My summer internship with the Western Cape Government Department of Health and Wellness was a deeply enriching experience, filled with both significant challenges and rewarding achievements. The first week was a whirlwind of introductions and orientation, where I met my eight teammates and began to understand the scope of our work. I took the initiative to engage with each team member, learning about their backgrounds, projects, and the valuable insights they offered.

By the end of the first week, I had to select a project that intrigued me. I was drawn to a private-public partnership aimed at improving healthcare access for rural farmworkers, which involved addressing social determinants of health and working with vulnerable communities of color. This project stood out due to its complexity and its focus on critical issues in public sector health work. I spent the next three weeks conducting extensive background research on the South African healthcare system, its structure, and the demographics of the area. 

Around week four, I had the opportunity to spend three days in the rural farmlands, shadowing mobile health clinics, talking to healthcare workers, and immersing myself in the field. This hands-on experience was instrumental in helping me understand the project’s landscape and its impact. I soon transitioned to evaluating the program, which, while showing significant success, also revealed several challenges. The absence of data and records from the public partners was particularly frustrating. There were no inventory lists, financial records, or accurate demographic data – which posed a substantial hurdle in completing my evaluation.

Despite these obstacles, I remained persistent. I spent nearly nine weeks navigating these data gaps, reaching out to key staff, and ultimately obtained a wealth of information from the private partners. This data highlighted the groundbreaking work and success of the partnership. I poured my efforts into creating a comprehensive 40-page report, which was later condensed into a 10-page report, a presentation, a one-pager, an op-ed, and various social media posts.

Presenting my findings to the Chief Director of Emergency & Clinical Services Support was a pivotal moment. My report was well-received and is set to be used to address project fragilities, secure additional funding, and raise awareness about the innovative model. This validation was incredibly gratifying and underscored the significance of my work.

The internship was both challenging and exhilarating. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and required an unprecedented level of independence. The key lesson I learned is that the most important stories are often the ones that people don’t have the time to tell. I am honored I had the opportunity to help tell this important story. My experience taught me resilience and the value of perseverance in the face of adversity. The successful completion of my final report stands as a testament to my dedication and is a source of immense pride.

In summary, my time at the Western Cape Government Department of Health and Wellness was transformative. It provided me with invaluable insights into public health, honed my research and analytical skills, and reaffirmed my commitment to making a meaningful impact in the field.