This semester (September-December 2021), I have been studying here in London at the Foundation for International Education. Part of my coursework included completing an internship, and I was lucky enough to be placed at Muscular Dystrophy UK.
During my time at MDUK, I worked closely with Michaela Regan on the Policy and Campaigns Team. I attended meetings related to neuromuscular care services, conducted stakeholder mapping, researched patient data platforms, and drafted blogs regarding new drug treatments and MDUK news updates. I also have been engaging with parliament across the UK. All these tasks contributed to MDUK's aim of leading the drive to get faster access to emerging treatment for families in the UK and ensuring everyone has the specialist NHS care and support they need.
Through my internship, I have enjoyed learning about the NHS, healthcare policy, and muscle-wasting conditions. I will take my newfound knowledge back to the US with me where I will apply it in medical school and my future career as a physician. I will also take with me practical skills and a global mindset.
In addition to my work, I loved getting to know the employees at MDUK. Everyone is dedicated, kind, approachable, and enjoyable. Two of my favourite memories were partaking in the team quiz event at MDUK's annual Christmas party and trying mince pies in the office as a going away treat.
My internship at MDUK was an extremely rewarding experience, and the skills and knowledge I gained will be incredibly beneficial to my future care. I feel so grateful to have been given the opportunity to intern at MDUK, and I would strongly recommend this experience to anyone with an interest in human health and the drive to beat muscle-wasting conditions.