An intern from the Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health facilitating a Core Group Building Workshop with the Barangay Health Workers of Sta. Fe, Nueva Ecija
Internships
In pursuit of establishing ZFF as a relevant health NGO working in the mainstream of health in society, ZFF has offered for the last two years substantive summer internships for students of the Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health who are enrolled in the dual degree programs of medicine and MBA.
The two-week internship exposes the students in various areas of health governance, financing, health service delivery systems, and health policy analysis with the participation of external stakeholders.
This exposure contributes to the shaping of seamlessly integrated health and management concepts and practices, while mentoring the next generation of health leaders and professionals for the benefit of the Filipino poor.
Internship Confessions
(Kimberly Tsai)
My internship at the ZFF has really been a fruitful one. It has given me a chance to really appreciate what ASMPH is teaching by providing me with the avenue to learn more about the Philippine health system on a macro scale. It has also ingrained in me the importance of public health, management and health policies to effect change in the system and to promote health not only as necessity but as a lifestyle.
Before, these things to me, seemed abstract and were just subjects I had to pass; but now, I have seen just how vital all my efforts would be if I were to carry out ASMPH’s dream of being a physician-catalyst.
I realized that much work has to be done in order to combat indifference and mediocrity in the system. I was also convinced that good community leaders are essential to sustain changes made in the system and most importantly, change the mindset of the Filipino on their view of health. ZFF has definitely helped me increase my awareness in healthcare and it has taught me to redefine and focus on my learnings in order to carry out my future role as a doctor-leader.
This experience has shown me that to dream of a better Philippines is not hopeless, because there are people who are willing to work for reform and are doing a good job at it. If there is a virus that should infect the Filipinos of today, it should be this – the love for our country and to actively take part in this transformation by starting the change ourselves.