From Shadowing to Doing – My First Hands On Healthcare Internship

I completed a five-week internship as a Premed Intern at SGMA (Specialized Gastroenterology and Medical Associates) in Houston and it changed the way I think about healthcare.

Until now, most of my experiences had been observational. I’d shadowed OB/GYN doctors, learning by watching. But at SGMA, I finally stepped into a more hands-on role. I helped welcome patients, assisted with check-ins, and recorded their weights; small responsibilities that made me feel part of the team.

I didn’t realize how much goes into each patient’s visit beyond diagnosis. Communicating clearly, staying organized, helping patients feel seen — these are things you can’t learn just by observing. Being trusted with those tasks made me more aware of how every role in a clinic contributes to patient care.

This internship wasn’t just another line on my resume, it helped me grow. I became more confident, more focused, and more sure of the kind of work I want to do. Whether I go into psychology, primary care, or public health, I’ll carry this experience with me.

I’m thankful to SGMA for giving me a chance to participate, not just observe, and for showing me how powerful those “small” moments can be in someone’s care journey.mean to someone else.

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