This summer, I had the pleasure of working with Cade Short ’25 and the St. Joseph County Health Department. Specifically, the Vector Analysis team. My work consisted of setting mosquito traps, collecting them, and sorting them. I was also tasked with prepping West Nile Virus tests and preparing vials of mosquitos to send to the state. I was also privileged enough to interact with the free vaccination clinic next door, and become immersed in other people’s lives. I enjoyed the diverse set of interactions I was able to have within the department as well. I was able to go on septic inspections, lead inspections, and most importantly, learn how the Health Department works with citizens of the county. Trying to open a restaurant or get a pool installed is not as easy as I thought it was; lots of permits are involved and there is a lot of red tape involved.
The internship came with many extra parts that I thoroughly enjoyed. I was able to attend a class once a week at the IU South Bend Medical School campus, involved with health disparities. I was also able to shadow area Wabash physicians every Friday afternoon. I had the distinct privilege of watching how the Wabash education carries over into medicine. Talking, actively listening, and fostering a strong relationship with patients can lead to healthier outcomes and a long-lasting relationship that can better the outlook on a patients’ life. Through this class, I was able to become more interested in medicine and how learning about patients’ lives can affect the journey of healing.
I want to especially thank Dr. Oppman, Dr. Cassady, Dr. Brier, the Gongwer ’91 brothers for giving me the opportunity to shadow them multiple times this summer. I also want to thank Dr. Cerbin, St Joseph County’s interim health officer, for opening me up to the world of public health and how elected officials can affect it on the local level.
I was able to develop a deeper interest and passion for medicine through these experiences, and garner a better view of populations and how to approach outreach. I would like to thank the SJCDOH, the South Bend Clinic, and Wabash College for an amazing summer with great opportunities!
