Exploring Internship Opportunities at the American Medical Association

The American Medical Association (AMA) offers various internship programs designed to provide students and recent graduates with valuable experience in the healthcare field. These internships span diverse areas, from ethics and policy to community engagement and communications, offering a wide range of opportunities for professional growth and development. An internship at the AMA provides a unique platform to contribute to the advancement of healthcare and gain insights into the inner workings of one of the most influential medical organizations in the United States.

The AMA Ethics Group Internship Program

The Ethics Group Internship Program at the AMA provides candidates with firsthand exposure to the development of AMA ethics policy. This part-time internship, located at the AMA headquarters in downtown Chicago, offers a flexible schedule and focuses on providing support for ongoing Ethics Group projects and initiatives.

Program Requirements

To be eligible for the Ethics Group Internship Program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Be enrolled in an academic program at the time of the internship.
Possess knowledge of basic principles and concepts of medical ethics.

Responsibilities

Ethics Group Interns are expected to contribute to the following tasks:

Conduct primary literature research on a wide variety of medical ethics issues.
Assist in drafting reports of the Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs (CEJA).
Prepare summaries of articles of ethics or policy interest.
Contribute to the AMA Journal of Ethics.

Internship Terms and Application Deadlines

The Ethics Group Internship Program offers three terms throughout the year:

Read also: Internship Guide

Summer Term: Mid-May through mid-August. Application deadline: Feb. 28
Fall Term: Mid-September through mid-December. Application deadline: June 30
Winter/Spring Term: Mid-January through mid-April. Application deadline: Sept. 30

A Student's Perspective

Filzah Iqbal, a graduate student at the University of Chicago studying biomedical informatics, found the Ethics Group Internship to be a valuable experience. Her research and career interests lie in ethical and legal issues in clinical informatics, making the internship a perfect fit.

American Heart Association Internship

The American Heart Association (AHA) offers internship programs designed to allow interns to become an "Intern of Impact." These internships provide opportunities to connect with local communities, listen to survivor stories, and help create meaningful events. Interns gain firsthand experience in how heart health impacts lives and contribute to a mission that saves and improves lives.

Advice from Former Interns

Several AHA interns and alumni have shared their experiences and advice for future interns:

Robel E. (Development & Community Events Intern Alum): "Make the most out of being an Intern of Impact while you can! The program has a lot to offer in which I was able to grow in my career, skills, and network with professionals in the organization. Be ready to take the initiative and share your thoughts and ideas. I appreciated receiving feedback from my team along the way and their impact on me will stick with me as I head into a full-time career."
Lily D. (Entertainment and Influencer Marketing Intern): "Channel your eagerness to learn by asking intentional questions, volunteering to help on projects brought up in meetings, and put yourself out there! Ultimately, this is an opportunity to learn, so take it to its fullest potential."
Rodrigo G. (Marketing & Communications Intern Alum): "The best advice I would give to any intern is to be curious. You can go above and beyond by networking and utilizing professional development resources. You will also learn more about the mission and how heart health impacts everyone. That’s what makes this internship so impactful - that you can be an active part in the solution.”
Tatiana P. (Development & Event Planning Intern Alum): "Don’t be afraid to jump out of your comfort zone! You will be challenged in the best way in this internship, so don’t be afraid to ask the questions you need to succeed. Everyone here at the Association is passionate about the intern program so I encourage you to network with others as they want to help out in any way they can."

The AHA emphasizes a people-first culture, valuing its employees and communities. The organization encourages interns to be curious, proactive, and to network with professionals within the organization.

The Subinternship Rotation

Subinternship rotations, also known as sub-I or acting internships, are crucial components of the clinical phase of medical school. These rotations offer medical students a glimpse into the life of a first-year resident physician, providing increased responsibilities and more direct patient management.

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Standing Out During a Subinternship

To excel during a subinternship, medical students should:

Know their patients: Thoroughly review patient charts to gain a comprehensive understanding of their history.
Act the part: Function independently, taking ownership of patient care tasks like following up on labs and communicating with the team.
Be engaged: Actively participate in rounds, even when other patients are being discussed.
Show you're a team player: Work well with residents, nurses, and staff, treating everyone with respect.
Maintain professionalism: Be on time, adhere to the dress code, and maintain a positive attitude.

Julianna Sim, an AMA member and medical student from Ohio, emphasized the importance of thorough chart reviews, stating, "I had more knowledge of a patient’s history than some of the residents did. I had fewer patients and more time to dig into the full chart background with the patient."

Anand Singh, an AMA member and medical student from Texas, highlighted the increased responsibility during a sub-I, noting that students are "expected to do more."

Additional Opportunities and Resources

Fellowships

Fellowships are professional training and scholarship opportunities often designed to launch the careers of new professionals. They may include rotations through various departments and professional development opportunities. Fellowships are often designed for recent Master’s level graduates, with salary and benefits comparable to other entry-level positions.

AMA Resources

The AMA offers a variety of resources for medical students and professionals, including tips and guidance on preparing for exams, navigating clinical rotations, publishing research, and maintaining well-being. The AMA also emphasizes its commitment to an inclusive culture. The AMA is looking for talented professionals to play an important role in helping the AMA advance its efforts and vision.

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Medical Ethics Education

Medical ethics education plays a critical role in shaping the future of healthcare. Courses on medical ethics can inspire students to explore careers in the field. Asia Madayag, a health & rehabilitation sciences Ph.D. student at IU, was inspired by a medical ethics course and went on to intern at the AMA.

The Role of Internships in Medical Education

Internships provide invaluable practical experience that complements classroom learning. They allow students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings, develop essential skills, and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape. This experience is paramount to future success in the medical field.

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