My current overall career goal is to become a board certified Anesthesiologist. In order to achieve this goal I have some other goals in regards to professional schools. Including to be accepted into and complete med school as well as to complete a residency in a hospital. However, I do not have specific goals about which schools or what hospitals yet.
I am very sure about my goals. Although I do not have much experience working in a clinical setting, I love all my courses so far that are preparing me for the next steps in the process to achieving these goals.
This year I am working hard in my courses as well as exploring possibilities for different experiences that will lead me closer in achieving my goals. As well as taking a good look at what I need to work on and what I am doing well to stay on track to achieve my goals.
Learning Goal #1: Be more confident with asking for help and feedback.
Relevance: This goal will prepare me for the future because there will always be points in my professional life where I do not know what to do or how to go about completing a task or learning information.
Action Plan:
1:1 Check ins with program managers
Participation in live ECHOs
Participation in BMH planning meeting
Progress: Over the course of this internship, one of the most notable areas of growth for me has been my ability to ask for help when needed. Many of the tasks I’ve worked on involved learning new concepts, systems, and platforms that were new to me. As a result, there were some learning curves as I navigated these challenges. However, I quickly recognized that asking for guidance was a key part of the learning process, I worked closely with my supervisor to develop an action plan that outlined clear goals and steps to accomplish the tasks at hand. This structured approach provided me with a roadmap, but I also learned that asking questions when something wasn’t clear allowed me to move forward more efficiently and with greater understanding. The team’s emphasis on open communication and fostering a supportive environment made it easy to reach out without hesitation. The abundance of resources available—such as detailed guides, tutorials, and SOPs—also played a critical role in my development. Whenever I encountered difficulties, I was able to turn to these materials for additional context or guidance. However, knowing I could also rely on team members for real-time advice gave me confidence in navigating challenges. With each task, I became more proactive in seeking out help and feedback, which not only boosted my confidence but also accelerated my ability to adapt and learn. I now feel more comfortable tackling unfamiliar tasks, knowing that I can rely on a combination of resources and team support to find solutions. This experience has reinforced the importance of asking for help and has shown me how essential it is in fostering continuous learning and growth.
Learning Goal #2: Be proficient in using new platforms.
Relevance: These platforms and processes may be used in the future at other work places and will look good on resumes and make me a better candidate for certain positions, as well as expanding my abilities.
Action Plan:
Red Cap
Completing trainings
Kaltura
Progress: Throughout my internship, I have significantly enhanced my technical skills, particularly with Excel, and have gained proficiency in new platforms like RedCap, Marketing Cloud, and Kaltura. These tools have been integral to the projects I’ve worked on, and I’ve had the opportunity to dive deeper into their functionality and capabilities. One of the things that has greatly contributed to my learning is the support provided by the team. They have shared comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) step-by-step instructional documents, which have been incredibly helpful in navigating and mastering these platforms. These resources have allowed me to quickly familiarize myself with each system, ensuring that I can use them effectively to meet the demands of my tasks. RedCap, for example, has become an essential tool for data management, and through the guidance of the SOPs, I’ve learned how to create and manage surveys and databases efficiently. Marketing Cloud has also provided me with new insights into digital marketing campaigns, allowing me to explore how data is leveraged for customer engagement. Similarly, Kaltura has opened my eyes to the integration of media within learning environments, making it easier for me to understand how video content can be managed and distributed.These experiences have not only broadened my technical skill set but have also shown me the versatility of these platforms and how they can be applied in various ways to improve workflow, enhance productivity, and streamline processes. I’m excited to continue building on these skills and to explore even more tools and systems that are critical in today’s digital and data-driven environments.
Learning Goal #3: Expanding professional network.
Relevance: This internship is in the field of healthcare, which is what I hope to work in, so meeting/ getting to know about others in the field, their perspectives, and the work they have done will be beneficial to me and possibly expose me to more opportunities.
Action Plan:
Participation in ECHO sessions
Communicate with ECHO staff for shadowing opportunities
Attendance, case outreach, and prep.
Progress: During my internship, I have made significant strides in expanding my professional network, primarily due to the close collaboration with various healthcare providers. Working alongside such a diverse group has allowed me to connect with individuals across a wide spectrum of healthcare positions, from physicians and nurses to administrators and specialists. This exposure has not only enhanced my understanding of the healthcare industry as a whole but also provided valuable opportunities to learn from professionals with different areas of expertise. Building and maintaining these connections is something I am particularly focused on, as I recognize the value of networking in fostering professional growth. I plan to continue engaging with the individuals I've met, whether it's through follow-up conversations, attending industry events, or staying in touch via social platforms like LinkedIn. By nurturing these relationships, I aim to not only broaden my perspective on the healthcare sector but also open doors for future collaborations, mentorship opportunities, and potential career paths. As I continue to grow within the field, I am excited to see how my network evolves and how it can positively impact my career trajectory.
This internship has helped me gain a deeper understanding of my major, as it involves aspects of healthcare that are not just chemistry or biology, but still hold great importance in health care. Through this experience, I have had the opportunity to interact with a variety of healthcare providers and professionals, and it’s expanded my view of how the healthcare industry operates beyond the traditional scientific or lab focus. For instance, I’ve gained exposure to platforms like RedCap, Marketing Cloud, and Kaltura, which are integral to data management, marketing, and media distribution in healthcare settings. These tools are often used in research, patient engagement, and communications, which are all critical components of modern healthcare, but not areas I had initially explored in-depth through my coursework. Additionally, by collaborating closely with team members across different departments, I’ve been able to see firsthand how various professionals—whether in administrative roles, IT, or marketing—work together to support patient care and organizational goals. This has given me a much broader understanding of the healthcare system. It's helped me realize how interdisciplinary skills are crucial in making the healthcare system function effectively, and how my science background can be applied in many different contexts.
Some of the skills I am already confident in include communication and teamwork, as I regularly interact with colleagues. I also feel confident in my ability to set and work towards goals, particularly as I’ve worked on creating action plans with my supervisor. These skills have been crucial in ensuring that I can contribute effectively to team projects, communicate clearly with others, and make measurable progress on my tasks.
However, a skill I still need to work on is independence. While I’ve learned to ask for help when needed, I’d like to continue building my ability to work autonomously, especially when tackling new and unfamiliar tasks. To do this, I plan to take more initiative in approaching tasks, and by seeking opportunities to do different roles within the many programs. I also want to get more comfortable troubleshooting issues on my own before seeking help, so I can improve my problem-solving skills.