Hello from Iowa City! This summer I had the opportunity to complete my internship with the University of Iowa Community Clinics (UICC). UICC serves communities across the entire state of Iowa, providing high-quality care through walk-in, primary care, pediatrics, and specialty/outreach clinics. Some of our specialties include urology, virology, pediatrics, cardiology, neurology, OB/GYN, IVF, endocrinology, dermatology, and more. It continues to be an exciting time at UICC, with upcoming clinic relocations and new locations on the horizon. My preceptor is Rachel Kirchner, the Director of UICC. I also had the opportunity to work extremely closely with Assistant Director Bekka Cappussi and Erin Willits, along with several lead providers and nurse managers.
Throughout the summer, I had the opportunity to work on a wide variety of projects. I completed a return-on-investment analysis for disposable versus reusable trays as we prepared to offer vasectomies in our urology clinic. I analyzed a large dataset spanning two years to support decision-making efforts regarding new testing equipment for the clinics. I developed cash-handling policy workflows across all clinics to ensure compliance and maintain financial accountability. I also partnered with nurse managers and the Office of Patient Experience to utilize Press Ganey insights, providing leadership with data-driven feedback to enhance how patient feedback is shared with leaders. I developed and disseminated monthly scorecards to providers to improve care quality, efficiency, and patient satisfaction. Additionally, I heavily supported the Medical Assistant (MA) program during leadership transitions, helping create workflows for new leadership. As I transition into my graduate assistantship, I have had the opportunity to begin projects that will continue throughout the school year, including serving as project manager for the decommissioning of old clinic sites and the transition into new locations.
Outside of project work, I had the opportunity to sit in on leadership meetings and shadow. I spent most of my time at the Healthcare Support Services Building (HSSB), but I also made a point to spend time onsite at some of our clinics each week, such as Scott Boulevard, Oakdale, and Williamsburg. This allowed me to shadow various providers, site leaders, nurses, medical assistants, front desk clerks, and to meet the amazing people providing care to our communities.Beyond my summer internship, I enjoyed living in Iowa City by going to the farmers market, visiting the Amana Colonies, and trying new restaurants. I also traveled to San Diego this summer for a bachelorette party. For the Fourth of July, I visited Steamboat Springs and attended the summer rodeo. I also went to Chicago with my mom and sister for a fun girls’ trip, where we did the river architecture tour, which I highly recommend.
This summer was an incredibly rewarding experience, both personally and professionally. I gained valuable insights into healthcare operations, strengthened my leadership and analytical skills, and built relationships with talented professionals who are making a real difference in their communities. I am grateful for the opportunities I was given, the mentorship I received, and the experiences that have prepared me for the next steps in my career. I cannot wait to begin my second year in the MHA program after an amazing summer!
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