Wisconsin AHEC
Community Health Internship Program Sites, Summer 2011
Lake Superior
Region
Environmental Health
Ashland, Wisconsin
Environmental Health Inspection and Water Quality Monitoring Project
This internship is affiliated with the UW Oshkosh Environmental Health program. Interns
participate in the CHIP program activities. This program runs from late May through the end
of August.
Internship Summary
This internship is conducted in 3-4 locations in Wisconsin. The internship in the Lake Superior
region of Wisconsin includes conducting beach monitoring on Lake Superior and inland lakes
as well as the laboratory analysis of water samples. All internships provide a valuable look at
various aspects of environmental public health activities in the state and will provide for other
opportunities for job shadowing and involvement in local health departments. Housing is
available in Ashland.
Approximate Time per Activity:
Project 1: Environmental Health
Inspections - 50%
Project 2: Water Quality Monitoring 25%
Project 3: Well Water Sampling and Lab
Analysis - 25%
Skills and Experience Needed:
Some coursework and/or experience with biology principals. Microbiology and/or
environmental health training is preferred. Interns should be familiar with MS Word, Excel,
and PowerPoint.
Mentor:
Greg Kleinheinz, Associate Dean
[email protected]
920-424-1100
Important Considerations :
The intern must have a personal vehicle that can be used. They will be reimbursed for travel
costs. Housing is provided. A full summer stipend is provided to all interns. That is, while
CHIP is only a portion of the summer, all of the UW Oshkosh Environmental interns will work
from approximately the last week in May through the end of August and will be compensated
accordingly.
Barron County
Barron County Health Dept.
Barron, Wisconsin
Approximate Time per Activity:
Project 1 35 -- 35% CSP/PHN
Project 2 35 -- 35% Electronic
Medical Records
Job shadowing opportunities 30
Integration of Service Possibilities Between Public Health and Behavioral
Health
Internship Summary
Public Health is in the beginning stages of providing nursing services to the Community
Support Program (CSP) within Behavioral Health in an attempt to provide better integration of
services between units within Barron County Department of Health and Human Services. The
intern will work with data collection to identify systems of improvement and an increased focus
of prevention into CSP practice. The intern will also work on methods to implement an
electronic medical records system for patients/clients within Public Health. Opportunities will
be provided to explore a vast array of public health services including Women, Infants and
Children (WIC), Prenatal Care Coordination, environmental health services including facility
inspection and well sampling, reproductive health and more plus the opportunity to work with a
diverse cliental backgrounds including a large Somali and Hispanic population.
Skills and Experience Needed:
Prefer interest in public health and mental health and the desire to work families and children.
Applicants should be self-motivated and problem solvers.
Mentor:
Becky Tollers/Jean Kioltunski
Public Health Nurses
Contact:
Kaye Thompson
Public Health Program Manager
Barron County Health Officer
[email protected]
715-537-6111
Important Considerations :
May require access to a personal vehicle.
Other:
Barron County Department of Health and Human Services includes Public Health, Economic
Support, Youth and Family Services, Behavioral Health and the many services within each
area. Barron County is actively exploring opportunities to "cross the boundary lines" of each
department in an effort to provide better service for clients served.
Bayfield County
Bayfield County Health Dept.
Washburn, Wisconsin
Approximate Time per Activity:
Project 1: Community Health
Improvement Plan 75%
Project 2: Job Shadowing 25%
Mentor:
Terri Kramolis
Director/ Health Officer
[email protected]
715 373 6109
Assist with CHIP (Community Health Plan) in both Ashland and Bayfield
Counties
Internship Summary:
Both Ashland and Bayfield Counties are due to write their statute required CHIP (Community
Health Improvement Plan). The assessments have been completed. The intern will be involved
with committee work, design of the layout for the plan, meeting with community partners, and
leading committees who will provide input into the plan. If time allows, the intern will assist
with the rollout and media for the new plan. Partners that the student would be working with
include county government, local hospital and clinic staff, tribal clinical partners,
environmental health people (Zoning, DNR , Sanitarians, Tobacco Prevention) schools, UW
Extension, regional and state offices of Health, Human service departments, and ADRC and
Aging Units.
Skills and Experience Needed:
Student should have computer skills, a level of comfort contacting, organizing and
participating in meetings and discussions. Self-directed, motivated and interested in prevention
work and planning activities at a local level. The student will also have the opportunity to
observe and participate in the full realm of work that a local health department does.
Important Considerations :
Access to a vehicle is critical; ability to travel though out two large counties is required. Oral
and written skills, data organization but most critical is organized and self-confident and
interested in public health.
Other:
This opportunity will provide a student with ground level experience in public health activities
at a local level, in a rural area (which is beautiful and has access to some of the best outdoor
recreational activities in the state). The student will have the opportunity to work with two
level III health departments and their community partners to develop a plan that will guide
prevention work activities for the next five years. The people are warm and welcoming and the
student will have the opportunity to meet all levels of community health collaborators from
clinic to hospital to local governments.
Bayfield County
Red Cliff Community Health
Center, Bayfield
Approximate Time per Activity:
Mentor:
Lori Cannon, RN, MCH Nurse/HOC
Coordinator, 715-779-3707 x.264 or
[email protected]
Digital storytelling project that looks at the past, present and future of
childbearing in Red Cliff.
Internship Summary:
We are interested in having a digital storytelling project done that looks at the past, present and
future of childbearing in Red Cliff. This would be related, but different than our photovoice
project. We see this one as being more focused on the audio stories themselves, as told by
community members, (as well as video/photographs) about birth and parenting, including
traditional practices that may have been lost. The community is making an active effort to
revitalize Ojibwe language and many of the cultural practices, and I think a combo
research/documentary project around birth could help us bring back these practices as well.
Other:
This opportunity will provide a student with ground level experience in public health activities
at a local level, in a rural area (which is beautiful and has access to some of the best outdoor
recreational activities in the state). The student will have the opportunity to work with two
level III health departments and their community partners to develop a plan that will guide
prevention work activities for the next five years. The people are warm and welcoming and the
student will have the opportunity to meet all levels of community health collaborators from
clinic to hospital to local governments.
Brown County
Aurora BayCare Medical Center,
Dept. of Clinical Research
Approximate Time per Activity:
Project 1: 40% Medical Record
Abstraction
Project 2: 5% NIH CITI training
Project 3: 25% Interview patients
via Survey
Project 4: 20% General Office
Administration Tasks
Job Shadowing Opportunities 10%
Mentor:
Annette Paul
Supervisor, Clinical Research
[email protected]
920-288-3127
N.E. Wisconsin Rural Healthcare Coalition Research Project #1- Improve
Quality of Care Transitions for Chronically Ill Adults in Rural Areas of NE
WI
Internship Summary:
Care transitions are particularly thorny for elderly patients in rural areas. Health care access
issues such as distance and geography influence care transitions. In many rural communities,
linkages between urban and rural healthcare systems are primarily limited to patient referrals to
urban-based healthcare delivery systems. Rural health needs and practitioners are often not
integrated into urban-based delivery systems. In other rural communities, acquisitions of local
health care facilities (hospitals, clinics, nursing homes) are occurring by urban-based or
national systems. This scenario can seem to reduce local control over the delivery of health
services at the community level. Additionally, some rural hospitals lack the infrastructure to
collect and analyze data, which impacts quality improvement efforts.
The intern will complete the NIH CITI “Protecting Human Research Participants” course. 1)
Review data from the health care organizations’ databases to recruit chronically ill patients,
aged 65 and over who have experienced transitions in the past 12 months. 2) Develop a list of
patients on whom to collect information through random sampling. The minimum
recommended sample size is 300 per hospital. 3) Review patients’ medical records for selected
demographic and health status characteristics in accordance with the Health Insurance
Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 mandated regulations. 4) Become a trained
interviewer to administer the surveys. 5) Print and prepare cover letters, survey packets, and
reminder letters. 6) Assist in the administration of 600 surveys. A mixed mode of mail and
telephone or face-to-face interviews will be used. (General Office Admin. tasks) 7) Tabulate
data. 8) Conduct one focus group with at least 7 participants per each institution, observing
IRB protocol. 9) Transcribe the interviews and conduct analysis and validation of the data. *
The Intern may not be able to complete all of these tasks in Summer 2011, based on the
progress of the overall coalition. This is an 18-month work plan. Students will also be able to
shadow Clinical Research Coordinators conducting drug, medical device, and biologic Clinical
Trials with research subjects. Investigator-Initiated Studies will also provide an opportunity to
shadow physicians conducting novel research projects. Interns will work with academic
partners, as well.
Skills and Experience Needed:
Required: 1) Works collaboratively with appropriate investigators and clinical staff for study.
2) Collects, completes, and submits data on appropriate documents according to institutional or
regulatory policies. 3) Assists in data analysis for publication and patient care improvement as
appropriate. 4) Performs data entry and maintains data bases as needed. 5) Serves as a resource
to all disciplines and the community relative to the care of subjects in the study. 6) Attends
intern meetings and investigator meetings as necessary and/or mandated. 7) Demonstrates
knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the subjects served
(Adult and/or Geriatrics). 8) Word Processing skills and Computer Literacy of E-mail,
Microsoft Office, etc. 9) Capable of performing literature Review. Preferred: 1) Able to
perform surveys via telephone and face-to-face interviews. 2) Able to assist in focus group
facilitation. 3) Data Analysis experience. 4) Interview Transcription experience. 5) Human
Research Subject training via NIH or other qualified organization.
Important Considerations:
Access to a vehicle for work-related travel would be advisable. Ability to work some evenings
for focus group work. The intern would be able to stay on another month in the summer and
will be paid an extra $1200. The total internship would be for 3 months, not just the CHIP 8
weeks
Other:
Rural Healthcare Research Opportunity in NE WI with exciting community-academic
partnership between Rural Hospitals and UW-Green Bay and UW-Oshkosh faculty. Green Bay
is the Third Largest City in WI with a growing diverse population of Hispanic, Hmong, Native
American and Caucasian citizens. Brown County and NE WI rural communities surround
Green Bay and these patients come here for acute hospital care. Aurora BayCare Medical
Center (ABMC) is a 167-bed, full-service tertiary care hospital that serves Aurora Medical
Group and BayCare Clinic patients from Escanaba, MI to Manitowoc County, WI and west to
Shawano County. The hospital is the most northern one in the Aurora Healthcare System (the
largest healthcare system in WI) comprised of 15 hospitals on the Eastern coast of the state.
Buffalo County
Improving Health in Buffalo County Through Access
Buffalo County Health Dept.
Alma, Wisconsin
Internship Summary
Buffalo County Health Department is completing our Community Health Improvement Plan.
Local health departments are required by state statutes to complete a community health needs
assessment process every 5 years. The result of this process is the Community Health
Improvement Plan or CHIP. This plan guides the health department in meeting identified health
needs for our county residents and the communities in which they live. The needs assessment
process was completed in 2010 and the resulting top 3 focus areas for health are: access to
quality health services; chronic disease prevention and management; and adequate, appropriate
and safe food and nutrition. In 2011, we plan to further define what access issues exist and
tackle nutrition as a key component to the development of chronic disease. The intern working
in our department will connect with residents to further define exactly what access issues exist
from insurance coverage and HMO acceptance to transportation and clinic location. He or she
will also research health plans of the top 5-10 employers in and around Buffalo County to
include Marten Transport, schools, Dairyland Power, and Ashley Furniture. On the chronic
disease and nutrition side, the intern will help us implement interventions identified in the
Buffalo County Nutrition and Physical Activity Coalition's Intervention Action Plan.
Specifically we would like the intern to design a nutrition education program for school-age
students to learn healthy nutritional habits.
Approximate Time per Activity:
Project 1 35 -- Surveys and
Community Outreach (Access to Quality
Health/Dental Services)
Project 2 55 -- Nutritional
Interventions/Designing Nutritional
Education Program for School-age Kids
Job shadowing opportunities 10
Mentor:
Jen Rombalski, Health Officer/Public
Health Supervisor
[email protected]
608-685-6323
And
Lori Miller
WIC Director/Public Health
Nutritionist
Skills and Experience Needed:
Applicants for this internship should be self-motivated, organized, and skilled at
communicating with individuals of all ages within the community. A background in nutrition
and education is strongly preferred.
Other:
Buffalo County Health Department has a fantastic team and you will have the opportunity to
learn from true public health leaders. You will also be organizing and implementing activities
that will bring positive, healthy change for community residents. Buffalo County is a rural
county with approximately 14,000 people. The county seat, Alma, is a gorgeous town
surrounded by bluffs along the Mississippi River. The Health Department is joined with Human
Services and has a small, but dynamic staff consisting of the Health Officer/Public Health
Supervisor, the WIC Director/Public Health Nutritionist, a WIC Technician and a WIC Clerk, a
Registered Nurse, and an Environmental Health Specialist.
Chippewa County
Promoting A Breastfeeding-Friendly Chippewa County Community
Department of Public Health
Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin
Internship Summary:
The intern would work with their public health nurse mentor to: 1) collaborate with community
partners to assure access to breastfeeding friendly classes for prenatal women; 2) plan health
education and teach staff at two selected Chippewa County daycares on how to support
breastfeeding mothers and 3) Coordinate breastfeeding support and promotion with other
programs in the health department, private and public health care systems, and community
organizations to promote the establishment of breastfeeding as the norm in the community. The
student will have the opportunity to help coordinate a photovoice project working directly with
community members to promote breastfeeding.
Approximate Time per Activity:
Project 1 10 -- Partner Collaboration on
Prenatal Classes
Project 2 20 -- Day Care Education
Development and Co-presentation
Skills and Experience Needed:
An individual who is an advocate of breast milk as first food for infants is required. Experience
with or desire to improve group presentation or coalition-building skills, with background in
community health nursing is preferred. Also, helpful experience in facilitating group meetings.
Project 3 20 -- Promoting
Breastfeeding as Norm
Project 4: Photovoice on Breastfeeding
promotion
Job shadowing opportunities 10
Important Considerations:
There is a potential for some evening or weekend work which would be scheduled based upon
the interns availability, to reach the target groups. The majority of the work would be during the
hours of 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Contact:
Jean C Durch, RN, MPH, County Health
Officer/Public Health Director
[email protected]
715-726-7906
Other:
The mentor is a certified lactation consultant and is very passionate about breastfeeding
promotion. In a short time, the intern can contribute to promoting a healthy choice which can
make a difference in the lives of infants and children. As a professional working within the first
five years of her career, the mentor is also a great resource for advice on how your personal
interests can help you in your professional career.
Mentor:
Jennifer Lenbom
Public Health Nurse
Dane County
Public Health Madison and Dane
County
Madison, Wisconsin
Approximate Time per Activity:
Project 1: Violence
Prevention/community development
project: 80%
Job Shadowing: 20%
Mentor:
Kim Neuschel
Public Health Nurse
[email protected]
608-243-0343
Southwest Madison Violence Prevention and Community Development
Project
Internship Summary:
Public Health Madison & Dane County is currently working with residents in Southwest
Madison to implement a multi-faceted violence prevention program. The model’s
recommendations are aimed at improving the built environment, increasing opportunities for
youth, improving opportunities for economic development, building social capital and creating
an empowered community culture. The focus of this internship will be on working directly with
community members and UW academic partners to gather and analyze survey data aimed at
identifying community needs and priorities. Additional survey data will be collected to obtain
baseline data of residents’ levels of self-efficacy and empowerment. The research methodology
is community-based participatory research and interns will be working directly with community
members and stakeholders. A wide variety of shadowing opportunities exist within PHMDC
and with their community collaborators. Experiences can be tailored to meet the interests of the
candidate but may include time spent with public health nurses doing home visiting or working
immunization clinics, visiting a WIC (Women-Infant-Children) Supplemental Nutrition
Program clinic, observing communicable disease follow-up, learning about emergency
preparedness, spending time with an environmental health worker, exploring the role of the
epidemiologists, observing other population level projects, visiting neighborhood centers, or
spending time with the Joining Forces for Families neighborhood social worker.
Skills and Experience Required:
Skills required: excellent communication and interpersonal skills, ability to work
collaboratively with multi-disciplinary partners, excellent organizational skills
Important Considerations:
Some evening hours may be required. Access to personal vehicle is preferred.
Other:
This project’s partners represent a true coalition. Since its inception, the work has taken a
grassroots approach, engaging multidisciplinary stakeholders and most importantly, residents of
the community in which the work is being done. This internship provides a unique opportunity
for a student to experience first-hand this cutting-edge approach to addressing social and
economic determinants of health in an effort to reduce health disparities.
Dane County
Public Health Madison & Dane
County
Monitoring and Management of Shoreline Waters for Pathogens, Algal
Blooms and Toxins
Internship Summary:
Madison, Wisconsin
Approximate Time per Activity:
Project 1: Beach Sampling 80%
Job Shadowing: 20%
Mentor:
Kirsti Sorsa
Environmental Technical Services
Supervisor
[email protected]
608-243-0356
The Public Health Madison and Dane County (PHMDC) monitors bacteria and blue-green
algae blooms that may produce toxins. Enteric pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses and parasites
and blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) may cause water-borne diseases resulting from
recreational exposure. Cyanobacteria can produce skin, liver and neuro-toxins. The presence of
these micro-organisms causes concerns about the potential for adverse public health effects –
ranging from mild to fatal – menacing people and animals. The proposed internship project
includes two efforts for addressing beach safety: • Sanitary survey to evaluate specific nonpoint sources of E. coli contamination. • Refine the strategy for managing risks from
cyanobacteria toxins by evaluating rapid monitoring tools for detecting toxins. The activities
include beach water and sediment monitoring. The goals are to recognize undesirable health
outcomes from these organisms; to protect the public; to minimize the likelihood of water-borne
disease outbreaks; to communicate risk and to assure safety from recreational activities. Job
shadowing opportunities will be available so the intern can explore different aspects of public
health.
Skills and Experience Required:
Skills in microbial sample handling techniques, good quality assurance / quality control skills,
attention to detail and ability to work in a team environment required.
Important Considerations:
Ability to work under adverse weather conditions, valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle
preferred.
Other:
During this project, the student will learn about environmental contaminants that can cause
illness. The project provides opportunities to apply current techniques for understanding
dynamics of microbial communities and developing strategies for recreational water safety in
Dane County lakes. By understanding contaminant sources, the project can help find solutions
to improve water quality and remove Madison beaches from impaired beaches list. (Wisconsin
Department of Natural Resources has placed six beaches on this list due to E. coli
contamination).
Dane County
Allied Wellness Cooperative: Community Engagement Project
Allied Wellness Center
Madison, Wisconsin
Internship Summary:
The CHIP intern will be the project manager for the community event in collaboration with
staff, partners, and the core organizations from the Allied Wellness Cooperative project (Allied
Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood and Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood Associations, the Allied
Wellness Center, Dane County TimeBank and Madison Apprenticeship Program). The
community event will familiarize the community with the connection between the Allied
Wellness Cooperative’s goals of building social capital through integrated health, economic,
and social services and the social determinates of health. The CHIP intern will assist with
developing a report and presentation based on data from previously held focus groups to be
revealed at the community event. In addition, the CHIP intern will have the opportunity to job
shadow staff or volunteers from the five core organizations and other Allied Wellness
Cooperative partners with the potential for additional side projects based on the intern’s
interests. Additional Information: The purpose of the Allied Wellness Cooperative project is to
develop an innovative social cooperative with the goal of engaging ethnically diverse, lowincome community members (Allied Dunn’s Marsh neighborhood in Madison) as equal
partners working with stakeholders to identify and address individual and community
conditions that create poor health (social determinants of health).
Approximate Time per Activity:
Project 1: Community Engagement
Project
Job Shadowing Opportunities: 10%
Mentor:
Katherine Vaughn-Jehring
UW Population Health Fellow Allied
Wellness Cooperative Project Manager
[email protected]
262-442-3764
Skills and Experience Required:
Ideal candidates for this internship are outgoing, self-motivated, goal oriented and have the
ability to work independently. Strong computer skills, time management and organizational
skills, enthusiasm, creativity, and interpersonal skills are required. Excellent written and oral
communications skills are important for this position. Familiarity with or interest in the concept
of coalition building and social marketing is preferred. Skills/experience (or a strong desire to
gain them) in community education/outreach and project coordination involving diverse
community partners preferred. Fluency in Spanish and/or experience in low-income
communities would be preferred, but are not required.
Important Considerations:
Fluency in Spanish would be excellent, but not required. Some weekend and evening work
might be necessary. Access to personal vehicle for work-related travel helpful, but not required
because this opportunity is on the Madison bus line.
Other:
You would be part of an innovative and cutting edge project that is pro-actively tackling the
negative effects of individual and community conditions that create poor health. You would be
working on a grass roots movement to improve the factors that affect the social determinants of
health. We would be happy to share the grant proposal narrative with any interested candidate
to help them get a better understanding of our project.
Dane County
Implementing the Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity State Plan
Wisconsin Division of Public
Health
Madison, Wisconsin
Internship Summary:
The Wisconsin Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity State Plan revision will be released in
2011. The State Plan is a framework to create and support environments that make it easier for
all residents to make healthy food choices, be physically active and maintain a healthy weight.
The Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity Program has several initiatives underway as part
of the dissemination of the revised plan and overall implementation of the plan. The internship
may include developing communication and marketing materials for the State Plan, analyzing
survey data and writing a report, literature reviews, developing assessment tools, formative
assessment, evaluation and working with state and local partners. Additionally, the intern will
have the opportunity to work on other projects of interest that may include the worksite,
healthcare, early care and education, school or community settings. More information is
available on the website, http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/health/physicalactivity/index.htm
Approximate Time per Activity:
Project 1: Resource Planning 65%
Project 2: Other Obesity Prevention
Initiatives
Project 3: Program Integration 5%
Job Shadowing Opportunities: 10%
Contact:
Mary Pesik
Program Coordinator Nutrition, Physical
and Obesity Program
[email protected]
608-267-3694
Skills and Experience Required:
Knowledge of intervention design principles (preferred); knowledge of policy, environmental
and systems change strategies (preferred); knowledge of formative assessment techniques
(preferred); good written and oral communication skills (required); knowledge of nutrition or
physical activity or health education (preferred)
Important Considerations:
The worksite is in downtown Madison; the intern would be reimbursed for work-related travel.
Other:
Obesity prevention work is currently a fast-paced, ever changing field; it is a great time to
become involved.
Dane County
Health Literacy, Medication Labeling and Patient Safety in Wisconsin
Wisconsin Literacy, Inc.
Madison, Wisconsin
Internship Summary:
Only 12 percent of American adults are proficient in health literacy, or the ability to obtain,
process and understand basic health information and services to make appropriate health
decisions. Low health literacy has significant impacts on the health care system, from patient
safety to increased health care costs. This internship will focus on providing a general
introduction to the topic of health literacy, by supporting the health literacy activities of Health
Literacy Wisconsin, a division of Wisconsin Literacy, Inc. The AHEC intern will work with
statewide health care organizations as well as our 60 statewide adult literacy agencies to
advance the field of health literacy through public relations and outreach activities, support of
statewide health literacy committees, and data analysis and evaluation activities. The AHEC
Approximate Time per Activity:
Project 1 30 -- Medication
labeling/safety research project
Project 2 20 -- Data Analysis and
Evaluation of Activities
Project 3 25 -- Support of Health
Literacy Wisconsin activities (outreach
to health care organizations and literacy
agencies)
Project 4 25 -- Support to statewide
health literacy committees
Job shadowing opportunities 0
Contact:
Michele Erikson
Executive Director
[email protected]
608-257-1655
Mentor
Erin Aagesen
Health Literacy Coordinator
intern will also have the opportunity to lead a research project and needs assessment on the
topic of medication labeling in Wisconsin, culminating in the development of a final report
recommending an appropriate intervention that could be applied by Health Literacy Wisconsin.
Skills and Experience Required:
Research (required) - Strong writing and editing skills (required) - Project management
(required) - Ability to work well with diverse groups of people (required) - Experience working
within a clinical environment or an adult literacy environment (preferred)
Other:
Health Literacy Wisconsin is a national leader in the new and burgeoning field of health
literacy. It is part of a Midwest coalition that is setting the framework to launch a national
health literacy coalition. An intern with HLW will have access to the people that are
determining the direction of health literacy amidst a myriad of changes in how health care is
delivered and received in the U.S. The work of HLW is to infuse health literacy concepts into
the current and reforming health care system, which is at the “tipping point” of major change.
An intern will have the opportunity to see and work with both sides of this issue, as they will be
reaching out to health care providers and literacy providers who represent the patient
perspective.
Dane County
LCEC Community Health and Nutrition Intern
Lussier Community Education
Center
Madison, Wisconsin
Internship Summary:
The intern will plan and lead initiatives that supplement and expand upon existing LCEC
programming (including the Farmer's Market and the Kids' Cafe meal program). The intern will
collaborate with staff to raise nutritional awareness, promote healthy lifestyles and increase the
wellness of LCEC members and the surrounding community. The initiatives will be primarily
focused on developing community outreach strategies.
Skills and Experience Required:
Approximate Time Per Activity
Project 1 70 -- Community outreach
with health/nutrition focus (plan and
lead specific events, utilize participants
in existing programs)
Project 2 15 -- Curriculum
development for youth events and food
programming
Project 3 10 -- Research health and
nutritional-focused topics as they relate
to the Farmer's Market and existing
programming
Job shadowing opportunities 5
The intern must be highly organized, flexible, accountable, and motivated to completing
projects. The position requires creative problem solving and strong collaboration with diverse
groups who share multiple goals.
Other:
The internship will require reasonable time/work-hours flexibility to work in conjunction with a
variety of LCEC programs. The intern must be committed to developing initiatives that focus
on promoting health for all segments of the community's demographic.
The internship's community outreach component will greatly benefit LCEC members and the
surrounding Madison community! Enhancing existing programming and developing new
initiatives will strengthen the nutritional and health foci within LCEC and will set an excellent
foundation for future support within the area.
Contact and Mentor:
Ana Lagunez
Volunteer Coordinator
[email protected]
(608) 833-4979
Dane County
Madison Outdoor Classroom Coalition
Sustain Dane
Madison, Wisconsin
Internship Summary:
Approximate Time Per Activity
100% Outdoor Classroom Coalition
Contact: Rachel Martin
Program Manager
[email protected]
608.819.0689
Mentor: Rachel Martin and Mary
Michaud
Program Manager and Health Forward
Consulting
Sustain Dane, Health Forward Consulting and Community GroundWorks are launching an outdoor
classroom coalition in Madison, Wisconsin. The coalition will support all stakeholders working to
integrate outdoor classrooms into the culture and curriculum of Madison public schools. Compelling
research on the health and educational benefits of garden-based learning has increasingly garnered
attention from parents and educators as a method to promote positive youth development, nutrition
education, community involvement in schools, and as a foundation for promoting overall community
health. The AHEC intern will work to highlight the many ways that garden-based outdoor learning is
taking place in Madison public schools and how that work connects to community health. Specifically, the
intern will: • Develop a taxonomy of approaches to garden-based learning (i.e. youth development,
nutrition, sustainability, physical education, etc.). • Use the taxonomy to inventory how MMSD staff, are
integrating garden-based learning into the classroom. • Interview representatives from organizations
involved in garden-based education to: (1) understand what drives their work and (2) how their work
connects to public health. These organizations will include: Dane County Public Health, Wisconsin
Department of Health Services, the Community Action Coalition, Wisconsin Department of Health
Services, and the Madison Metropolitan School District.
Skills and Experience Required:
Resourceful self-starter with ability to work both independently and as a strong team member (required) •
Solid written and oral communication skills (required) • Experience with collecting qualitative data
(preferred) • Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite (required) • Ability to develop effective work plans,
organize details, set priorities, and meet Deadlines (required) • Previous experience and/or interest in child
and family health (preferred) • Experience in K-12 education or extracurricular activities with K-12
children a plus (preferred). Access to a vehicle for work-related travel, flexible schedule
Other:
The AHEC intern will learn about the connection between public school systems and public health, the
role of qualitative data in strategic planning, principles of collaborative leadership, how to develop a
coalition from the ground, and interdisciplinary concepts that tie together garden-based learning,
educational theory, youth development models, and experiential education. Working closely with
seasoned professionals from public health, community organizing, science education, outreach, urban
planning, and education policy, the fellow will learn how public health interfaces with the public school
system. They will have the opportunity to meet with a diverse of array of stakeholders/leaders involved in
garden-based learning from both the fields of public health and educational field.
Dane County
Project WINNERS Planning and Evaluation – Internship #1
WINNERS, UW-Madison School
of Nursing
Madison, Wisconsin
Internship Summary:
Internship #1
Approximate Time Per Activity
Project work The intern is expected to
work 40 hours per week. Please list each
project an...
Project 1 50 -- Development of
Community Profiles
Project 2 40 -- Support and
Evaluation of Advisory Groups
Project 3 10 -- Shadowing
Contact:
Dr. Barb Bowers
Associate Dean and Professor
[email protected]
608-263-5189
Project WINNERS (Wisconsin Network for New Employment and Research Support) seeks
to improve the quality and relevance of health research that is conducted in communities.
Project activities include 1) development of Community Profiles that describe neighborhood
strengths and concerns in two Madison neighborhoods, and 2) development of Community
Research Advisory Groups who provide feedback to researchers on the relevance and
appropriateness of their study procedures, instruments, and data collection methods. The intern
will work closely with the School of Nursing project team and partners at the community
centers to complete the Profiles and support and evaluate the Advisory Groups. Tasks may
include entering survey data into a database; planning community forums; participating in
project team meetings and meetings with community partners; compiling and formatting data
for Community Profiles; developing an Advisory Group orientation manual; and conducting a
qualitative evaluation of the Advisory Groups. The intern will have opportunities to shadow the
Project Manager, Community Research Trainer, and partners at the community centers.
.
Skills and Experience Required:
Required skills include 1) Respectful collaboration with people representing diverse
perspectives, abilities, and cultures, 2) Strong oral and written communication, 3) Computer
literacy, including file and folder management, use of Microsoft Word, and e-mail, 4) Ability to
conduct interviews and take field notes, and 5) Organization and time management. Preferred
experiences include 1) Planning for community events, 2) Analyzing qualitative data, and 3)
Working with community organizations.
The intern will attend numerous meetings at community locations, and access to a personal
Mentor: Gay Thomas; Betty Kaiser
Mentor's title Gay--Project Manager
Betty-Director of Curriculum
Development
vehicle is recommended. Occasional attendance (1-2 times per month) at late-afternoon or
evening meetings will be required.
Dane County
Project WINNERS Curriculum Development- Internship #2
WINNERS, UW-Madison School
of Nursing
Madison, Wisconsin
Internship Summary:
Internship #2
Approximate Time Per Activity
Project 1 70 -- Development of
Research Assistant curriculum
Project 2 20 -- Development and
Implementation of Advisory Group
learning activities
Project 3 10 -- Shadowing
Contact:
Dr. Barb Bowers
Associate Dean and Professor
[email protected]
608-263-5189
Mentor Betty Kaiser; Gay Thomas
Mentor's title Betty--Director of
Curriculum Development Gay--Project
Manager
Other:
This is a great opportunity for students interested in community capacity-building and systemslevel change to improve health.
Project WINNERS (Wisconsin Network for New Employment and Research Support) seeks to
improve the quality and relevance of health research that is conducted in communities. The
project includes two educational components: 1) development of a Community Health Research
Assistant training program that will prepare community members to work as research assistants
or in health care settings and 2) development and implementation of learning activities for
Community Research Advisory Groups who provide feedback to researchers on the relevance
and appropriateness of their study procedures, instruments, and data collection methods. The
intern will work closely with the School of Nursing project team and partners at two Madison
community centers. Tasks may include searching and organizing evidence-based resources on
adult learning, health literacy, and teaching strategies with low-literacy learners; participating in
project team meetings and meetings with community partners; interviewing members of the
Advisory Groups for feedback on the Research Assistant curriculum; and developing learning
objectives, activities, and modules tailored to a low-literacy target population. The intern will
have opportunities to shadow the Project Manager, Community Research Trainer, and partners
at the community centers.
.
Skills and Experience Required:
Required skills include 1) Respectful collaboration with people representing diverse
perspectives, abilities, and cultures, 2) Strong oral and written communication, 3) Computer
literacy, including file and folder management, use of Microsoft Word, and e-mail, 4) Ability to
search library databases and the Internet for evidence-based resources, and 5) Organization and
time management. Preferred experiences include 1) Developing adult educational programs, 2)
Conducting interviews and taking field notes, and 3) Working with community organizations.
The intern will attend numerous meetings at community locations, and access to a personal
vehicle is recommended. Occasional attendance (1-2 times per month) at late-afternoon or
evening meetings will be required.
Other:
This is a great opportunity for students interested in community capacity-building and systemslevel change to improve health.
Dodge County
Community Health Improvement Plan/Public Health Program Evaluation
Dodge County Human Services
and Health Department - Public
Health Unit
Juneau, Wisconsin
Internship Summary
Wisconsin local health departments conduct a community health needs assessment every 5
years in order to establish local health priorities. A comprehensive data gathering and
assessment relating to community health indicators needs to be done by the health department
working with their partners. If possible it is also important to gather community input through
surveys, focus groups or individual interviews with key informants. This process will start the
community-supported health improvement plan to guide the health department's decisions on
programs over the next five years. The intern will have an opportunity to work as a team
Approximate Time per Activity:
Project 1 50 -- Community Health
Improvement Plan
Project 2 45 -- Public Health
Program Evaluation
Job shadowing opportunities 5
Contact:
Jody Langfeldt
Public Health Officer
[email protected]
920-386-3674
Mentor:
Jody Langfeldt, Public Health Officer
Mary Rosecky, Public Health Nurse
member with other health department personnel and other health departments as part of this
project. In the pre-accreditation assessment, Dodge County Public Health Unit scored low in
program evaluation. We are interested in developing processes to engage in a continuous
system of program evaluation and analysis within the Public Health programs. The intern would
be responsible for researching the various methodologies that are used to evaluate programming
within Public Health and presenting them to the department. Using these tools the intern will
work with nursing staff to review and evaluate the effectiveness of an existing program. The
effectiveness of the chosen programs will be based on the available research The analysis and
evaluation will help to align the programs with evidence-based best practices within Public
Health and will help to guide the department to establishing a system where they can perform
periodic assessments of the effectiveness of their programming based on those methods.
Skills and Experience Needed:
This would be a great opportunity for an intern who is interested in community needs
assessment process, working other public health jurisdictions, and develop mechanisms for
enhancing community health. An interest in data bases and ability to access data bases and pull
out appropriate information to the assessment is needed. A good opportunity for an intern who
has an interest in research, identifying evaluation methods and a desire to learn about public
health programs and the role of evaluation and analysis.
Important Considerations:
The community needs assessment would require travel between health departments in Dodge
and Jefferson Counties and the City of Watertown. The program evaluation piece will be done
at the Dodge County Public Health Unit site in Juneau.
Other:
It is an opportunity to learn about public health and the role it plays in numerous areas of
everyday life.
Door County
Environmental Health Inspection and Water Quality Monitoring Project
Environmental Health
Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
This internship is affiliated with the UW Oshkosh Environmental Health program. Interns
participate in the CHIP program activities. This program runs from late May through the end
of August.
Approximate Time per Activity:
Project 1: Environmental Health
Inspections - 50%
Project 2: Water Quality Monitoring 25%
Project 3: Well Water Sampling and Lab
Analysis - 25%
Mentor:
Greg Kleinheinz, Associate Dean
[email protected]
920-424-1100
Internship Summary
This internship is conducted at 3-4 locations in Wisconsin. The internship in Door County
includes conducting beach monitoring on Lake Michigan and inland lakes as well as the
laboratory analysis of water samples. Interns will also undertake some environmental
investigations of environmental contamination. All internships provide a valuable look at
various aspects of environmental public health activities in the state and will provide for other
opportunities for job shadowing and involvement in local health departments. Housing is
available in Sturgeon Bay.
Skills and Experience Needed:
Some coursework and/or experience with biology principals. Microbiology and/or
environmental health training is preferred. Interns should be familiar with MS Word, Excel,
and PowerPoint.
Important Considerations :
The intern must have a personal vehicle that can be used. They will be reimbursed for travel
costs. Housing is provided. A full summer stipend is provided to all interns. That is, while
CHIP is only a portion of the summer, all of the UW Oshkosh Environmental interns will work
from approximately the last week in May through the end of August and will be compensated
accordingly.
Douglas County
Electronic health record implementation support
Lake Superior Community Health
Center
Superior, Wisconsin
Internship Summary
The Lake Superior Community Health Center serves uninsured and underinsured persons in the
Superior, WI and Duluth, MN area. We are in the process of initiating the use of GE Centricity
practice management and EHR during 2011. During this process, we will have some changes in
our patient flow and challenges in putting the proper data from the old charts into the new
electronic format. We would like to have an intern who could help with patient flow, electronic
record use, and other means of staff support during this time of transition.
Approximate Time per Activity:
Project 1 20 -- Patient flow patterns
Project 2 40 -- EHR support
Project 3 40 -- Data entry
Mentor:
Cathy Amorde, RN
Nurse Manager
Contact
Gail Baldwin, MD
Medical Director
[email protected]
715-392-1955920-424-1100
Skills and Experience Needed:
Familiar with computer systems and Windows XP. Required Good organizational skills.
Required Medical knowledge. Required Typing skills. Required Excellent communication
skills.
Important Considerations :
Busy work place may require that the person is self-motivated and able to work without
constant support of the mentor.
Other
This is a great place to see how the safety net for medical care operates in an environment
where 70% of the patients are living in poverty.
Eau Claire City and County
Underage Drinking Prevention Strategies - Gathering the Evidence
Eau Claire City-County Health
Department
Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Internship Summary:
The goal of this internship project is to collect and analyze data to prioritize and plan evidencebased environmental strategies to reduce underage drinking in Eau Claire County. Through this
data collection process, information will also be gathered on feasibility of creating a
countywide police data reporting system. The Reality Check 21 Partnership currently has
several questions needing answers before moving forward on strategies, such as: - What
percentage of police calls are alcohol related? - Is there underage drinking at summer
community events? - Which bars have sober-server policies? - What evidence have other
communities gathered to pursue social host ordinances? There will be opportunities to become
acquainted with our current plans and structure for reducing underage drinking. Reality Check
21 Partnership Action Teams exist in four communities and attending their meetings will
provide insight to their uniqueness. It will also be possible to learn additional answers team
members are seeking and assist them with drafting the question(s). This project entails working
collaboratively with six law enforcement agencies, as well as community organizations,
businesses, and coalitions to obtain quantitative and qualitative data collected through primary
and secondary methods, such as surveys, observation, interviews, police reports, newspaper
articles, and online searches.
Approximate Time per Activity:
Project 1 20 -- Obtaining background
information
Project 2 70 -- Gathering data
Project 3 5 -- Countywide reporting
system
Job shadowing opportunities 5
Contact:
Francie Peardon
Community Advocacy Director/Supv
[email protected]
715-839-5091
College:
Major:
Year:
High School and Year:
Hometown:
Skills and Experience Needed:
Strong interpersonal skills along with good written and oral communication skills are required.
Basic working knowledge of computer software (Microsoft word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and
searching the internet is also required. Experience with collecting and analyzing data as well as
preparing reports and graphs is preferred.
Important Considerations:
Access to a vehicle or other mode of travel for work-related events will be needed. Willingness
to work some evenings or weekends at community events is desired.
Other:
This is an awesome opportunity for someone who is interested in underage drinking prevention,
enjoys working with a variety of people, likes to attend community events, is motivated by
curiosity, and values the practical application of data.
Grant County
Grant County Health Department
Lancaster, Wisconsin
Approximate Time per Activity:
Project 1 22 -Preparing/participating in Youth
Leadership Conference
Project 2 19 -- Preparing/participating
in substance abuse prevention events
/meetings with staff/community
leaders/partners
Project 3 35 -- Collecting, recording
& analyzing data, & summary report for
Community Mapping Assessment
Project 4 14 -- Attending WI
Prevention Conference (dependent upon
scholarships)
Job shadowing opportunities 10
Mentor:
Kathy Marty, S.A.F.E. Grant County
Coalition Project Director
[email protected]
(608) 723-1614
Contact
Jeff Kindrai
Health Director
[email protected]
Impacting youth & others through research-based substance abuse
prevention/intervention
Internship Summary:
Interns looking for a chance to work with youth/community leaders and participate in researchbased prevention/intervention substance abuse programs (substance abuse is a major public
health care concern) will be interested in this opportunity. The intern will help plan and
implement the annual Youth Leadership Conference at Bethel Horizons Retreat Center/Ropes
Course on July 6-July 8, 2011. This will involve managing many details and working directly
with the youth. Another significant project will be to work on an annual survey of schools,
mental health agencies, local police departments, and the county sheriff’s department to help
the coalition track current substance abuse and other risky behavior trends in order to
strategically target their services. The intern will also have the opportunity to meet and work
with a variety of individuals from many sectors of the community who are involved in the
S.A.F.E. Grant County Coalition’s work. In addition, there will be opportunities for exposure to
other Grant County Health Department’s programs through job shadowing/consultation with
the WIC program workers, Environmental Health Coordinator, and other public health
employees. The S.A.F.E. Grant County Coalition has been recognized for its successful
prevention/intervention efforts by Governor Doyle, the DPI, CADCA, and SAMHSA (its
federal grantors).
Skills and Experience Needed:
It would be helpful to have experience working with youth or a strong desire to work with
youth as well as community leaders. It would also be beneficial if the potential intern would
have experience or knowledge regarding the collection/analyzation of data as well as
experience working with Microsoft office (WORD, Excel, and PowerPoint, in particular.)
Important Considerations:
Access to a personal vehicle for work-related travel. We can locate housing for this internship.
Other:
The S.A.F.E. Grant County Coalition serves all of Grant County, which is primarily rural and
borders part of Iowa (on the west), Illinois (on the south), the Wisconsin River on the north, and
Iowa/Lafayette counties on the east. The coalition is based in Lancaster Wisconsin, the county
seat, which is one of our 5 cities beyond our 14 villages and 33 townships. According to the US
Census Bureau, Grant County has a 2007 population estimate of 48,792, with approximately
43.2 people per square mile. Platteville has the largest population in the county at
approximately 9,850 people.
Substance abuse is a major public health care concern, yet few classes deal with this issue
(unless one is going into this field.) This is an opportunity to research/learn a significant amount
of knowledge in a short amount of time about this issue and to actually participate in researchbased strategies to reduce and/or prevent this problem. It is also a way to learn about coalition
work that can be utilized in any community to combat substance abuse no matter where the
intern may eventually work/reside. Lastly, it is a chance to work with youth and a variety of
community leaders/health care professionals that could lead to future career opportunities.
Green Lake County
"Let's Move Green Lake County"
Green Lake County Health Dept.
Green Lake, Wisconsin
Internship Summary:
The nationwide initiative, "Let's Move" is an effort to get children and families moving to
reduce childhood obesity. The intern will be working with the Green Lake Area Health &
Wellness Coalition members to implement this program in the area Boys and Girls Clubs and
local summer recreation programs. In addition, the intern will have the opportunity to work
with local businesses involved in a "Worksite Wellness" program which will include working
with 4 local businesses to improve health through education sessions on nutrition, exercise and
healthy lifestyle choices. The intern will also do job shadowing with all health departments
including environmental health, maternal child health, Birth to 3, immunizations, tobacco
control and more.
Approximate Time per Activity:
Project 1: Let’s Move 60%
Project 2: Worksite Wellness 15%
Project 3: Coalition Activities 10%
Project 4: Tobacco Control 5%
Job Shadowing Opportunities 10%
Mentor:
Kathy Munsey, Health Officer
[email protected]
920-294-4070
Skills and Experience Needed:
Requires excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively with groups,
particularly children. Intern should have excellent computer skills and will be expected to blog
progress on programs. Should be physically fit in order to lead exercise groups. Health and
nutrition background are a plus.
Important Considerations:
Looking for and intern with an exuberant personality to get community members involved in
"Let's Move" campaign. Vehicle for work-related travel is required.
Other:
The Green Lake County Health Department is located in central WI and is rural, but caters to
numerous tourists in the summer. Being rural, the health department has to provide a wide
variety of services and past interns have been very impressed with all they have learned and the
number of experiences they are able to participate in.
Iron County
Iron County CHIP (Community Health Improvement Plan)
Iron County Health Dept.
Hurley, Wisconsin
Internship Summary:
Wisconsin State Statute requires that local health departments participate in community health
assessments; collect, review and analyze environmental and community health data; and
undertake management, control and prevention of environmental factors that many adversely
affect the health, safety or well-being of individuals or the community. We are required to
participate and provide collaborative health expertise in the development of community plans
that include identification of community health priorities, goals and objectives to address
current and emerging threats to the health of the community. The previous Community Health
Improvement Plan (CHIP) was 2004-2009 when Iron County addressed tobacco, alcohol and
mental health issues and physical activity and nutrition related to chronic diseases as the 3 top
health priorities. In 2010, we wrapped up the previous plan and have met with community
partners to prepare them for 2011 and the new plan which will follow closely the Healthiest
Wisconsin 2020 plan. The student intern will work closely with/shadow the Iron County Health
Officer to develop an 8-week work plan. The Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP)
will be the primary project. The work plan will include CHIP meetings with the community,
computer time writing up minutes and information from meetings, gathering survey results and
data for the CHIP, and any other related activities. The ultimate goal will be the Iron County
2011-2016 CHIP document.
Approximate Time per Activity:
Project 1: Community Health
Improvement Program 75%
Job Shadowing Opportunities: 25%
Mentor:
Zona Wick
Health Officer
[email protected]
715-561-2191
Skills and Experience Needed:
Good computer skills required. Good communication skills required. Self-motivation skills
required.
Important Considerations:
Access to a vehicle is important.
Other:
Iron County is a very small rural county in northern Wisconsin. There are only about 6,000
residents and about 30% are over the age of 65. The Iron County Health Department is located
in downtown Hurley, a small town of about 1800 residents. There are 3 nurses, 2 program
assistants and 1 environmental health sanitarian that staff the level 3 health department which
means this is a very busy place with only a few staff running almost 20 different programs. We
are lucky though because our community partners, although few, support and respect the work
of the health department and are involved in processes such as the CHIP (Community Health
Improvement Process). If you want to spend time on beautiful lake Superior, hiking wooded
trails and breathing the freshest air ever, come to Iron County and work for the summer-you
will never forget the experience.
Jefferson County
Integration of Social Media at the Jefferson County Health Department
Jefferson County Health Dept.
Jefferson, Wisconsin
Internship Summary:
The Jefferson County Health Department is a local health department located in Jefferson,
Wisconsin. Our focus is health education and disease prevention. We offer a wide variety of
services including; but not limited to; immunizations, well-child exams, communicable disease
investigation, maternal-child health services (outreach to both prenatal and post-partum
women), and WIC, (Women, Infant, and Children nutrition program). Jefferson County has
established a committee looking into the use of social media tools within local government. The
Health Department has a strong interest in incorporating social media tools such as Facebook,
Twitter, and YouTube to expand their reach and increase community access to credible, science
based health messages. The Health Department will serve as a pilot program for launching
government use of social media in Jefferson County. The intern will be responsible for
reviewing available resources, including The Health Communicator’s Social Media Toolkit
from the CDC, to help identify tools appropriate for use in Jefferson County. The intern will
consider benefits and risks of various tools and will establish a foundation for use of social
media in which the health department will continue to build upon. A basic social media
campaign will be established during this internship.
Approximate Time per Activity:
Project 1: Social media integration at
JCHD 90%
Job Shadowing 10%
Mentor:
Amy Fairfield, RN, BSN
(920)674-7137
[email protected]
Contact:
Diane Nelson, Public Health
Program Manager
920-674-7186
[email protected]
Skills and Experience Needed:
Ideal candidates for this intern position must be creative, self-motivated, and possess excellent
communication skills. Candidate must have good working knowledge of computer programs,
including Microsoft word, excel, and the internet. Experience with or an interest in web design
would be helpful, but not required. An interest and good working knowledge of social media
tools (Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube) is essential!
Important Considerations:
Personal laptop and own vehicle required. Intern will occasionally work with social media pilot
committee, comprised of departmental heads from all county departments; county board,
highway, information technology, land and conservation, and UW-Health Extension.
Other:
Public health is just beginning to tap into social media resources. This intern would be a part of
“ground breaking” work to explore and implement these applications in a public health setting
for health education and outreach to a new generation of clients.
Jefferson & Dodge Counties
Digging for Data
City of Watertown Health Dept.
Project #1
Watertown, Wisconsin
Internship Summary:
Watertown Department of Public Health along with Dodge and Jefferson County Health
Departments complete a community health assessment every five years. It is time to begin the
process of gather community health data to develop a community health assessment. The intern
will assist will gathering local data. The intern will research innovative techniques to compile
local data. The goal is to compel local policy makers and leaders into action. Watertown Area
Cares Clinic a free medical clinic has been serving the Watertown Area since May of 2008. The
clinic provides free medical care to uninsured individuals at or below 200% of the federal
poverty level. Since opening the doors to the clinic in 2008 over 4,000 patient visits have
occurred. The free clinic intern will work with the local health system to assess the impact of
Approximate Time per Activity:
Project 1: Community Assessment 40%
Project 2: Emergency Room Use 40%
Job Shadowing 20%
the clinic on the use of urgent and emergency care by uninsured individuals. The use of urgent
and emergency room care was the only option for uninsured individuals to gain access to health
care for in the Watertown area prior to May 2008. The results of the research will be used to
educate the community on the importance of a primary care verses use of emergency health
care services. The intern will assist in compiling the data to be disseminated to community
members through reports and presentations.
Mentor:
Carol Quest Health Officer/Director
[email protected]
(920)262-8090
Skills and Experience Needed:
Strong communication skills both verbal and written. Computer skill and experience in internet
searching for public health evidence based practices.
Important Considerations:
The intern should have access to a vehicle. There may be occasional evening hours.
Others:
The intern will have flexibility in the process used to gather data. Hours are flexible.
Jefferson & Dodge Counties
Environmental Health Watertown/Jefferson
City of Watertown Health Dept.
Project #2
Watertown, Wisconsin
Internship Summary:
Watertown Department of Public Health and Jefferson County Health Department formed an
environmental health consortium over fifteen years ago. The environmental health program is
contracted to conduct inspections for the Department of Health Services and Department of
Agriculture. The goal is to eliminate environmental hazards that negatively affect human health.
Working with the Environmental Health Specialists the intern will be involved with three areas;
1) Developing a list of exempt groups that use temporary food stands for fund raising in City of
Watertown/Jefferson County. Assist in developing an educational materials promoting food
safety. 2) The intern will be trained in all aspects of beach monitoring and water sampling,
including sampling, transporting, completing forms, and data entry. 3) This internship will also
provide opportunities for job shadowing in environmental and public health.
Approximate Time per Activity:
Project 1: Exempt groups-temporary
educator 40%
Project 2: Beach sampling and
assessment 40%
Project 3: Environmental Health
Shadowing 20%
Skills and Experience Needed:
Applicants should have strong organizational, communication, and time management skills.
Mentor:
Carol Quest Health Officer/Director
[email protected]
(920)262-8090
Important Considerations:
Must have a valid driver’s license. Use of a personal vehicle may be needed. Willing to be
flexible with work assignments.
Other:
Great opportunity for students that want to continue in public health, environmental health or as
a public health educator. The intern will job shadow in a wide variety of experiences dealing
with both City and County governments. The intern will be out in the field a majority of time.
La Crosse County
Population Health Initiatives from a Health Care System Perspective
Gundersen Lutheran Health
System
La Crosse, Wisconsin
Internship Summary:
Gundersen Lutheran can offer a unique internship for a community health student. We are
involved in many partnerships in the community and offer our expertise in evaluation and
research around different health improvement initiatives. Specific projects that the CHIP intern
will be involved with in 2011 includes: assessment of healthy practices at local festivals; work
with at least one festival to improve one of these health practices; conduct an active commute
initiative focused on safety at a worksite; and work with the Compass Project to develop a
health improvement plan. Last year’s CHIP Intern helped an alcohol coalition in assessing
healthy practices at festivals. This coming year, that assessment will be repeated following
work with some of the local festivals to adopt some alcohol and nutrition related healthy
Approximate Time per Activity:
Project 1 20% -- Assessment of
healthy practices at local festivals
Project 2 20% -- Work with at least
one festival to improve one of these
health practices
Project 3 20% -- Conduct an active
commute initiative focused on safety at
a worksite
Project 4 20% -- Work with the
Compass Project to develop a health
improvement plan
Job shadowing opportunities 20%
Mentor:
Brenda Rooney
Epidemiologist, Medical Director,
Community and Preventive Services
[email protected]
608-775-2152
practices. Gundersen Lutheran employees actively commute to work at less than the national
average. We plan a series of initiatives for improvement. The CHIP intern will help us evaluate
the impact of these strategies. The United Way is partnering with the local hospitals and health
departments in a 5-county area to conduct a community needs assessment. The CHIP intern will
help us develop a plan for how to address the identified needs.
Skills and Experience Needed:
*Computer skills including word, excel and Outlook - Required *Have an interest and some
coursework in Community Health - Preferred *Must be able to work fairly independently and
be able to easily adjust from one task to another - Required.
Important Considerations:
*Access to a vehicle is required for assessment of community festivals. *Assessment of these
festivals will occur on several weekends and take approximately 2 hours (possibly 4-5
weekends, 2 hours each festival). The intern will be reimbursed for mileage and expenses to get
into the festivals. *Other travel to community meetings may require a vehicle, but often times
the intern may travel with staff.
Other
*Because we are situated in a health care setting where research and evaluation is very
important, the intern will have a unique opportunity to be involved in a variety of projects and
receive a very different perspective on public health. *Our heavy involvement in the Healthy
County 2015 initiative will also provide the intern with opportunities to be involved in a variety
of research projects around health improvement in areas of chronic disease, infectious disease,
mental health and injury and violence. *The intern will be part of a wellness team, and will be
able to shadow health professionals in different aspects of health promotion.
La Crosse County
Communities Putting Prevention to Work and Public Health
La Crosse County Health
Department
La Crosse, Wisconsin
Internship Summary:
The internship includes working with the La Crosse County Health Department to implement
Communities Putting Prevention to Work (CPPW) grant that was received from the CDC. The
grant will support public health efforts to improve nutrition, increase physical activity, reduce
obesity, and decrease tobacco use—four critical actions to combat chronic disease and promote
health. La Crosse County is focusing specifically on: Community Nutrition, Farm 2 School,
Safe Routes to School, and Bicycling/Pedestrian accommodations. The intern will work with
the Foot Steps to Health Program which is focused on increasing fruit and vegetable purchases
at local grocery stores. The intern will also gain a full understanding of the nutrition division of
the La Crosse County Health Department.
Approximate Time per Activity:
Project 1 60 -- Foot Steps To Health
Program
Project 2 25 -- Public Health
Program Observation- Nutrition
Job shadowing opportunities 15
Mentor:
Tiffany Adrians
Registered Dietitian Community
Nutrition Coordinator
[email protected]
608-785-5657
Skills and Experience Needed:
Candidates must have nutrition knowledge though formal education. Candidates are required to
be proficient in Microsoft Office and Excel. Preference will be given to candidates that have
excellent written and verbal skills. Ideal candidate will be outgoing; self-motivated, and have
the ability to work independently.
Important Considerations:
Access to personal vehicle for work related travel in La Crosse County. Some evening and
weekend activities may be required.
Other:
The Foot Steps to Health Program – part of the community nutrition piece, is targeting low
income neighborhoods. In general we are trying to reach out to La Crosse County as a whole.
The intern will gain experience working with individuals of varying demographics.
La Crosse County has a population estimate of 113, 679 and is located between the Mississippi
river and the picturesque bluffs. La Crosse County offers spectacularly scenery and endless
recreational activities including: bicycling, running, hiking, canoeing, kayaking and bird
watching. The La Crosse River State Trail is located within five miles of downtown. The
community also offers weekly farmers markets and a natural foods co-op. The eyes of the
nation are on La Crosse County – La Crosse County was 1 of only 44 counties nationwide to
receive a federal grant – It’s our time and chance to make a difference.
Lincoln County
Community Health Improvement Data Collection
Lincoln County Health Department
Merrill, Wisconsin
Internship Summary:
The Lincoln County Health Department is preparing to conduct a comprehensive Community
Needs Assessment in 2011. The steering committee will meet during the first half of the year, to
pull together current data that corresponds to community health indicators, and to develop a
survey to be used to gather community input. The intern would be instrumental in distributing
the community survey to a wide variety of community residents through contact with
community partners, presentations, and media. The intern would also be responsible for
gathering survey results and managing the data to be used to facilitate an accurate view of
community health priorities. In addition, the intern would gain experience in researching and
comparing pertinent data, gain an understanding of the process to identify top community
health priorities, and increase interpersonal skills.
Approximate Time per Activity:
Project 1 40 -- Marketing survey
Project 2 40 -- Managing data
Project 3 10 -- Research
Job shadowing opportunities 10
Mentor:
M. Brigid Flood, R.N., PHN
[email protected]
715-539-1372
Skills and Experience Needed:
The intern should be self-motivated and have good computer skills, including use of data
filtering/management with Excel and use of tables and graphs. (required) The intern should also
be comfortable interacting with people both individually and in groups, and should have an
enthusiastic, positive approach to working with people. Use of social media skills (e.g. Survey
Monkey, Facebook, webpages) is desirable, and knowledge of social marketing skills and the
"Healthiest Wisconsin 2020 Plan" will be beneficial.
Contact
Shelley Hersil
CHES, MPH, Health Officer
[email protected]
715-539-1360
Important Considerations:
The intern should have access to a vehicle for limited work-related travel, and be willing to
incorporate unreimbursed work-related travel into this experience.
Other:
We, at the Lincoln County Health Department, have had wonderful experiences with AHEC
interns, both personally and professionally, for the past 3 years, and we look forward to
continuing this win-win experience. This project will broaden the intern's scope in Public
Health and provide a great opportunity to work with our friendly, mentoring staff, community
partners, and residents to hone in on current health priorities.
Manitowoc County
Environmental Health's role in Community Health
Manitowoc County Public Health
Department
Manitowoc, Wisconsin
Internship Summary
The student will work on: Water quality projects; well water testing, helping with beach
monitoring, pool inspections and private well sampling inquires. Food safety training; will
consist of teaching food safety classes and creating a food safety newsletter. Social marketing;
creating a data base for Environmental Health programs, transferring information to social sites
such as web site and Facebook. The student will also job shadow the Sanitarians on
environmental health areas such as Nuclear Plant and Radon monitoring, complaint
investigation and temporary food stands.
Skills and Experience Needed:
A basic knowledge of science and some skill with computers is needed.
Approximate Time per Activity:
Project 1 40 -- WATER QUALITY
Project 2 30 -- FOOD SAFETY
Project 3 015 -- SOCIAL
Important Considerations:
Student must have a vehicle for off-site work. May need an occasional evening to conduct food
safety class.
MARKETING
Project 4 15 -- JOB SHADOWING
Mentor:
Jessica Wanserski
Public Health Sanitarian
Other:
This would be a great opportunity to see what a local health department does to educate the
citizens in the community. The lakeshore is a beautiful place in the summer with a lot of free
time activities to explore.
Contact
James Blaha
Health Officer
[email protected]
920-683-4453
Monroe County
Shaping Public Health
Monroe County Health Department
Sparta, Wisconsin
Approximate Time per Activity:
Project 1: Assessment and strategic plan
development 60%
Project 2: MOGO 20%
Job Shadowing Opportunities 20%
Mentor:
Becky Campbell, Public Health Nurse
[email protected]
608-269-8666
Internship Summary:
Monroe County Health Department (MCHD) will be focusing on community health assessment
and health improvement planning for 2011. In addition, MCHD has a goal of continuing work
on Wisconsin’s collaborative process to improve public health quality and prepare for national
voluntary accreditation. As an intern with MCHD, our candidate will actively participate in an
assessment of Monroe County’s needs and assets, and the development of strategies to address
identified needs and gaps, in collaboration with United Way’s Compass Now. The final product
will be a Community Health Improvement Plan, providing direction for the health department
and partners over the next few years. Additionally, the intern will assist in Wisconsin’s Public
Health Quality Initiative (WIQI) activities and be a part of that process to shape our nation’s
new public health accreditation standards, prepare for voluntary state and local accreditation,
and participate in quality improvement activities. Another piece of “Shaping Public Health” is
working on interventions for Monroe On the Go, MOGO, a coalition formed to address
overweight, obesity and lack of physical activity concerns in our county. These activities may
include development of educational materials, development of a website and grant
research/writing. Job shadowing includes home visits to expectant and newly delivered moms,
the chronically mentally ill and patients with latent TB infection. Candidates can experience
various PH programs- WIC, communicable disease and environmental investigations, WWWP,
and working with the Hispanic population, and much more.
Skills and Experience Needed:
Initiative and an ability to work independently with a modest outline of project objectives are
needed. Students with Spanish-language skills are encouraged to apply. Good computer skills,
web-site development and grant-writing skills are a plus, but not required.
Important Considerations:
Access to a personal vehicle for work-related travel may be needed, but very infrequently. If
focus group work is not complete for the community assessment, very limited evening or
Saturday work may be needed.
Other:
Monroe County is a beautiful, green, rural area with gently rolling hills, cranberry bogs and
dairy farms. We have a significant Hispanic and Amish population, bringing both opportunities
and challenges to public health. Larger employers include Fort McCoy and the Veterans
Affairs Medical Center. We are home to Scenic Bluffs, a Federally Funded Community Health
Center, and have four school districts within the county. Organic Valleys is a growing presence
and interest in school-based nutrition initiatives is growing, with the support of MOGO.
As an agency experienced in working with CHIP interns, we recognize that proposal direction
may change somewhat by the time summer rolls around, dependent on how far work has
advanced. It is a dynamic process; candidates are assured that staff will welcome, mentor and
challenge them as they learn about public health. There will be opportunities for job shadowing,
creativity, brainstorming, and advancing ideas for new initiatives. We have attracted very strong
candidates in the past, both as interns and as students in site rotations. As we said good-bye to
our last student, he told us how great his experience had been and added “Don’t change a
thing”. Each intern has helped challenge us to grow and change and that is a good thing for
public health.
Monroe County
Health Education Outreach to Hispanic Resource Center
Scenic Bluffs Community Health
Centers
Cashton, WI
Internship Summary:
Scenic Bluffs Community Health Centers (SBCHC) is a primary care facility offering medical,
dental, pharmacy, behavioral health, and chiropractic services. This project is an outreach effort
from a rural community health center to a nearby Hispanic Resource Center. The intern will
spend time at the center speaking with the program director, board of directors, and clients to
determine needs for an on-site health education program. The intern will plan and prepare for
this education event in cooperation with the health center's health educator and implement the
event with the health educator and other resources or personnel as needed. The intern will also
prepare for and carry out an evaluation of the program. . In addition, opportunities will be
available to job shadow any or all of the above departments. Interns may job shadow
administrative positions in organization leadership, marketing, human resources, finance, and
billing, if desired.
Approximate Time per Activity:
Project 1 25 -- Needs Assessment
Project 2 50 -- Educational Program
Development
Project 3 12.5 -- Program
Implementation and Evaluation
Job shadowing opportunities 12.5
Mentor:
Anne Heath, Health Educator
[email protected]
608.654.5100 x271
Contact
Amy Schanhofer
Operations Director
[email protected]
608-654-5100 x 272
Skills and Experience Needed:
Particular skills or experience required and/or preferred: The intern should be fluent in written
and oral Spanish; experience with Mexican dialects would be helpful as well, but not required.
The intern should have experience in needs assessment and project management. Educational
background in health sciences is preferred. Intern should have experience with Microsoft
Outlook, Publisher, and Word.
Important Considerations:
Access to a vehicle for work-related travel; oral and written fluency in Spanish; ability to work
some evenings to coordinate with the hours of the Hispanic Resource Center; ability to work
independently with a modest outline of project objectives required
Other:
SBCHC is located in Cashton, WI, near the Kickapoo River for great canoeing and kayaking,
the Kickapoo Valley Reserve and Wildcat Mountain for hiking and horseback riding. We have
wonderful local farmers’ markets, restaurants, natural foods stores and artisan shops.
Oneida County
Oneida County Internship
Oneida County Health Department
Rhinelander, Wisconsin
Internship Summary
The Oneida County Health Department has participated in CHIP for several years and has had
great experiences with all of the interns. An intern will gain valuable experience in public
health through his/her participation with the following projects: (1) The Wisconsin Wins (WI
WINS) campaign is an initiative launched in 2002 designed to decrease youth access to tobacco
products. The intern with youth will conduct investigations to determine retailer compliance
with the law. Local initiatives also include retailer education and training, media, and
community outreach and education. (2) The intern will assist the Breastfeeding coalition with
implementing best practice policies with our 2 local hospitals. This work will include working
with Registered Dietitians, nurses, doctors, and coalition members (3) The intern will conduct
food demonstrations during WIC clinic days utilizing WIC foods to assist participants in
learning how to utilize the foods they receive and help kids eat healthier options. (4) The intern
will conduct tourist rooming house inspections 1 day per week. The intern will gain experience
Approximate Time per Activity:
Project 1 50 -- WI WINS
Project 2 10 -- WIC
Project 3 10 -- Breastfeeding
Project 4 20 -- Tourist Rooming
House Inspections
Job shadowing opportunities 10
in working with community partners, applying social marketing techniques, researching and
implementing evidence based best practices. Finally, the intern will also receive a broad
orientation to local health department programming with opportunities for observation of
various public health programs in action.
Mentor:
Linda Conlon, Director
[email protected]
715-369-6105
Skills and Experience Needed:
Applicant must have excellent communication skills and the ability to effectively communicate
in group settings (including giving presentations). Applicant should have strong computer skills
and experience in social marketing strategies. The ideal candidate will be friendly, organized,
motivated, and willing to learn. Experience with teaching and/or working with youth is a plus.
Initiative and an ability to work independently with a modest outline of project objectives is
essential.
Important Considerations:
Access to a personal vehicle for work-related travel may be necessary, but a county vehicle will
be available most of the time. Occasional evening and weekend work
Other
Oneida County is a beautiful area to visit with many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. We
have had an intern for many years and the response has been very positive. We are a medium
health department with many services, but not too big so learning about the breadth of services
public health has to offer is easily accomplished.
Outagamie County
Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity Prevention in Outagamie County
Outagamie County Health
Department
Appleton, Wisconsin
Internship Summary
The Fitness And Nutrition (FAN) Coalition strives to create environments that support and
promote healthy eating, daily physical activity, and a healthy weight in the places we live, learn
work, and play. The intern will learn about and contribute to coalition development as well as
work with a variety of individuals from many sectors of the community with whom the FAN
coalition collaborates! This internship will provide the opportunity to: •Participate in the
implementation and evaluation of Wellness Wednesday, an initiative designed to change the
environment to promote healthy choices in worksites and at grocery stores and restaurants
•Incorporate a focus on healthy eating and active living into the Youth Advisory Board, a group
of high school students that raises awareness about tobacco and alcohol through activisms
•Collaborate with the Community Gardens Partnership in the development and implementation
of a program to improve good food choices for food pantry participants In addition to working
with the FAN coalition, the intern will learn about the other areas of the Outagamie County
Community Health Improvement plan and receive a broad orientation to local health
department programming, with opportunities for observation in environmental health, WIC,
Prenatal Care Coordination, and more.
Approximate Time per Activity:
Project 1 Fitness and Nutrition
(FAN) Coalition 90%
Job shadowing opportunities 10
Mentor:
Jennifer Van Den Elzen, MPH
Community Health Educator
[email protected]
(920)832-4452
Skills and Experience Needed:
The intern should have knowledge (or a strong desire to gain knowledge) in evidence-based
best practices, public health research, and nutrition or physical activity. Skills/experience (or a
strong desire to gain them) in community education/outreach and project coordination involving
diverse community partners preferred. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and excellent written
and oral communication skills are required. The ideal candidate will be self-motivated,
organized, and willing to learn. Creativity and enthusiasm are a must!
Important Considerations:
Access to personal vehicle for work-related travel helpful, but not required.
Other
With a population of approximately 160,000 residents, Outagamie County is located in the heart
of the Fox Valley, in the northeast region of the state. This internship will be an excellent
experience for someone looking to strengthen their knowledge and skills in public health, in a
setting where they are valued and encouraged. The student selecting this internship will have
the exciting opportunity to partner with passionate individuals and contribute to decreasing the
burden that poor nutrition and physical inactivity have on Wisconsin. In addition to a great
internship experience, the Fox Valley offers a lot of activities for your free time – great parks,
camping, water sports, shopping and more!
Ozaukee County
Public Beach and Public Well Water Monitoring
Ozaukee County Public Health
Department
Port Washington, Wisconsin
Internship Summary:
This internship will involve participating in water quality monitoring activities for public beach
and public well programs. The intern will be trained in all aspects of monitoring, including
sampling from surface and well water, sample transport, completing monitoring and chain of
custody forms, and data entry. The intern will also learn to evaluate and communicate results
and may participate in the issuance of beach and boil/bottled water advisories. Some experience
with NOWCAST beach modeling will also be included. This internship will also include
learning skills and techniques in safe drinking water bacteriological laboratory. Other
opportunities for exploring local public health practice by shadowing public health workers will
be included.
Skills and Experience Needed:
Strong computer skills, science and math training, interest in water science, and an attention to
detail. Ability to work independently is a plus.
Approximate Time per Activity:
Project 1: Water Programs 90%
Project 2: Job Shadowing 10%
Mentor:
Dan Ziegler Environmental Health
Specialist
[email protected]
262 284 8187
Important Considerations:
Beach monitoring activities require wading into Lake Michigan. A personal vehicle with
insurance is required. Mileage reimbursement for work related travel and personal protective
clothing will be provided.
Other:
This internship is a field position with a Registered Sanitarian.
Pepin County
Addressing Alcohol and other Substance Abuse
Pepin County Health Department
Durand, Wisconsin
Internship Summary:
Alcohol is the drug of choice among youth and many are suffering the consequences. The
consumption of alcohol affects our families and communities. It is the leading cause of traffic
accidents, fatalities, crimes, suicides and STI. Underage drinking is a leading public health
problem for this country, state and county. Abuse of prescription drugs to get high has become
increasingly prevalent among teens and young adults. This abuse ranks second, behind
marijuana, as the Nation’s most prevalent illegal drug problem. Residents of Pepin County have
identified “Alcohol and other Substance Abuse” as a top priority for community health
improvement efforts. The intern will have the opportunity to take a leadership role in
establishing evidence based strategies to address this priority. Teaming up with community
partners, the intern will design and implement Alcohol Compliance Survey and Pharmaceutical
Collection Site programs. In addition, the intern will provide consultation for a social norms
project and receive a broad orientation to local health department programming. This
experience may have the opportunity for a one month extension pending Health Department
funding.
Approximate Time per Activity:
Project 1Alcohol Compliance 40%
Project 2: Pharmaceutical Collection
40%
Project 3: Social Norms 10%
Job Shadowing - 10%
Mentor:
Heidi Stewart, Health Officer/ Director
[email protected]
715-672-5961
Skills and Experience Needed:
Preference will be given to applicants having excellent communication skills and the ability to
effectively work with groups. Computer skills, social marketing knowledge and experience in
researching public health evidence based practices are requested
Important Considerations:
Hours are primarily Monday- Friday 8:30 to 4:30. However, some evenings and nights may be
necessary to complete the compliance checks. Access to a vehicle is required. This experience
may have the opportunity for a one month extension pending Health Department funding.
Other:
Pepin County has mentored interns and students for many years. The experiences have been
positive for everyone involved. We strive to create an experience that is both fun and
interesting.
Pepin County . . . big surprises come in small packages . . . immortalized in literature . . .
remarkably pristine environment . . . unique & exciting history . . . culinary delights rivaling
any in the world . . . its waterways the crossroads of human activity for millenia . . . inspiration
to artists & writers during the past three centuries . . . streams, rivers & backwater sloughs . . .
swimming with ducks, beavers, turtles and trout . . . back-country where the wilderness still
comes down to the edge of the field .Find out more about the Health Department and Pepin
County by visiting the following sites:
Pepin County Health Department: http://www.co.pepin.wi.us/health/index.htm
PCHD Face book: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pepin-County-HealthDepartment/117887181592064?v=photos#!/pages/Pepin-County-HealthDepartment/117887181592064?v=wall
Village of Pepin: http://www.pepinwisconsin.com/
City of Durand: http://cityofdurand.com/
Pepin County
Pepin County Community Garden Project
Pepin County Health Department
Durand, Wisconsin
Project 1 80 -- Community Garden
Project
Project 2 20 -- Job Shadowing
Internship Summary:
With average fruit and vegetable consumption in the county being less than 50% of that
recommended, the Pepin County Health Department is looking to initiate a public education
campaign on fruit and vegetable consumption. As a part of this campaign, plans are currently
underway for the implementation of a community garden starting this summer. The goal of the
community garden project is to increase fruit and vegetable consumption. In addition, the
project seeks to increase knowledge and awareness of county residents in the value of making
healthy food choices. The responsibilities of the intern will include 1) developing educational
materials and conducting educational sessions on gardening and fruit and vegetable
consumption 2) helping with community garden nights; offering advice and guidance to garden
members while providing gardeners a chance to garden together, ask questions, and receive
assistance 3) working to develop a sustainability plan for the community garden. Additionally,
the intern will be provided with opportunities for exploring the range of public health programs
offered through a rural health department. The intern will spend time shadowing and observing
public health employees in a variety of settings. Job shadowing opportunities may include, but
are not limited to WIC, home care visits, restaurant inspections, and health and human hazard
visits.
Mentor:
Colleen Barthel
Community Garden Coordinator
[email protected]
715-672-5961
Contact:
Heidi Stewart, Health Officer/ Director
[email protected]
715-672-5961
Skills and Experience Needed:
Individuals interested in this internship position should have an interest in and knowledge
related to planning, planting, maintaining, and harvesting a garden. Strong communication
skills, networking skills, and social marketing skills will be required. It is highly recommended
that individuals have experience with and enjoy working with people of all ages and
backgrounds. Additionally, the individual will be required to utilize leadership skills,
presentation skills, time management skills, and computer skills.
Approximate Time per Activity:
Important Considerations:
Interns should have the ability to work some weekday evenings and occasional weekend days
Other:
Pepin County is a small rural, county in northwestern Wisconsin. The county seat, Durand, is
located in the northern part of the county along the Chippewa River and is 30 minutes south of
Menomonie and 45 minutes west of Eau Claire. Durand offers small town charm and nearby
outdoor recreation options, while still being close to larger cities.
This internship provides an opportunity to be a part of the development of what is hoped to
become a community asset. With this being the first year of implementing the community
garden, it is especially important to show residents the potential the garden has in creating a
sense of community, while also promoting the health benefits of increased produce
consumption. The proposed responsibilities of the intern will help them further develop
leadership, presentation, and organization skills. This experience will give the intern an
overview of the unique opportunities and approaches that are utilized by public health
departments in improving the health of county residents.
For interns interested in this site (or another site in the area), needing a place to stay, housing
arrangements can be made for the spare bedroom in the mentor’s house in Menomonie, WI.
Polk County
Polk County Health Department
Balsam Lake, Wisconsin
Approximate Time per Activity:
Project 1 60 -- Social Media Work
Project 2 25 -- Accreditation
Job shadowing opportunities 15
Mentor:
Jay Shrader
Director - Western Region Partnership
for Public Health Preparedness
Health Dept. Contact:
Gretchen Sampson RN MPH
[email protected]
715-485-8506
Incorporating Social Media and Health Literacy into Local Health
Department Practice
Internship Summary:
The PCHD desires to expand the methods used to effectively communicate with its customers
assuring that all print and internet messages meet health literacy standards. The agency
currently has a website but would like to create a Facebook page as well as use other social
media to message its clients and the general public about agency services. The AHEC intern
will assist PCHD in development of a social media policy as well as create an agency Facebook
page incorporating health literacy guidelines. The intern will also assist in development of a
power point presentation to educate staff and the Board of Health about the effective use of
social media. In addition, the intern will assess current agency print Maternal Child Health
program educational materials for adherence to health literacy guidelines and suggest
improvements. Other activities the intern will be involved in are: 1) orientation to programming
in a Local Health Department coupled with shadowing opportunities with specific program
staff, 2) participation in PCHD’s accreditation preparation activities including assisting agency
staff with review of the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) domain standards and
measures and subsequent compilation of evidence required for accreditation application. Job
shadowing will be offered in many of the Health Department program areas including: 1)
Environmental Health (spend time with the registered sanitarian inspecting food establishments,
hotels/motels, campgrounds, etc.); 2) Birth to 3 (spend time home visiting families with young
children with developmental delays); 3) shadow registered dieticians in the WIC and public
health nutrition programs; 4) spend time with the jail nurse; 5) spend time with the reproductive
health nurse practitioner; 6) spend time with staff in the public health preparedness program; 7)
go on home visits with a Home Care nurse and other opportunities as time allows.
Skills and Experience Needed:
1. Understanding of Social Media concepts required 2. Technology skills for website
development required 3. Understanding of health literacy concepts required 4. Strong oral and
written communication skills required 5. Strong interest in public health preferred 6. Attention
to detail required
Important Considerations :
Polk county is a rural county and the intern should have a vehicle for personal use. There is a
county car for any work related travel. Generally, this position will be daytime work hours.
Other:
PCHD is a Level 3 Health Department with many activities going on that are appealing to
students. This is a great opportunity to develop new products for the health department. Polk
County is a beautiful county with lots of lakes, trails and parks plus it is close to the twin cities
for shopping, sporting events and theatre.
Rock County
Health Education
Rock County Health Department
Janesville, Wisconsin
Approximate Time per Activity:
Project 1: Bulletin Boards 30%
Project 2: Marquee Sign
Board/Facebook sayings 30%
Project 3: Wellness Committee
Assistance 20%
Project 4: Environmental Health Report
Card 10%
Job Shadowing 10%
Mentor:
Laura Fadrowski
Health Educator
[email protected]
608-757-5440
Internship Summary:
The intern will be expected to perform a variety of projects. The projects include preparation of
bulletin board materials (one board for each month of the year), assisting county employee
wellness committee with various projects (i.e. creation of a fitness incentive campaign), and
develop public health-related quotes for our outdoor marquee sign (one year's worth) as well as
our new Facebook page. If there is time, other possible projects might include assisting
Environmental Health Staff in the creation of our 2011 Environmental Health Report Card, a
yearly report regarding the status of the EH Division. In addition to completing the projects in
our proposal, the intern will have the opportunity to shadow the Health Educator. Health
Education in Rock County encompasses many areas of interests including prevention of
childhood obesity, external communications of the Department, and community coalitions.
Skills and Experience Needed:
Creative (preferred), Proficient computer skills (required), Independent worker (required)
Other:
Rock County is located in South-Central Wisconsin with a population of 156, 994 people. It
includes the cities of Janesville, Beloit, Edgerton, and Milton, as well as smaller outlying rural
communities. Rock County Health Department provides a wide variety of services, all of which
attempt to improve the health of our county residents and the environment in which we live,
work, and play. The Health Department is comprised of a professional staff of Registered
Sanitarians, Public Health Nurses, and a Health Educator who are assisted by a team of
support staff. Together these individuals make Rock County a better place to live.
Rusk County
Rusk County Department of Public Health Rotation
Rusk County Health and Human
Services Department
Ladysmith, Wisconsin
Internship Summary:
This internship will provide the intern with a diverse experience of the different areas related to
the Public Health family. Rotations will include spending time with Nurses, Dietitians and other
experienced staff members to get a true insight into what goes on in the Public Health area. The
various areas that interns will work in will include, but are not limited to the WIC department,
Home Health Care Visits, Prenatal Care Coordination Program (PNCC) and Sanitation Safety.
Some of the duties performed will include: Breastfeeding support/promotion, shadowing WIC
sessions, performing lab blood draws for hemoglobin (if able), anthropometric assessments,
shadowing home health care visits, assisting with providing secondary education and
shadowing Sanitation specialist. The intern will also have administrative work, such as a couple
small or one medium research papers around topics such as smoking risks during pregnancy,
common breastfeeding concerns/turn-offs, and obesity in the schools.
Approximate Time per Activity:
Project 1 40 -- Research Project
Project 2 40 -- Community
Outreach
Project 3 10 -- Job Shadowing
Project 4 10 -- Secondary
Education
Mentor:
Melanie Mertes
WIC Program Director
[email protected]
715-532-2204
Skills and Experience Needed:
Required: Good people skills and the ability to work with a wide variety of populations
Required: The ability to be flexible and adapt as needed (schedule may need to be changed last
minute in extreme cases) Required: To adhere to our confidentiality policy Preferred: Basic
knowledge on anthropometric and lab assessments Preferred: Some knowledge related to
nutrition Preferred: Ready to jump in and get his/her feet wet
Important Considerations :
Access to transportation to Ladysmith, which may not be required all 5 days a week. The ability
to work up to two late days a month (6:00 or 7:00 PM depending, on a Monday and or
Thursday as of now) Knowledge of different computer programs such as WORD, EXCEL and
the internet. Some experience with a charting-like system.
Other:
This is a fantastic opportunity to work with a great team and learn about all the different areas
involved in the Public Health family as well as to make a difference by impacting the
community. Not only will you work hands on with our staff, you will personally impact our
community with your research and innovative ideas on how to intervene with areas significantly
impacting our area. The population you will work with will range from infants and children, to
pregnant women and even the elderly in your home health care experiences. You'll also enjoy
nature trails, fishing, hidden waterfalls in the woods, white water river canoeing, cross country
and downhill skiing, snowmobiling and many local parks to play sports or just hang out and
cookout.
St. Croix County
Environmental Health in St. Croix County
St. Croix County
DHHS-Public Health
New Richmond, Wisconsin
Internship Summary:
Working with the Environmental Health Specialist, the intern will collect well water samples
from public facilities and surface water samples from St. Croix County public beaches. The
intern will learn to follow a specific procedure for sampling, shipping, lab submission and data
entry. The intern will also do follow-up on animal bites to ensure proper quarantine procedures
are followed. The intern will assist in investigations of public health nuisance complaints,
indoor air quality complaints, and lead poisoning investigations, and assist in Mobile Home
Park, retail food store, and restaurant inspections. The intern will learn to evaluate and
communicate results and may participate in enforcement procedures. The intern will learn the
importance of accurate, specific yet concise documentation of investigations. This internship
will provide opportunities for exploring the breadth of local public health practice and
participate in Retail Tobacco Compliance Investigations (Wisconsin WINS program), work to
further develop the Public Health Department’s preparedness program, and the Local
Community Health Improvement Process. If the intern has the skills, a project involving geolocating and mapping Environmental Health Complaints using the counties ArcView GIS
program will be developed.
Approximate Time per Activity:
Project 1 60 -- Environmental Health
Investigations
Project 2 10 -- WI Wins
Project 3 10 -- Preparedness Plan
Development
Project 4 10 -- Local Community
Health Improvement Process
Job shadowing opportunities 10
Mentor:
Ed Thurman, Registered Sanitarian
Health Dept. Contact:
Wendy Kramer, Health Officer
[email protected]
715-246-8363
Skills and Experience Needed:
Applicants should have strong organizational, communication, and time management skills.
Must have strong computer skills and the ability to use various programs, such as, MS Word,
Access, and Outlook, and GPS skills would be helpful.
Important Considerations:
Must have a valid Wisconsin driver's license and be willing to be flexible with work
assignments. Most travel will be done in county provided vehicle although a personal vehicle
may be needed occasionally. Background check will be performed.
Other:
This would be a great opportunity for an intern who is excited about the prospect of working
autonomously under limited supervision to develop mechanisms for enhancing community
health.
Sheboygan County
Variety in DPH: Environment Health and Social Marketing
Sheboygan County Division of
Public Health
Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Internship Summary:
Working with Environmental Health staff, the intern will be involved with collecting water
samples from Sheboygan County beaches and assist with transient well sampling. The intern
will assist with all aspects of monitoring including sampling, transporting samples, completing
forms and data entry. The intern will work with DPH staff to develop social marketing tools to
be utilized throughout many programs within DPH. Another portion of the intern's experience
will be shadowing of DPH staff and outreach activities. The outreach component will consist of
hand washing education offered at Safety Town.
Skills and Experience Needed:
Approximate Time per Activity:
Project 1: Environmental Health 40%
Project 2: Social Marketing 40%
Project 3: Outreach 5%
Job Shadowing 15%
The intern who assists in DPH will need to have strong computer skills and the ability to use
various programs, such as WORD, PowerPoint and Publisher. Having a knowledge of various
social marketing tools would be of assistance. Superior communication, organizational and
presentation skills will be necessary.
Important Considerations:
Use of personal vehicle may be necessary. Arrangements for housing will need to be made by
the intern.
Mentor:
Diane Liebenthal, RN Program
Supervisor
[email protected]
920-459-6435
Other:
The intern position at DPH would be an excellent opportunity to broaden skills and learn about
public health and the impact that various programs have on the resident s of Sheboygan County.
Taylor County
Healthier Choices in Taylor County
Taylor County Health Department
Medford, Wisconsin
Internship Summary:
The intern will assist community committees with the priority areas from the community health
improvement plan: Healthy People Taylor County. The website is
www.healthypeopletaylorcounty.org. The majority of the work for the intern will be in
collaboration with the Wellness Coalition of Taylor County. The website is:
http://healthypeopletaylorcounty.org/wc/wchome.html The intern will assist with the
implementation of a toolkit developed by Lincoln County Health Department for concession
stands and fundraisers to offer healthy food choices. The intern will also continue with the
Healthy Choices Restaurant program and other duties related to the community plan.
Approximate Time per Activity:
Project 1 75 -- Healthy People Taylor
County Plan
Project 2 25 -- Job Shadowing
Mentor:
Patty Krug, Director
[email protected]
715-748-1410
Skills and Experience Needed:
Skills include computer skills, ability to use various computer programs, development of
display boards, work in groups, and public speaking skills.
Important Considerations:
Access to personal vehicle for work-related travel. There will be a requirement to attend
committee meetings for the Healthy People Taylor County plan.
Other
This position will provide you with a wide variety of experiences in public health and to see
Northern Wisconsin. The agency has for the last three years obtained funding to provide a
stipend for students to continue working with the agency for another month and gain additional
valuable public health experience. In 2010, our intern was a dietetic major interested in diabetes
education. The intern was able to spend time with a registered dietician working with new
diabetics and with the dialysis unit.
Trempealeau County
Environmental Health Assistant
Trempealeau County Health
Department
Whitehall, Wisconsin
Internship Summary:
Working with the Environmental Health Specialist, the intern will be involved in performing all
aspects of environmental health. The intern will be required to follow specific guidelines in the
performance of these duties; DNR public facility water sampling, DHS public facility and
DATCP retail facility inspections. Conduction of these inspections will facilitate enhanced risk
communication skills and knowledge of communicable disease prevention. This internship will
also provide the opportunity for exploring the breadth of rural local public health. The job
shadowing opportunities will include the student job shadowing the public health nurses as well
Approximate Time per Activity:
Project 1 75 -- Environmental Health
Project 2 15 -- Public Health
Job shadowing opportunities 10
Contact
Cheryl (Sherry) Rhoda
Director/Health Officer
[email protected]
715: 538-2311 ext. 225
Mentor
Nicole Hunger
Environmental Health Specialist
Vilas County
Environmental Health/
Vilas County Health Dept.
Eagle River, Wisconsin
as the registered sanitarian on specific job duties. These job duties may include but are not
limited to visiting a home for a Lead Assessment, observing a car seat technician install a car
seat properly, observing an immunization clinic, inspections of local food establishments,
observing our WIC clinics, or whatever other opportunities may arise during student internship.
Skills and Experience Needed:
Some coursework and/or experience with biology principals. Microbiology and/or
environmental health training is preferred. Applicant is required to have strong organizational,
communication, time management skills, and the ability to work autonomously.
Important Considerations:
Use of personal vehicle may be needed.
Other:
Excellent opportunity to experience environmental health in its varied roles within the rural
community setting of Trempealeau County. It is a beautiful rural farming community with the
largest industrial employers of Ashley Furniture and Golden Plump Chicken. Excellent
hunting, boating, fishing, snowmobile trails, horseback riding trails, very tourist motivated.
Throughout the summer the county hosts a variety of town/city festivals. Trempealeau County
is home to approximately 250 public facility establishments; such as swimming pools,
campgrounds, lodging, and food establishments. Whitehall, the county seat is centrally located
within the county and the Trempealeau County Health Department is located in the Government
Center.
Environmental Health Inspection and Water Quality Monitoring Project
This internship is affiliated with the UW Oshkosh Environmental Health program. Interns
participate in the CHIP program activities. This program runs from late May through the end
of August.
Internship Summary
This internship is conducted in 3-4 locations in Wisconsin. The internship in Vilas County
includes a well water testing and lodging facility inspection program conducted in partnership
with the Vilas County Public Health Department. In this project the intern would work with the
Environmental Health staff in Vilas County by conducting lodging facility inspections and
testing well water at sites throughout Vilas County. All internships provide a valuable look at
various aspects of environmental public health activities in the state and will provide for other
opportunities for job shadowing and involvement in local health departments.
Approximate Time per Activity:
Project 1: Environmental Health
Inspections – 50%
Project 2: Water Quality Monitoring –
25%
Project 3: Well Water Sampling and Lab
Analysis – 25%
Mentor:
Greg Kleinheinz, Associate Dean
[email protected]
920-424-1100
Skills and Experience Needed:
Some coursework and/or experience with biology principals. Microbiology and/or
environmental health training is preferred. Interns should be familiar with MS Word, Excel,
and PowerPoint.
Important Considerations :
The intern must have a personal vehicle that can be used. They will be reimbursed for travel
costs. Housing is provided. A full summer stipend is provided to all interns. That is, while
CHIP is only a portion of the summer, all of the UW Oshkosh Environmental interns will work
from approximately the last week in May through the end of August and will be compensated
accordingly.
Washington County
Heart Truth® Wisconsin Project
UW-Extension Family Living
West Bend, Wisconsin
Internship Summary
The University of Wisconsin Extension extends the knowledge and resources of the University
of Wisconsin to people where they live and work. The UW-Extension, Cooperative Extension
supports education and outreach efforts at the state level and in 72 counties in Wisconsin. UWExtension county-based educators work with a variety of community partners and coalitions to
address the needs of their communities. Heart Truth® is a statewide initiative coordinated by
the UW-Extension Healthy Families and Communities team to increase awareness among
women that heart disease is their #1 killer, encourage screening for heart disease risk factors,
and provide education on reducing risks. The project includes development of materials for and
coordination of statewide events and training of Heart Truth® Champions. An evaluation
component is included. The proposed project targets women between the ages of 40 and 70
years in rural, suburban and inner city areas. An intern will gain experience in educational
outreach with our awareness campaign by developing materials, coordinating state and local
events, and teaching at training events. The intern will receive a broad orientation to health
prevention programming and community development with opportunity for shadowing
members of the statewide team, local extension educators and community partners.
Approximate Time per Activity:
Project 1 20 -- Materials development
Project 2 50 -- Project Coordination
Project 3 15 -- Teaching
Job shadowing opportunities 15
Mentor:
Marma McIntee
Professor-Family Development Family
Living Educator-Washington County
[email protected]
262-335-4479
Skills and Experience Needed:
1. Computer Skills required: Word, Excel and email (Outlook) and internet searching. Basic
graphic design skills are a plus. 2. The ideal candidate must be friendly, organized, motivated,
and willing to learn. Enthusiasm and creativity are a plus. 3. Good writing skills and some
public speaking is desirable. Experience with teaching is a plus.
Important Considerations:
Although carpooling is possible for statewide activities, access to a personal vehicle with
insurance for work-related travel is necessary. Mileage reimbursement is possible for work
related travel. Occasional evening and weekend work plus some overnight stays in other parts
of the state are possible. Prefer that the candidate live within 30-45 minutes of the West Bend
area as the intern will likely share an office and computer at the UW-Extension office in West
Bend. Other locations for office site may be negotiable.
Other:
Opportunity to be involved in statewide health promotion project directed to heart disease
prevention for women. Activities in multiple locations statewide include responsibilities for
project coordination, teaching, and development of educational materials. Job shadowing could
include faculty who are UW-Extension specialists in nutrition and health located at UWMadison, UW-Extension faculty located in counties with expertise in educational outreach,
community development and networking with a multitude of clients and human service
organizations, as well as their community partners such as county health departments, rural
health clinics, social service departments, aging and disability resource centers, women’s
domestic abuse shelters, etc. Initially the worksite will be located in West Bend/Washington
County; a suburban county located between Milwaukee and Fond du Lac. However, travel to
other worksites and events around the state is probable, including the potential to have a
worksite in another county in the state.
Waupaca County
Waupaca County Health Dpt.
Waupaca, WI
Approximate Time Per Activity
Project 1 20 -- researching
Improving Health in Waupaca County
Internship Summary
Waupaca County's 5 year needs assessment has recently been completed. After the previous
needs assessment was conducted Waupaca County NuAct Coalition was formed to address the
2002 health priority of childhood obesity. The intern will be involved with NuAct lead team
and committees to implement strategies to address the current health priorities of access to
health care and obesity. The coalition has a wide variety of initiatives in place to improve the
health of Waupaca County residents. The intern will be able to participate in any of the
following areas of interest. They could assist with the public health clinics, access to health
care, educational sessions on nutrition or physical activity, social media, health promotion,
health literacy, businesses health, gardens, environmental or outdoor education, safe routes, and
resources
Project 2 25 -- program
development
Project 3 25 -- program
implementation
Project 4 20 -- evaluation
Job shadowing opportunities 10
Contact:
Gail Yest
Waupaca County Health
Department Manager
[email protected]
715-258-6392
Mentor
Connie Abert
UW-Extension Faculty
Waupaca County UW-Extension
(office) 715-258-6230
[email protected]
(cell) 715-570-2020
evaluation of NuAct strategies. The staff and partners that are willing to work with the AHEC
Interns include public health nurses, public health managers, local garden volunteers, business
partners, natural resource professionals, community planners, schools and NuAct committee
members.
Skills and Experience Needed:
Skills in oral and written communication, computer programs, social media, working with
groups and the initiative to work on own. Basic knowledge of health research, education and
systems around areas of nutrition, physical activity or health care promotion.
Important Considerations
valid driver’s license and flexible schedule
Other:
This will be a great opportunity to work with dedicated community professionals concerned
about health. You will be able to engage in a variety of health programs of your choice.
Waupaca County is a rural setting in Central Wisconsin with seven communities / school
districts of 5000 or less residents in each community. Approximately seventy five percent
(75%) of local residents live outside city or village limits. Community and government
resources are limited because of small size communities. The top economic drivers are
manufacturing, agriculture and tourism. It is a beautiful county with committed professionals
and volunteers interested in creating a healthier county.
:
Waushara County
Waushara County Health Dept.
Wautoma, Wisconsin
Approximate Time per Activity:
Project 1: Community Health
Improvement Plan Action Process 75%
Job Shadowing: 25%
Mentor:
Patti Wohlfeil, RN, Director
[email protected]
920-787-6544
Community Health Improvement Plan in Waushara County: Moving The
Process Forward
Internship Summary
Every five years, Local Wisconsin Health Departments conduct a required community
assessment and community health improvement plan (CHIP). Waushara County completed
their assessment and have completed the groundwork of the CHIP arriving at three health
priorities and numerous strategies. The three areas of focus included obesity and physical
fitness, access to health care and intentional and unintentional injury. The intern will work with
the Health and Wellness Coalition to develop a work team and a work plan to implement the
suggested strategies for at least one of the three priorities. This may include networking with
the members of the group plus developing ways to collaborate and network with other agencies,
businesses, partners and stakeholders to gather human resources to accomplish goals.
Furthermore, the intern will receive a comprehensive orientation to a rural Level III health
department by job shadowing various staff. A Level III health department includes arranging at
least 14 programs and services that address 7 of the health priorities of the state plan and
providing all five basic public health services to the community • Communicable disease
surveillance, prevention and control • Generalized public health nursing program • Health
promotion • Disease Prevention • Human health hazard prevention and control
Skills and Experience Needed:
Computer skills- internet search, power point for presentations, and knowledge of social
marketing. The intern must have good communication skills, both individually and to groups.
Important Considerations:
We do provide reimbursement for travel related expenses. Many times the intern travels with
county staff. The hours are Monday through Friday 8-4:30 with no holidays. We do have clients
that speak Spanish but ability to speak Spanish not necessary.
Other:
We have had AHEC interns for 7 years. Many have continued on to Public health positions
after leaving graduation based on comments that they excited about public health after they
experienced it. We also are a small rural health department but have a large number of
programs as we are a level 3 health department. We have a lot to offer someone in the area of
experiences but also a different perspective from an urban setting. As to cultural diversity we
have Hispanic, migrant and settled and third order Amish communities.
Winnebago County
Winnebago County Health
Department.
Winnebago, Wisconsin
Approximate Time per Activity:
Project 1 65 -- WIC
Project 2 20 -- Job Shadowing
Project 3 15 -- Other As
Assigned
Contact:
Doug Gieryn
Director/Health Officer
[email protected]
920.232.3029
Improvement of Farmer's Market Voucher Use by WIC Clients – Internship
#1
Internship Summary
In an effort to improve nutrition of low income children and expectant mothers the Women,
Infant and Children (WIC) Program provides vouchers to purchase foods at local farmers
markets. Winnebago
County Public Health and WIC are interested in increasing the use of and redemption rates of
the vouchers. The AHEC intern would promote vouchers at WIC project sites, educate WIC
participants, conduct guided tours of farmer's markets for WIC clients, work with farmer's
markets, develop marketing materials, and research and implement other practices to increase
awareness and promote use of the vouchers. Winnebago County has two permanent WIC sites
one in the City of Neenah and one that will be co-located with the public health department in
the City of Oshkosh allowing for many shadowing opportunities in all disciplines of public
health.
Skills and Experience Needed:
Intern must be a self-starter and be able to work out in the community independently. Intern
must have good communication skills and be able to relate to a diverse population where
nutrition may not be a high priority. Prior experience in dealing with low income populations is
preferred. A good sense of appropriate messaging and an eye for basic design of marketing
material helpful but not required. Familiarity with Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, In Design or
Microsoft Publisher preferred.
Important Considerations:
Ability to work at farmer's markets during the evening and weekend mornings is critical. Valid
driver’s license is required and it is preferred for intern to have a vehicle available.
Mentor:
Barb Sheldon
WIC Director
Other:
This is a great opportunity to have primary responsibility for an important local project that will
result in an immediate impact on improving nutrition in our WIC population. Your work will be
with a busy local health department accustomed to placing many students into projects and job
shadowing opportunities. Are you ready to work hard, become a part of our team and have the
total public health experience?
Winnebago County
Internship #2 – Food Mapping in Winnebago County
Winnebago County Health
Department.
Winnebago, Wisconsin
Re:Think (www.rethinkwinnebago.org), is a large coalition of community members whose
mission it is to promote healthy living in Winnebago County.
The intern will work on creating a food map of Winnebago County to address the issue of food
accessibility in Winnebago County. Specifically, the purpose of this project is to identify areas
where the residents of the county have limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables.
A food map shows the locations where people can obtain food; however, for our purposes the
map focuses specifically on fresh produce. The intern will conduct surveys at grocery stores,
convenience stores, food pantries and pharmacies using the Fruit and Veggie Audit Tool from
Wisconsin Department of Health Services
Contact:
Doug Gieryn
Director/Health Officer
[email protected]
920.232.3029
Wood County
Healthy and Safe Wood County
Wood County Health Department
Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin
Internship Summary:
Students looking for an opportunity to engage the community in nutrition, physical activity, and
safety initiatives will be interested in this internship opportunity. The intern will help with
planning and implementing “Tailgate Transformation” and “Safety City.” “Tailgate
Transformation” will be a program to transform traditional tailgating before and after sporting
events. This will be piloted at the local semi-pro baseball games (Wisconsin Rapids Rafters).
“Safety City” will be a week-long “safety camp” for incoming kindergarteners in where they
will learn various safety strategies. There will be other nutrition and physical activity
opportunities for the intern to be involved in based on their areas of interest. In addition, the
intern will be able to explore and shadow various public health programs. As a Level III
department there are numerous programs, including environmental health, parent-child health,
oral health, chronic disease, mental health, access to care, emergency preparedness,
communicable disease, and WIC.
Approximate Time per Activity:
Project 1 60 %-- Nutrition & Physical
Activity
Project 2 20% -- Safety City
Job shadowing opportunities 20%
Skills and Experience Needed:
The intern needs to be creative, outgoing, and comfortable working with diverse groups.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, the ability to work independently as well as
in a team setting, proficiency in Microsoft Office, and strong organizational skills are also
necessary. Familiarity with social media, including Facebook, You Tube, and blogging is
preferred.
Mentor:
Kristie Rauter, Community Health
Improvement Planner
[email protected]
715-421-8915
Contact:
Ty Zastava
Health Educator
[email protected]
715-421-8929
Important Considerations:
The intern will need a vehicle and be open to a flexible work schedule. Working occasional
evenings and weekends will be expected.
Other
Wood County has approximately 75,000 residents. Although it is a predominately white
community, many cultures are represented in our county including Hmong, Hispanic, Native
American, and Amish. This placement provides a student with an expansive public health
experience, in a progressive health department with a relaxed and fun work environment. The
beautiful Wisconsin River runs through our community, offering recreational opportunities all
year long. There are several walking/biking paths to embark upon, a semi-professional baseball
team to cheer for, and numerous events and activities throughout the summer, including a wellknown fireworks display on the 4th of July.
Wood County
Research in Biomedical / Dental Informatics
Marshfield Clinic Research
Foundation
Marshfield, Wisconsin
Internship Summary:
The primary goal of the 8-week biomedical/dental informatics internship program is to
provide a hands-on research experience. Interns are mentored by a research scientist and
contribute to the development, data collection, analysis, and presentation of results phases of
a research project. Areas of research concentration include biomedical and dental informatics
focusing on learning how to accelerate improvements in human health and well-being
through informatics research. Biomedical informatics researchers study how to better apply
information technology to medical and dental health care and biomedical research. Successful
Approximate Time per Activity:
Project 1: Patient Health Portal 50%
Project 2: Integrated Medical-Dental HER
environment 50%
Mentor:
Amit Acharya
Associate Research Scientist
[email protected]
715-221-6423
Jennifer Meece, PhD
Director of the MCRF Core
Laboratory/Research Scientist
Marshfield Clinic Research
Foundation
1000 North Oak Ave.
Marshfield, WI 54449
715-221-6465
715-389-3319 (Fax)
[email protected]
applicants will be assigned a primary mentor and will work on one or more projects under the
discipline. The intern will participate in a learning experience that incorporates all aspects of
the research process. In the initial stages, interns learn the project's background by reviewing
the scientific literature, planning the project, and learning the skills necessary for successful
project completion. Interns work closely with mentors to develop their project. As the project
develops, interns begin data collection and analysis, and meet regularly with the scientist to
discuss findings and plan new approaches as needed. At the end of the 8-week internship,
interns give a 30-minute oral presentation of their research findings at the farewell research
symposium.
Skills and Experience Needed:
This research experience would be a great experience for interns to learn and familiarize with
research in the field of biomedical and dental informatics. Individuals who are engaged in the
following areas are strongly encouraged to apply for this program: dentists, dental and predental students, dental educators, dental hygienists, dental technicians, physicians, medical
students, computer scientists, computer science undergraduate and graduate students,
informaticians and informatics students. Applicants should be self-motivated and should have
strong interpersonal skills.
Important Considerations:
A company car will be provided for work related travel if one is available. Some evening and
weekend activities may be necessary.
Other:
This position provides the intern to gain knowledge in the biomedical and dental informatics
research discipline and would provide an opportunity learn about our unique "integrated
electronic health record" at Marshfield Clinic.