By Shannon Jackson
I was very excited to start my internship this semester. I am interning for Kelevra Ideas marketing agency in their healthcare and medical writing department. I recently decided I wanted to become a medical writer and thought this opportunity would be perfect for me. The assignments they have given me so far allowed me to use my background of taking four years of science and pharmacy courses. I am also working on my business minor, and have taken marketing courses that allow me to piece together information in a way that would be marketed to a patient. One such task I could use knowledge from my marketing classes, was to do a write up on different treatments that a doctor provided so that it could be used as a flyer for a seminar. I also have written up condensed drug profiles on certain medications to be marketed to doctors. Taking pharmacy courses allows me to be able to easily translate medical jargon about medications or procedures and explain them in writing for anyone to understand. This internship is allowing me to realize the importance of breaking down complicated medical terms, and a reminder that just because I know what something means (e.g. reading a medication pamphlet) that someone else may not understand it. I want a patient to be confident with what is presented before them when reading about a medical procedure or medication.
I see the bigger picture since doing this internship that goes beyond myself. I am able to be a part of a process that can help people with medical needs. I also find myself paying close attention to spelling and grammar due to my vocational work. It is important to be very careful when spelling medication names as many of them are sound- alike/look alike with similar spellings. I was always very meticulous as a student when doing writing assignments, but my internship work gives me the extra proofreading edge necessary in a written medical field.
Being an Organizational Leadership Major allows me to work with many professors that stress the importance of being a good leader. I have learned that anyone can take on a leadership role to help coworkers so that the overall flow of the work environment is seamless. Even if I do not see myself in a leadership role at the time, I make sure that I am always willing to help someone and complete my work to the best of my ability. Due to COVID-19, I have been completing my internship remotely. It can be difficult not to be physically present with those you work with, but my team members have been exceptionally quick to respond to my questions and assist me when needed. I am looking forward to completing more work for them this semester.
Building Bridges 