HSA Summer Internship Programme offers 80+ students healthcare industry experience

The Health Services Authority (HSA) offered its annual internship programme to over 80 local, high school, and college students during summer 2023. This programme aims to support students who are passionate about pursuing a career in the healthcare sector by providing them with meaningful connections and on-the-job learning.

The programme offered interns opportunties lasting 4–8 weeks within a range of departments including bio-medical services, pharmacy, maternity, and dentistry. It ran from June to September and sought to match interns with their specific interests and course of study. 

The goal of the internship is to expose students to the practical application of knowledge gained in theory. It also exposes them to the realities of the working world including good work ethics, punctuality, and professionalism. 

Jalicia Thoms, an intern in the Maternity Unit, who is currently studying nursing at UCCI shared her experience at the HSA this summer. “Working in the Maternity Ward alongside the midwives has allowed me to gain the professionalism needed in the medical field. I enjoyed learning how to properly take patients’ vitals and how the beds and rooms are prepared for incoming patients. Getting to hold and feed newborn babies and meeting new people was the highlight of this experience.”

Dylan Myles, who interned in the Biomedical department, described his experience as “amazing”.  “Through my supervisor, I have been able to build relationships and make acquaintances. The research I carried out while on the job was fascinating because I want to pursue a career in biomedicine. As a result, it has been useful in figuring out the type of environment I like to work in,” he said.

Working in the Women’s Health Department, Intern Keira Bodden noted, “I am appreciative of the opportunities this internship provided to me. It was a new and interesting experience every day. My eyes have been opened, and texperience has given me confidence in my future job decision.”

HSA’s Chief Human Resources Officer Samantha Bennett explained that the internship provided a secure environment for Caymanian students aged 16 or older to combine academic learning with practical life experiences that are applicable throughout their career paths. “Students who complete the programme gain an understanding of the healthcare work environment. It provides these individuals an opportunity to leverage their experience and builds connections to future career opportunities.”