This year, the NHF welcomed over 200 interns, placing them across various departments, including its offices, public hospitals, DrugServ pharmacies, as well as health institutes and the Ministry of Health & Wellness. This diverse placement allows interns to gain a broad range of experiences within the healthcare sector. The 2024 summer break has ended. With a new academic year upon us, let’s reminisce on some of our interns’ favourite moments.
Serving Patients with Kindness
Two such interns, Raheem Jacas and Talisa Brown, had the opportunity to work at DrugServ pharmacies—Jacas at Union Square in Kingston and Brown in May Pen, Clarendon. Jacas’s experience highlighted the impact of kindness in patient care. “One of the most memorable moments I had was while working at Window 9, where the pick-ups are done. An elderly woman came in for her prescription, and I had the opportunity to assist her. Afterward, she expressed her gratitude, and that moment really stood out to me.”
Talisa found the overall experience equally fulfilling. Assisting and caring for patients left a lasting impression on her. “It has not only provided me with practical skills, but also deepened my appreciation for the medical field, especially pharmaceuticals,” she says. For both interns, the experience was eye-opening, rewarding, and filled with lessons they will carry into their future careers.
Running an Efficient Operation
Not all summer interns interacted directly with patients, but their roles were no less significant. Temujin Bonnick, for instance, worked in one of the NHF warehouses and was struck by the operation’s efficiency. He gained insight into the vital role the warehouse plays in the NHF’s overall mission. “From the meticulous packaging processes to the precise shipping logistics, every step is crucial in ensuring that everything functions seamlessly,” Bonnick says. The experience left him inspired and with a deeper understanding of the healthcare supply chain.
The NHF welcomed interns from various fields, each of whom left with a wealth of knowledge and experience. Information Technology student Ronaldo Vassell, for example, was placed in the ICT department, where he had the opportunity to develop an application for scheduling meetings. “This experience not only allowed me to apply what I had learned, but it also provided me with real-world experience that I can add to my résumé for future reference,” Vassell says.
Valuable Professional Experience
The NHF’s 2024 summer interns clearly benefited from their time with the organization, gaining skills and confidence that will serve them well as they enter the professional world. Whether pursuing careers in healthcare or other industries, these interns are better prepared for the challenges ahead.
The National Health Fund (NHF) recognizes the importance of work experience and established the Summer Internship Programme to provide valuable opportunities for students.
