INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

Dear Colleague,

 

As I conclude my term on the San Antonio Medical Group Management Board, I would like to start something that is important to me and to everyone in group practice management . the growth and mentorship of our future colleagues. I propose that each of us consider having an intern or resident in our practice to expose the students to healthcare administration possibilities outside of hospital administration. This is the best way for the student to experience "a day in the life" without the actual responsibility. Over the years, I have spoken at length to the program directors of Trinity and Texas State and they emphasize the importance of this experience.

 

Understandably, this experience is an investment of time and money on the part of yourself and your practice; however, I think you will find it time and money well spent. The average salary of a resident (graduate student) is $30,000-$45,000 per year and the length of time is one year, which could be shared among 2-3 practices or a practice and a hospital. An intern, an undergraduate student, is generally less time (a semester) and less in salary costs. There is a responsibility on our part to provide a meaningful experience for the student and not just a job in the copy room. In fact, the resident/intern along with the preceptor must submit a formal plan for their learning.

Over the next few weeks and at our meeting this month, I will be encouraging and requesting your feedback on this new venture, so please give it some thought. I am not asking for a commitment, but I think it would be good to gauge the interest level of our members and proceed from there. I have had a couple of interns and I have had wonderful experiences with both of them.

Thank you for your time and consideration in perpetuating our profession.

Michele Mitchell, MHA