Welcome back! We are pleased to feature six more outstanding individuals from Broward Health's 2018 internship class.
This year's class features 22 students who have demonstrated strong academic performance, leadership skills and community involvement. Our interns are placed in amazing positions through the healthcare system including finance, administration, general counsel, risk management, emergency preparedness, compliance, human resources and more.
Learn more about our interns below!
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Makeda Brown
Makeda Brown is spending her summer with the Children’s Diagnostic & Treatment Center (CDTC) where she handles provider reviews and parent surveys for the Early Steps program. Currently pursuing a degree in family and child sciences from Florida State University (FSU), Makeda is gaining practical experience that will undoubtedly help her future career.
Her journey into the healthcare field is best summed up in a quote from her favorite author, Roy Bennett: “Never let self-doubt hold you captive.”
Makeda has learned to let passion drive her future career plans and takes advantage of all the opportunities available to her as an intern, including shadowing a pediatrician at CDTC. After graduating from FSU, she plans to pursue her master’s degree in public health and physician assistant studies.
“The most valuable lesson I’ve learned so far is to choose a career you are passionate about,” Makeda said.
If Makeda was stuck on a remote island, she would be sure to stay hydrated. “I would bring with me a lifetime supply of drinkable water because you cannot survive without water,” she said.
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Krystal Coleman
Krystal is tracking data to develop Broward Health’s quality improvement goals during her internship in the Corporate Quality Department. She’s currently pursuing her master’s degree in health policy administration from Pennsylvania State University.
She’s enjoyed meeting people from different departments throughout the organization, and is grateful for the opportunities she’s had to work on meaningful projects and explore the various areas of healthcare. In five years, she hopes to be working in a leadership position in the quality department of a nonprofit healthcare organization.
“Everyone I have come in contact with has been so friendly and eager to help me professionally,” Krystal said.
She said the most valuable lesson she’s learned as an intern is the importance of networking. She advises future interns to “dive right in.”
“If you take too much time trying to get used to your position, your 10 weeks will be up before you know it and you’ll miss out on opportunities,” Krystal said. “Don’t be afraid to ask questions and to explore the system whenever possible. Many of the professionals I have come in contact with have connections with those around them, both in Broward Health and in other organizations that have helped them get to where they are today.”
If she was ever stranded on an island, Krystal would make sure to bring some company with her. “I don’t want to have to be on the island alone.”
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Anthony Damier
Anthony Damier is spending his summer interning at The Wellness Center at Broward Health Medical Center where he’s helping cardiac and pulmonary patients reach their fitness goals. He’s also teaching fitness classes, representing Broward Health at health fairs and assisting with marketing strategies.
Anthony has enjoyed getting to know patients and hearing their stories, which is paving the road for his future plans to become a doctor. He’s currently pursuing his bachelor’s degree in natural science at Florida International University.
As an intern, he’s learned that forging great relationships and networking are extremely valuable tools for his career. “You never know who you’re talking to,” Anthony said. “Treat everyone with respect because they may have some wisdom to share.”
If Anthony was ever stranded on an island, he’d be armed with a machete. “It would be essential to my long-term survival,” he said.
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Amber Desharnais
As an intern in Broward Health’s Emergency Preparedness Department, Amber Desharnais is learning the importance of being flexible.
“It’s the key to emergency preparedness,” she said.
She’s spending her summer becoming familiar with policies related to emergency preparedness, attending meetings and events throughout the Broward Health system and logging all of Broward Health’s emergency preparedness classes. She’s currently pursuing her master’s degree in healthcare administration at Florida Atlantic University.
Amber advises future interns to use the opportunity to grow within the healthcare field. She said it provides students with hands-on experience within the workplace and gives a thorough understanding of what to expect from a career. “This internship is an ongoing interview,” Amber said. “Make sure you’re networking throughout you’re internship and always be on your ‘A’ game.”
If Amber was ever stuck on a remote island, she would bring with her a solar-powered laptop. “I would need it to keep me entertained and could use it to send for help.”
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Sophonie Jeangilles
Sophonie Jeangilles is learning about the value of integrity in the workplace as an intern in Broward Health’s corporate compliance department. She’s assisting in audits, studying patient privacy laws and interviewing employees for compliance investigations.
“Integrity is crucial to providing quality care and holding every employee accountable in doing what is right in maintaining the organization’s mission, which is to provide quality healthcare to patients,” Sophonie said.
She recently earned her degree in healthcare administration from Florida Atlantic University and hopes to land a job with the corporate compliance team. She’s gaining great experience during her internship shadowing a senior privacy specialist.
“Being part of this internship program has exposed me to various departments so I can find the right fit before committing to a job,” she said. “It’s been a great opportunity to grow my professional network and find mentors who can provide professional guidance.”
She hopes to one day mentor future Broward Health interns as an employee and said she would advise them to ask as many questions as possible.
If Sophonie was on a remote island, she would bring with her a book with different chapters consisting of learning, entertainment and spiritual fulfillment.
“A paperback book requires no source of electricity to function so I would have access to it on all parts of the island without needing electricity,” she said. “I would be provided with knowledge, insight and entertainment all in one.”
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Alicia Wright
Alicia Wright is having a busy summer interning in Broward Health Imperial Point’s human resources department where she’s assisting with a variety of HR tasks, including coordinating policies and procedures, organizing internal employee events, implementing new recruitment techniques, creating an employee engagement plan and other activities. She’s currently pursuing her masters in health services administration at The University of Central Florida and one days hopes to land a management position at Broward Health.
“I hope to be in a position where I can grow and learn as a leader while taking on new challenges over time,” Alicia said of her future career plans.
Her favorite part of the internship has been the visits from The Joint Commission surveyors. It’s given her the chance to learn about the hospital’s standards and round with Chief Human Resources Officer Gary Lyew-Ayee to ensure that patient safety goals are being met. She’s also enjoyed the chance to network and make valuable contacts that will be beneficial for her future.
“As an intern, be sure you are open to new opportunities and meeting new people,” Alicia said. “Always be present because you don’t want to miss out on something.”
If Alicia was ever stranded on an island she would bring with her a boat with a built-in GPS system. “It would help me get back home,” she said.