but by being responsible, my supervisors and I made arrangements to help relieve the situation. I am thankful that they were very supportive and understanding of the situation. Overall, I am better prepared to handle more challenges that my journey may bring. In the end, these challenges reassure me that I am capable of doing anything I put my mind into.
