During the first 100 hours of my internship at Wagner Kapoor Institute, I have gained valuable hands-on experience as both an ophthalmic technician and a patient education creator. My role on the clinical team has allowed me to interact directly with patients, perform diagnostic tests, and assist in various ophthalmic procedures. These experiences have strengthened my technical skills in patient assessment, medical documentation, and the use of specialized ophthalmic equipment. By working closely with physicians and medical staff, I have gained a deeper understanding of eye health conditions, treatment plans, and the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in healthcare settings.

My primary responsibility as a public health intern is developing patient education materials to improve health literacy and empower patients to make informed decisions about their eye care. I have created a variety of handouts that are made available at checkout and online for patients that explain complex medical conditions, holistic health, and preventative care in a way that is accessible and engaging. This role has honed my ability to translate medical jargon into clear, understandable language, an essential skill for any future medical provider. By enhancing patient comprehension, I have seen firsthand how education improves adherence to treatment plans and overall health outcomes.

Through these responsibilities, I have strengthened my communication skills, learned to tailor health information to diverse patient populations, and gained confidence in engaging with patients in both clinical and educational settings. This experience will be invaluable as I pursue a career in medicine, where patient education plays a crucial role in promoting preventative care, improving treatment success, and fostering strong provider-patient relationships.