Medicine, Public Health, and Real-World Skills

Today, interns immersed themselves in the vital intersection of healthcare, public health, and global development. The day began with a powerful lecture by Dr. Haruna Nalado, a renowned public health leader from Nigeria and a partner of Leadership Initiatives. Dr. Nalado, who has led major health education campaigns across northern Nigeria, spoke passionately about disease prevention, healthcare access, and the transformative potential of community-based medicine.

In a deeply personal moment, Dr. Nalado shared why public health continues to inspire her, and why she hopes to pass that inspiration on to the next generation. Her message resonated deeply with the interns, several of whom shared afterward that her words sparked a new passion for public health within them.

Following the lecture, interns participated in a clinical simulation session focused on taking patient histories. A list of diseases were written on the board, and each intern took on the role of a patient with one of the conditions. Their peers conducted mock interviews, asking open-ended questions, documenting symptoms, and building rapport. The activity emphasized the importance of empathy, active listening, and clear communication which is essential to effective patient care.

In the afternoon, interns participated in a hands-on medical skills rotation, moving through five interactive stations designed to build practical knowledge. They practiced arm plaster casting techniques used to stabilize fractures and explored the fundamentals of emergency medicine, gaining insight into how rapid assessment, decision-making, and timely intervention can stabilize patients and save lives in critical situations. Interns also took part in a water sanitation activity where they constructed at-home water purifiers to better understand the impact of clean water access on public health. In addition, they engaged with NeuroRacer, a cognitive training game that tests multitasking and brain function, and dedicated time to advancing their team proposals aimed at supporting their Nigerian business partners.

To wrap up a full day, interns enjoyed a well-deserved break with Georgetown Exploration, an opportunity to unwind, explore the neighborhood, and bond with fellow interns outside the classroom. Whether stopping by CVS, Insomnia Cookies, or Häagen-Dazs, the evening offered a fun glimpse into campus life.