If you are majoring in medical or medicine you should apply for a summer internship to gain valuable work experience and apply the skills and theories that you learned in your classes.
As a medical intern, you will have the opportunity to work in a variety of different medical specialties, depending on the hospital or clinic you are interning for. However, there are several common duties and responsibilities that most medical interns can expect to perform. In this article, we'll outline some of the most common duties and responsibilities of a medical intern.
1. Observe medical procedures: The primary duty of a medical intern is to observe medical procedures, surgeries, and treatments. This could include tasks such as observing patient consultations, attending rounds with physicians, and shadowing medical specialists.
2. Take medical histories: Medical interns may also be involved in taking medical histories from patients. This could include tasks such as asking patients about their symptoms, medical history, and any medications they are currently taking.
3. Perform physical exams: Depending on the hospital or clinic you are interning for, you may be responsible for performing physical exams on patients. This could include tasks such as checking a patient's vital signs, assessing their reflexes, and examining their ears, nose, and throat.
4. Assist with medical procedures: Medical interns may also be involved in assisting with medical procedures, such as drawing blood, inserting IVs, and administering medications.
5. Write progress notes: Medical interns may also be responsible for writing progress notes on patients. This could include tasks such as documenting a patient's medical history, summarizing their symptoms and physical exam findings, and developing a treatment plan.
6. Attend lectures and conferences: Medical interns may also be required to attend lectures and conferences on various medical topics. This could include tasks such as attending grand rounds, case conferences, and specialty-specific conferences.
7. Assist with research: Depending on the hospital or clinic you are interning for, you may be involved in assisting with research tasks. This could include tasks such as conducting literature reviews, collecting data, and assisting with statistical analysis.
8. Assist with administrative tasks: Medical interns may also be responsible for assisting with administrative tasks related to the operation of a hospital or clinic. This could include tasks such as answering phones, responding to emails, scheduling appointments, and maintaining records.
9. Attend educational sessions: Medical interns may be required to attend educational sessions on various topics related to medicine, such as ethics, communication, and cultural competence.
10. Other tasks as assigned: As with any internship, medical interns may be asked to perform a variety of other tasks as needed. This could include tasks such as running errands, assisting with office tasks, or assisting with other medical-related projects.
In addition to these specific duties, medical interns will also need to possess a range of skills and personal attributes, including:
1. Strong analytical skills: Medical interns must be able to analyze data and make informed decisions based on that data.
2. Attention to detail: Working in medicine requires a high level of attention to detail, as even small mistakes can have significant consequences.
3. Strong communication skills: Medical interns must be able to communicate effectively with a range of stakeholders, including patients, family members, and other medical professionals.
4. Ethical behavior: Medical interns must adhere to strict ethical standards and act with integrity at all times.
5. Flexibility: Working in medicine can be unpredictable, and medical interns must be able to adapt to changing circumstances and take on new tasks as needed.
6. Time management skills: Medical interns must be able to manage their time effectively in order to complete tasks efficiently and meet deadlines.
7. Teamwork: Working in medicine often requires collaboration with others, and medical interns must be able to work effectively as part of a team.
8. Emotional intelligence: Medical interns must be able to demonstrate emotional intelligence and empathy, as they will be working with patients who may be experiencing significant emotional stress.
Let's face it student jobs are tough to get, you are competing against people that have work experience and are looking for a full time job. But you can find part time jobs for students. Ideally you want to find an internship because that will give you work experience in your chosen field. Jobs for students typically pay less than those of a full time employee, there are less benefits as well. But the benefit to you is immense. It's competitive, but don't distress, search student jobs and medical summer internship and get your career started on the right path!
