Donald Hermez supported clinic operations and compliance procedures, exercised leadership, and gained experience in patient care.
What kind of work did you do during your internship experience?
I was part of the clinic coordination team during my internship to help with daily operations and prepare for The Joint Commission (TJC) audit. Much of my time during this period was spent making sure that the clinic was compliant and inspection ready. I inspected the exam rooms, ensuring that nothing had expired and everything was in order. I also reviewed policies and went over key audit questions with nursing, lab, and front desk staff so everyone was prepared. I also assisted in revising some of the necessary signage around the clinic. I was exposed to different departments, which gave me a strong understanding of how all the components come together into one cohesive effort at the clinic level.
What skills did you enhance in this internship?
During this internship, I built communication, organization, and leadership skills. It taught me how compliance and attention to detail are critical in ensuring patient safety and the delivery of high-quality care. The role also gave me a good idea of how clinics run, from infection control processes to audit preparation. Interactions with various teams improved my communication and collaboration skills at work. These experiences increased my confidence in being able to contribute to a healthcare team by managing multiple responsibilities. I owe it to my mentor for allowing me to expand the scope of my role to develop these skills.
What was the most significant contribution you made?
Preparing the clinic for the TJC audit was one of my largest contributions. Another goal was to review important processes and expectations with staff so they would feel more prepared. Furthermore, I contributed to facilitating communication between departments during the preparation process. The opportunity to be a part of that process is very important since it directly impacts the overall quality and safety of our clinic. A clinic that is accredited by TJC has demonstrated compliance with industry standards for quality and safety of care.
What did you find challenging about your internship?
One of the hardest parts of my internship was juggling multiple roles at a given moment, particularly while preparing for the audit. There were a lot of details to focus on, and everything had to be done correctly and in a timely manner. It was sometimes difficult to get others around and aligned with the dozen other things going on in a busy clinic, especially when fewer people were working. But this experience allowed me to polish my time management and organization skills. It taught me to prioritize work and get things done under pressure. This kind of challenge made me a better person and leader.
How has your internship experience influenced your plans for your future?
This internship confirmed that I want to work in healthcare operations and clinic management. I realized that I enjoy supporting staff, improving how things run, and helping make sure patients get good care. The experience helped me understand how following the right processes keeps the clinic running smoothly. Moving forward, I want to keep building my skills and grow into a higher-level role in healthcare management. This experience gave me more confidence in my career path and motivated me to keep growing in this field.
What advice do you have for other students as they begin their internship?
My advice to other students is to be proactive and always willing to learn. Be willing to ask questions and pitch in, even in a small way. Every experience is an opportunity to acquire a new lesson. Be organized and practice good time management. Build rapport within your team and learn from them. You will get more out of your internship the more involved you are. Another note: First impressions go a long way when it comes to internship success! In summary, have a great experience and take it seriously.