[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” image=”id^12113|url^http://haiweb.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Intern-Drinks.jpg|caption^null|alt^null|title^intern-drinks|description^null”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]November has been ‘Intern Spotlight Month’ here at Health Action International, when we have shone a light on our incredible interns from the past year. Each week, we have let one of our previous interns explain the research they have conducted during their internship, as well as what they gained from it.
November is drawing towards an end, and so is our Intern Spotlight Month, during which we have had the chance to introduce you to the interns of this past year. At HAI, the team celebrated by going out for drinks, taking the opportunity to appreciate interns’ hard work and substantial new research findings, but also look back on the wide range of topics covered in the past year.
Medical fields covered by our interns’ research included reproductive health, diabetes, anti-microbial resistance, rational drug use, pain management, opioid dependence, emergency obstetrics, psychiatry, and neurology. Besides medical sciences, our interns also researched a wide range of policies, including: access to medical commodities, medicine affordability and pricing transparency, pharmaceutical promotion and rational prescribing practices, intervention-programme management, and regulation of essential controlled medicines.
We always put the utmost effort into ensuring that each intern benefits as much as possible from their time spent with us, and that it is first and foremost a learning experience for the intern. Over the course of this year, we have seen the interns learn new skills and gain new experiences, developing personally as both researchers and professionals. They have learnt about and used new methodologies, applied for ethics approval, conducted field work such as interviews and surveys, and developed their writing skills. They have also experienced what it’s like to work at a small, non-governmental organisation, and have connected and met with professionals in the field.
If you have not yet done so, consider taking a few minutes to read our intern spotlight blog posts. If you do, you will find that there were many different reasons why our interns were drawn to HAI. Some were motivated by the relevance and value of the work that we do, while some saw the possibility to make a larger impact in a small organisation. Others appreciated the value and respect with which HAI treats its interns. Something which all interns had in common was a passionate interest in HAI’s research and advocacy topics. Since 1981, HAI has been dedicated to improving access to medicines through evidence-based advocacy, and our interns’ research has always been integral to this goal. With their fresh perspectives, new ideas, intellect, and vivacious spirit, they continue to contribute to our work, and inspire our team.
For those interested in doing an internship at HAI, learn more about possibilities and how to apply here.
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