Pre-med students who qualify to be an ICHF intern normally work with the International Children's Heart Foundation for a summer (three months). During that time they have an opportunity to work and learn through
- Research and awareness building projects
- Non-profit operations and management
- Mission trip with Medical team
Research and awareness building projects
An important part of the ICHF's mission is to conduct research and raise awareness on the global burden of congenital heart disease. ICHF tries to match the intern's areas of interest with the current projects. Interns participate in one or more of the one-time and on-going projects such as:
- Creating a survey that will help ICHF collect data on the situation of pediatric cardiac care in developing countries
- Documenting the deficiencies in pediatric cardiac services in the developing world
- Documenting the effects of Sildenafil on pulmonary hypertension
- Exploring alternative conduits for RV outflow tract reconstruction
- Exploring the use of inhaled prostacyclin in managing post-operative pulmonary hypertension
Non-profit operations and management
ICHF interns are involved in assisting with the day-to-day requirements of running a nonprofit organization. Interns learn the ins-and-outs of an organization that focuses on international health. Topics include::
- Federal and State regulations for nonprofits
- Budget preparation and adherence
- Fundraising strategies
- Grant compliance and reporting
- The planning and execution of fundraising events
Medical Mission Trips
To prepare for medical mission trips, intern responsibilities include:
- Obtaining donations of necessary for operating on children with congenital heart defects
- Packing medical supplies for trips
- Maintaining a data base of medical supplies received through donations and being shipped out on medical trips
- Keeping a log of medical supplies received
As a member of the medical team, intern responsibilities include:
- Spending time with each medical team specialist to learn about pediatric care from his/her perspective
- Collecting patient data to be kept in the ICHF statistical database and used for research purposes
- Taking pictures of patients and documenting their stories by talking with parents and children. These are used to support communications with potential and current donors and grant reporting.
If you are interested in working as an ICHF pre-med student intern, please download and complete the Student Opportunities Application (MS Word form document):
Completed applications should be emailed or mailed to:
International Children’s Heart Foundation
1750 Madison Avenue, Suite 500
Memphis, TN 38104