Transform Your Career: How Students Flourish in Health Care Internships at Southwest Health System

High school students from Montezuma County and Durango are diving into the medical field through a summer internship at Southwest Health System. This program helps them explore various health careers in just one month.

This summer’s interns include Liam Tarpey, Kale Gates, Marcuz Penafie, Josephine Phare, Rynie Neiman, Maddison Daves, Peyton Benally, Eva Casey, Sophia Dainty-Guilfoyle, and Alexandria Greene. They rotate through different departments, including radiology, physical therapy, and the operating room. This setup not only builds their skills but also broadens their understanding of health professions.

Meghan Higman, director of inpatient services and education, shared the program’s aim. “We started in 2013 to give students a chance to explore health careers. I place students in departments they might not usually consider because you can discover new interests,” she explained. Many students have found new passions, like Casey, who shifted her focus from imaging to other areas.

The fast-paced work environments challenge their preconceptions and reveal the varied roles in healthcare. Gates reflected on his experience in physical therapy. “I learned it’s rewarding to help people after surgery or tough times,” he said.

Neiman appreciated the valuable experience, especially since local hospitals like Durango’s don’t accept interns under 18. “Seeing a day in the life of healthcare workers is really eye-opening,” he noted.

Each Thursday, interns attend hands-on training sessions that cover essential skills like IV placements, CPR certification, and even visits to the helipad. Shifts last two to four hours daily, allowing them to fully immerse themselves.

The selection for this internship is rigorous. Students must submit essays, get recommendation letters, and undergo background checks, making it similar to real hospital onboarding. This effort adds to its appeal as a unique opportunity to explore healthcare before college.

Interns encourage fellow students to apply, emphasizing how impactful the experience can be. Benally sums it up well: “This feels like a once-in-a-lifetime chance, so go for it!”

For more information about health internships, check the resources from the National Health Service or the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.