Internship Programs
Public Policy Internship Programs
Washington, D.C.
The Institute is pleased to offer a number of internship programs in keeping with our educational mission to provide unique opportunities to gain hands-on experience in the fields of e-health policy research and education. Kathie Westpheling, MPH, Manager of Internships and Student Experiences, leads this effort for the Institute. Currently, the Institute has the following programs:
- Public Policy Internships
- Georgetown University Medical School Service Learning Program
- University of California – Berkeley Extern Program
- Past Interns
Introduction
The Institute for e-Health Policy is located right outside of Washington, D.C., at 4300 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 250, in Arlington, Virginia, along the Metro subway system’s orange line at the Ballston Metro station. Since 2002, the Institute has been pleased to offer assistance to college students eager to increase their involvement and education in e-Health policy and in national and state legislative activities.
The Public Policy Internship Program is administered by the HIMSS Foundation’s Institute for e-Health Policy, a not-for-profit corporation organized and operated exclusively for charitable, scientific or educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. Stipends of $1,000 are available to assist selected college students in this internship program. In addition, transportation and parking costs may be reimbursable. This position would require the selected student to spend a flexible minimum of 8 hours per week for up to 10 weeks per semester working on projects for the Institute.
Applications are welcome at anytime for future semesters and will be filled based on interest and availability. The fall semester runs from mid-September – mid-December. The winter semester runs from mid-January – mid-April, and the summer semester runs from June 1 – August 15. All applications and questions should be sent to Kathie Westpheling, Manager of Internships and Student Experiences, at kathie@e-healthpolicy.org. Up to two interns will be selected each semester by the Institute and interns may be selected to serve for a maximum of two semesters.
Program Description and Goals
Each semester (spring, summer and fall) the Institute offers a hands-on internship at our Arlington, Virginia office. This program provides leadership and professional development experiences for college students interested in healthcare and information technology. Working on a flexible, part-time basis, the Washington Internship offers unique opportunities to gain valuable work experience and knowledge of Congress and the federal and some state governments. This internship program is ideal for persons interested in a career in healthcare or healthcare public policy or other related fields.
The Institute’s goal is to develop student leaders and provide them with the tools they need to continue their advancement well after they have received their degrees. The internship program provides a fast-paced, real life, highly valued program that not only provides immediate value to the individual, but has the goal of fostering America’s future healthcare leaders, who will go on to work in healthcare positions throughout the nation.
Internship Expectations
The Washington internship program provides a $1,000 stipend plus parking or transportation costs. Enthusiastic students from all fields of study are encouraged to apply. You will work hard, learn much, and directly contribute to the Institute’s effectiveness on its state and federal priorities.
The Washington intern plays an integral role in helping advance its research and educational priorities. Working with the Institute staff, an intern could expect to conduct vital research on legislation and federal and state agency matters; write on a myriad of subjects for high-level audiences; assist with events on Capitol Hill, communicate with legislators, agency liaisons, constituents; attend committee hearings; serve as an additional voice with congressional staff; and undertake special projects to advance the Institute’s interests at the federal and state level. Specific duties vary depending on needs and intern qualifications. Internships can be tailored for special needs.
Qualifications
Candidates must meet the following criteria:
- A current college student. (Students from all majors are encouraged)
- An interest in government and healthcare technology
- Excellent verbal and writing skills
- Computer skills: Microsoft Word, Internet, Excel, Outlook
- The ability to work in a team setting, yet possess self-starting independence
- To be eligible for the Program, students must be enrolled at least as a part time student (6 or more credits per semester) in at an accredited college or university.
Interested students should prepare and send the following information and documents for review to Kathie Westpheling, Manager of Internships and Student Experiences, at kathie@e-healthpolicy.org.
Application Requirements
- Name, Address, City, State, Zip, Phone, Email
- Attach Current Resume (Education and Work Experience)
- Statement of Interest. In a brief essay (no more than 500 words), indicate why you are applying for this internship program and what you hope to gain from the experience.
- Letter of Recommendation. A letter of recommendation from a professor is required.