by Layann Bashir
Introduction
This summer, I had the opportunity to intern at MedStar Hospital as a guest ambassador in the Heart Surgery department. My role involved enhancing patient support and comfort, collaborating with healthcare professionals, and contributing to the hospital’s mission of putting patients first. In this blog post I will reflect on my journey, the key experiences I encountered, the skills I developed, and the impact of setting and working towards my objectives and key results.
Key Experiences
During my internship, I engaged in a variety of experiences that enriched my understanding of healthcare and patient care. One of the most impactful projects was interacting with over 15 patients, providing emotional support, and gathering feedback on their comfort and care. These interactions not only deepened my empathy but also allowed me to tailor my support to the specific needs of each patient. I also took the initiative to maintain the “Wall of Positivity” in the patient lounge, where patients and staff could post uplifting messages. This was honestly one of my favorite things to do during my volunteering, as I saw people smile at the wall. I receive a lot of positive feedback and in my opinion the wall became a staple of the patient lounge environment.
Skills and Knowledge Gained
Throughout my volunteering, I honed both technical and soft skills that I know will be invaluable in my future career. My communication skills improved significantly as I learned to navigate sensitive conversations with patients and collaborate effectively with my fellow volunteers and the patient care team. I also developed problem solving skills as on some days I was given unexpected tasks or was met with a patient who encountered an issue and needed my help. On the technical side, I gained insight into patient care processes and the importance of integrating patient feedback into care improvements. I also learned to manage my time efficiently, balancing my responsibilities as a volunteer with the need to shadow and network with healthcare professionals as well as make sure I was putting equal effort into my other responsibilities like the summer class I was taking. I learned to set and work towards my OKRs which had a profound influence on my internship experience. The structure provided by my OKRs kept me focused and motivated throughout the summer. For example, the objective of enhancing patient support and comfort guided my interactions and led to tangible outcomes, such as the positive feedback I received from patients.
Impacts of OKRs
One key result that was particularly impactful was the successful organization of group meeting with fellow volunteers. I did not expect at first for the fellow volunteers to be open to meeting, but once I spoke with them I learned that they had the same feelings of mine and wanted to learn and get to know one another. This achievement reinforced the importance of my Includer strength and the value of creating a sense of community in healthcare settings. The OKRs also pushed me to network with healthcare professionals, an experience that has broadened my understanding of potential career paths in the medical field. One of the major lessons I learned during my volunteering was the importance of adaptability. Reflecting, I also learned that working in a hospital environment required me to be flexible and responsive to the needs of patients, which often changed from day to day. I also learned the value of collaboration and the impact that a supportive team can have on patient care outcomes. Another key lesson was the significance of self-reflection. I learned the importance of reflecting and evaluating my progress against my OKRs. This allowed me to identify areas for improvement and celebrate my successes. This practice of reflection has not only helped me with my personal growth but also prepared me for future professional challenges.
Future Applications
The experiences and lessons I gained during my internship have solidified my passion for healthcare. I plan to apply the skills I developed, such as empathy, communication, and project management, into my goal of becoming an anesthesiologist assistant. I feel that I am even more committed than ever to pursuing this path. I also cannot be more grateful for the professional relationships I built during my internship which have provided me with valuable mentorship and guidance.
Conclusion
Reflecting on my summer internship at MedStar Hospital, I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to patient care and develop skills that will serve me well in my future career. Setting and achieving my OKRs was a key part of this journey, and I look forward to applying these insights and experiences as I continue my professional development in healthcare.
