public health internship!!!

[freedom88]

---

Members don't see this ad.

i am interested in public/global health (and possibly an MD/MPH down the line). To this end, i have two internship options this summer:

1) small nonprofit grassroots organization
-work on womens health & HIV/AIDS initiative
-would have more responsibilites bc its a small organization
-i am the only intern
-people im working with are really cool, informal setting
-deals with local, community health issues
-small, obscure, not very well know "name"

2)Clinton Foundation
-work on HIV/AIDS initiative, interntional health
-responsibilities would be trivial, managerial tasks
-8 other interns
-formal setting
-would get a feel for how international health sector works on large scale
-more well-known "name," look better on resume

I cant choose! Both have their pros and cons. What do you suggest?

 

[xxbruinxx]

OP-
I can understand what you're saying about having an internship at a good "name" org, but when it comes down to it, and you have to talk about this experience, I really think #1 will be far more fulfilling and enriching.

I'd say med schools care more about what YOU did, rather than what the org. does as a whole. Given the smaller nature of choice #1, i think you'll really have a chance to stand out, get some hands-on exp., and get great LORs.

g'luck...

 

[emquiksilver]

If the small nonprofit grassroots organization really will have more responsibilities, then I would go with that one just because it will provide a better experience to talk about when interviews come around. Not to mention, cool co-workers are priceless.

But I think it boils down to whether you like community health more or global health more.

 

[Abilene85]

Personally, I would go with the first. A big name will catch someone's eye, but all the experience of the smaller group will impress in the end and be much more valuable to your education. Also, being the only intern will really get you involved so you see what public health is all about. If you hang out with a group of interns in a big name group, I wouldn't be surprised if people kind of brush you off and it becomes more of a shadowing experience rather than hands-on work. But on the other hand, the Clinton group will probably allow you to learn more about global health. I just know I would value the experience of the first more (but I am also more interested in public health).

Good luck on your decision and Congratulations!! Sounds like you will have fun no matter which you choose.

 

[chickenlittle84]

I think it also depends on whether you want to take time off and gain substantive public health experience between college and med school. If so, I would actually go with the second one...I have had both kinds of experiences, and now that I am working, the name brand experiences have taken me much further. On the other hand, I don't think having either experience will really matter for med school...I think what matters more is the committment you show to the issues you are working on over time. Internships, desire to make the world a better place, etc. are just icing on the cake. Everything else still has to be stellar.