Below are three professional goals that I hope to achieve by the end of my Spring 2025 internship experience

Gain Hands-On Managerial Experience in Health Services Administration
During my internship at Virginia Rheumatology Clinic, one of my primary goals is to gain practical experience in managing daily operations within a healthcare setting. As a Health Services Administration major, hands-on experience during my internship will allow me to understand the intricacies of clinic management, patient flow, and the role of administrative functions in a specialized healthcare practice. I plan to observe and assist my preceptor Georgia Bonney in her role as Practice Manager to learn how she oversees the operations while ensuring high standards of patient care. I will shadow her during daily tasks, attend staff meetings, and contribute to scheduling and workflow management. By the end of my internship, I expect to have a comprehensive understanding of healthcare administration processes which will prepare me for future roles.

Improve My Understanding of Financial and Billing Processes in Healthcare
Another important goal during my internship is to deepen my understanding of healthcare financial and billing processes, specifically in a Rheumatology clinic where the billing is more intricate than a typical medical office. I will accomplish this goal by to observing the behind-the-scenes aspects of insurance reimbursements, coding, and billing to see how these processes impact the clinic’s financial health. By working alongside the billing team, I will gain insight into how the clinic manages patient accounts, processes claims, and ensures financial sustainability. I plan to assist with reviewing coding standards and learning about reimbursement challenges. By the end of my internship, I hope to have a strong grasp of financial elements within healthcare that will allow me to navigate this aspect of healthcare administration confidently.

Gain Experience in Process Improvement and Operational Efficiency
A key goal I have set for myself during this internship is to gain experience in process improvement and enhancing operational efficiency within a healthcare environment. Specialized clinics like VRC often face challenges streamlining workflows, reducing patient wait times, and optimizing service delivery. I plan to achieve this goal by collaborating with my preceptor and other team members to identify areas where operational improvements can be made, whether refining patient intake processes, optimizing scheduling systems, or enhancing communication strategies. I aim to participate in initiatives that target these areas and assist in implementing solutions that improve efficiency. By the end of my internship, I want to actively contribute to process improvement efforts that lead to better patient care and overall clinic performance.