I wish there was more instruction because I was often left to figure out everything on my own. The post-doc that I was working under was often out at meetings, writing papers and grants, so she was unable to help me. I felt like I could have learned more and appreciated this experience more if she had been more hands-on with me.
Advice
Be prepared to figure everything out on your own because everyone is busy.
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Anesthesia Technician Intern
June - August 2018 • New York City, NY
What I liked
We were able to observe 100s of surgical operations and play an active role in setting up the responsibilities of the anesthesiologist.
What I wish was different
I wish we were able shadow the anesthesia residents from pre-op to post-op
Advice
What you get out of this experience is how much you put into it. Don't be afraid to ask for more responsibilities - the worst that can happen is that the attending says no.
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Research Assistant and Volunteer
May - August 2018 • New York City, NY
What I liked
I was able to dive head-first into psychiatric research. I worked at the Substance Use Research Center which is part of both the New York State Psychiatric Institute and the Columbia University Medical Center. The lab I worked at was the Opioid Lab, and they are conducting some groundbreaking research. The opioid crisis in the US is an epidemic that needs a solution quickly. I felt like I was participating in research that would help many people and save many lives. I liked being able to work with addicts and friends/family of addicts teaching them how to use Narcan and tracking their progress. The most impacting experience I had was teaching a woman how to use Narcan, and her revealing that just a week earlier her sister had died of a heroin overdose. She said that had she come to us earlier, she could have saved her sister's life. This kind of experience is what made my research so impactful, because I felt like I was making a difference in my community.
What I wish was different
Nothing! I loved every part of my summer internship.
Advice
This experience allowed me to connect with many different kinds of people, and I was only able to do so because I went into every situation open-minded.
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Operations Intern
August 2017 • New York City, NY
What I liked
Flexible schedule, great people
What I wish was different
The A train commute is slightly tedious and the internship is unpaid.
Advice
Be excited and be willing to learn all you can. This job can teach you the world but only if you are willing to learn.
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Ophthalmic Photographer
June - August 2017 • New York City, NY
What I liked
How knowledgable everyone in the environment was. You get the opportunity to work some world renowned doctors. It truly was a great learning environment.
What I wish was different
I wish I was told my start date much sooner, It was a bit of stressful start to the internship because I had to find a place to live in a short amount of time.
Advice
Come into work with an open mind, you will learn something new about not only the job experience but about life. It will be a good learning experience for future living situation and weather or not the profession you picked is right for you.
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Summer Medical and Dental Education Program - Scholar
June - August 2016 • Washington Heights, NY
What I liked
I loved the direct access to patient interaction and Columbia University Medical Faculty. The program opened my eyes to the different aspects of health care and how my role as an aspiring doctor can influence those around me. It was a life-changing experience that I couldn't be more thankful. This is where I became sure that becoming a physician was the right path for me.
What I wish was different
I wish I had been more prepared for the expenses that living in NYC comes with. Don't underestimate how expensive it truly is! That being said, I still found that I was able to enjoy my time and do all the things in the City that I had always dreamed of doing.
Advice
Apply! I think the fact that this program is offered at many different programs, and Columbia is one of the most selective, means that many aspiring students feel intimidated. Columbia is looking for all types of students who've had all types of experiences in university. Don't let your GPA or MCAT score make you think you have no chance (or that you're guaranteed a spot), instead show how medicine has truly impacted your education how your presence will impact them!
