UVA Health

Research Volunteer

June 2021 • Charlottesville, VA

What I liked

Applying knowledge from my classes like biochemistry, and immunology into my research on radiation oncology. Learning new things about cancer cells and the different genes and proteins involved in the proliferation of cancer.

What I wish was different

I wish timing was more flexible.

Advice

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Life Support Learning Center Intern

June - August 2019 • Charlottesville, VA

What I liked

Welcoming work environment, friendly staff who treated me like an equal. Different work every day, always interesting.

What I wish was different

Unfortunately, the nature of the job sometimes means getting up before the sun is up, which I don't think anyone enjoys.

Advice

Take initiative. Ask if you can help with something instead of waiting to be asked to help.

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Research Assistant

December 2017 • Charlottesville, VA

What I liked

What I wish was different

Advice

Always work your hardest. Put in the most hours you can, ask for extra work, and be attentive to learn from your peers.

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Undergraduate Research Assistant

June - August 2019 • Charlottesville, VA

What I liked

Very interesting work in an area that I want to research in the future.

What I wish was different

Advice

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Medical Scribe

March 2019 • Charlottesville, VA

What I liked

Love the interaction with physicians and the opportunity to learn from and contribute to the medical setting.

What I wish was different

Advice

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Patient Care technician

July 2017 • Charlottesville, VA

What I liked

I loved the patients I worked with and the other techs on the floor.

What I wish was different

The nurses and teamwork also communication on the unit

Advice

Help out everyone, everyone is your patient

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Lab Assistant

June - August 2019 • Charlottesville, VA

What I liked

I was returning to this lab position for the summer, and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I was able to utilize knowledge from previous classes, strengthen my skills in experimental design, and expand my skill set. I also enjoyed the environment and meeting new people with various backgrounds.

What I wish was different

Advice

Joining a lab may seem overwhelming for the first few days, and this is completely normal, especially if you have never worked in a lab setting before. Write down what you did during the day so that you don't have to re-learn things too many times, and never be afraid to ask questions. Especially when working in a lab with expensive equipment, potentially hazardous materials, and occasionally confusing topics. Everyone wants you to be proficient, and they will help you get there.

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Patient Care Technician

May 2019 • Charlottesville, VA

What I liked

The patient population on the neuroscience unit.

What I wish was different

Nothing!

Advice

A must have experience for nursing students!

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Research Assistant

May - August 2019 • Charlottesville, VA

What I liked

I enjoyed expanding my experience and working with health professionals to do meaningful work

What I wish was different

I wish compensation would have been more communicated

Advice

Go out of your way to reach out to a lot of people. You never know what opportunities you will find

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Clinical Scholar

June - July 2018 • Charlottesville, VA

What I liked

Amazing experience. Explore medical school clinical rotations but through the eyes of a designer and engineer. Eye-opening, emotional, creative and fun all at the same time.

What I wish was different

Advice

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Biomedical Research Intern

May - August 2018 • Charlotte Amalie, United States Virgin Islands

What I liked

Hands-on learning and being with colleagues who care about your learning and ability to think critically and independently.

What I wish was different

More communication and interaction with the rest of the team.

Advice

Patience is needed for the experiments to work, it's not like in the classroom and labs where they can be done in a total of 4 hours. Some procedures need to stay running overnight and I went in one weekend to finish some procedures as well.

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Volunteer

May 2018 • Charlottesville, VA

What I liked

It is a very engaging experience and a lot of fun if you let it be.

What I wish was different

Advice

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Clinical Research Intern

June 2018 • Charlottesville, VA

What I liked

My internship taught me how impactful and important clinical research is. I spent time conversing with and consenting patients for studies, observing in the OR, shadowing physicians through clinic, and learning what happens "behind the curtain" in regard to clinical research. Overall, it furthered my passion for and competence in medicine.

What I wish was different

Advice

There are so many opportunities that are out there; take advantage of UVA and the Career Center. The first steps in getting a great internship are doing the research and applying to what inspires you.

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Undergraduate Research Intern

May - August 2018 • Charlottesville, VA

What I liked

I liked learning new research techniques and having my own project.

What I wish was different

I wish that the experience was longer.

Advice

It is definitely a great program!

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Patient care technician

May 2018 • Charlottesville, VA

What I liked

Flexibility of the hours. When applying you can apply for the float pool where you pick your own hours or to a specific unit that is also very flexible. You also learn a lot from the nurses, NPs, MDs, etc.

What I wish was different

Advice

Apply around March so you can decide early on which orientation session you would like to attend.

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Research Intern

May - August 2018 • Charlottesville, VA

What I liked

I really valued the opportunities to both gain laboratory experience and grow as a scientist by virtue of going to professional development workshops and being surrounded by a group of talented undergraduates and medical students.

What I wish was different

Nothing.

Advice

Take full advantage of the resources that UVA can offer you–– both in the lab and outside of the lab. Make sure you have good and fruitful relationships with your PI, your mentors, your peers, and anyone else you meet (grad students, med students, etc.)

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Clinical Research Intern

June 2018 • Charlottesville, VA

What I liked

In the Department of Radiation Oncology, I liked the opportunity for clinical experience via shadowing and surgical observations. I also like how I was able to get close with my supervisor and develop positive professional skills among the medical professionals and clinical research coordinators. This helped me prepare for scenarios I might experience after graduating.

What I wish was different

I wish the balance between regulatory work and clinical exposure was more even.

Advice

Complete each task given with the upmost focus and enthusiasm because if your product reflects positively on your supervisor, it can open a conversation towards opportunities more tailored to your personal preference.

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