LTJG Lauren Brewer, RN
Clemson University
Adventure, education, and leadership, this is what the JRCOSTEP program provided me! Through this program I was able to participate with the nursing team at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) on the Endocrinology and Oncology Pediatrics unit. During my internship, I helped gather the clinical data related to new treatments of rare and some not so rare conditions including anemias, specific cancers, unexplained stunted growth conditions, uncommon tumors and immune disorders. In addition, I was encouraged to study and present on a topic of my choice at a research symposium as well as attend research lectures on varying topics.
While the clinical side of this experience was top notch the human factor was even more amazing. During an internship you have the time to sit down with the patient and their families to discover not only the medical aspects but the personal stories behind the treatment. I also had time to explore other parts of the children’s' treatments like music and play therapies as well as travel with them to their surgeries and physical therapy sessions.
The other major benefit of this experience was the ability to interview other PHS officers and explore this career option without any obligation. It opened my eyes to the future I wanted for myself.
Because I started this program so early in my college track I had time for a second JRCOSTEP. In an effort to diversify myself and to check out another agency, I pursued an internship with the Indian Health Service. Instead of the bustling metropolis of the DC/Bethesda area where the NIH is located, I was on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation helping to care for the Lakota Sioux. This experience was so rewarding. I was able to delve into a new culture and a new cultural care modality and actually see the importance of cultural and spiritual relevant care.
The JRCOSTEP program helped me gain experience and confidence in my skill sets and insight into what I want to do for the rest of my life. PHS fits me and my life goals...try it to see if it fits yours!
James Allen Goggins
Western Carolina University
I participated in the U.S. Public Health Service’s JRCOSTEP program during the summer of 2009, where I was stationed with the Environmental Health Services Branch of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Through my time as a JRCOSTEP with the Environmental Health Services Branch of the CDC, I experienced environmental health practices in a wide variety of fields. We worked with environmental health professionals at the county, State, and Federal levels. We coordinated field experiences with the USDA, National Parks Service, and Vessel Sanitation Program to see how the programs function in environmental health. I was also able to see how environmental health functions at the Federal level with my day-to-day work at the CDC.
I think the highlight of my experience as a JRCOSTEP has been the people I have worked with. I cannot stress enough how much I have learned from my colleagues and mentors. Everyone I have worked with has been warm and inviting and has taken time to share with me their experiences and lessons from the field. I have had the opportunity to work with professionals in a variety of fields, each boasting a unique set of skills and experiences I had the opportunity to learn from. I have been able to learn about their
career paths and how they achieved their success. I have had invaluable networking
opportunities and have made lasting relationships with professionals in environmental
health.
My JRCOSTEP experience has provided me with a great foundation for my career in environmental health. I have been able to experience environmental health practice in
a variety of areas. From cruise inspections with Vessel Sanitation Program to county-level restaurant inspections with local environmental health professionals, my time as a JRCOSTEP has provided me with a wealth of experience and personal connections I will
use throughout my career, as well as a new career avenue as a Public Health Officer with
the Commissioned Corps. I can’t think of any other program where a student will have
the opportunity to do as much in environmental health while being mentored by experienced public health professionals. More importantly, the JRCOSTEP program helps young professionals find their niche in environmental health. I could go on and on about my experience as a JRCOSTEP, but my best advice would be to try it for yourself
and make your own lasting memories.
Ensign Michaela Hall
Ensign Michaela Hall, a student in Western Carolina University's Environmental Health program, participated this summer in the United States Public Health Service Junior Commissioned Officer Student Training and Extern Program (JRCOSTEP), where she was assigned to the U.S. Coast Guard in San Pedro, CA. While on assignment, ENS Hall focused on environmental health, safety, and industrial hygiene. Her adventures included: inspecting foreign containers, completing an indoor air quality assessment for a building where an individual was diagnosed with occupational asthma, and visiting Air Station Los Angeles to complete respirator fit testing. In addition, she delivered annual training and assisted with inspection. ENS Hall says, "My summer as a JRCOSTEP was a hands-on educational experience I will never forget!"
ENS Marnin Alan Forman
Texas A & M University
My duty as a JRCOSTEP was at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, MD. I worked in the Veterinary Resources Program (VRP), which is a component of the National Center for Research Resources. VRP is one of the largest biomedical research animal care and use programs within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. At VRP, a majority of my work was with the microbiology diagnostic laboratory. Dr. Theresa Lawrence served as the director of the laboratory and my JRCOSTEP preceptor. My work in the lab involved performing microbiological procedures for diagnostic, health surveillance, and environmental submissions. The diagnostic submissions were received from a wide variety of animals from the NIH campus. The procedures included processing biological specimens, performing biochemical characterizations, and testing for antimicrobial susceptibility. I also was responsible for documenting results, which are then conveyed to the presenting veterinarian.
Dr. Lawrence encouraged me to make the best use of my time by taking advantage of the numerous opportunities available to me at NIH. I observed and assisted with necropsies performed in the VRP pathology department. I attended weekly pathology slide conferences issued by the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology. I also attended training seminars on biohazard handling and laboratory animal handling and manipulations. Through the JRCOSTEP program, I was able to assist in the publication of a biweekly newsletter, as well as tour a number of facilities associated with the Public Health Service.
Nicole Beblo
Fourth-year student at Duquesne University
For my JRCOSTEP assignment, I traveled 1,900 miles to dry, sunny El Paso, TX. I worked for the Federal Bureau of Prisons at the Federal Corrections Institution La Tuna in Anthony, TX-NM. Anthony is a small town that lies half in Texas and half in New Mexico. It is about 10 miles west of El Paso.
At La Tuna, I worked in the pharmacy under the direction of Sheila Veikune. The pharmacy is in the hospital portion of the prison and it is similar to a caged room. Only the tech and Sheila had keys to the pharmacy.
I worked on several projects: One was on diabetes, in which I interviewed inmates (not alone, of course!) about their understanding of their disease states, and then I presented my findings to the medical staff. I also completed a project on Lassa Fever and presented that to the medical staff. I did several self-study projects, including one on tuberculosis and one on drugs of choice for infections.
During my time there, I also helped fill prescriptions. While I was there, they received a new computer system that was Windows based, so I got to learn how wonderful it is to fill scripts on that system! I also greatly improved my patient-counseling skills. Sheila feels that all the inmates should be counseled whether or not their prescription is a refill. Also, since many of the inmates are Spanish speaking, I counseled in Spanish, as well as in English.
Overall, I had a wonderful experience. With the help of my Mom and a wonderful church congregation in El Paso, I was able to stay with a family. The family lived in an upscale neighborhood and had a pool, maid, and gardener! The only payment they would accept was for me to house sit and watch their three dogs when they went away. They were wonderful people.
I also met many great contacts and great friends as well. The facility also had two dental PHS COSTEPS that I grew quite close to. We even took a long weekend and drove 9 hours to San Antonio! We also went to Juarez, Mexico the sister Mexican town to El Paso.
The thing I miss most about El Paso by far is the great Mexican food. After living in Pennsylvania all my life, I've now realized that Taco Bell and Chi Chi's don't hold a candle to real Mexican food! What would I do for a flauta right now Anyway, I had a wonderful summer one that I'll never forget!
ENS Todd Marcy
University of Oklahoma
My experience with the Indian Health Service (IHS) has been outstanding. I have learned how much more the pharmacist is informed and involved in the care of the patients we serve. As we are preparing prescriptions for our patients, we have their charts so that we can understand completely both the current problems and the history of the patients. We know the details of an acute problem and the progression of a chronic one. This changes our entire perspective relative to that of other pharmacy practices. We are able to make informed recommendations to the physicians about drug selection and dosing. We can also order labs, such as liver function tests, to properly monitor the patient and make recommendations as to the appropriateness of continuation of the chronic therapy.
There is a comprehensive protocol and standing orders system here as well. It allows pharmacists to prescribe medications for patients with specific disease states such as allergic rhinitis, strep throat, and many others. The pharmacists routinely check blood pressure, and every patient is counseled on every medication new or refill by a pharmacist or pharmacy student. The pharmacy is much more clinical and there is a significant amount of patient contact here.
Another wonderful thing about being here in Warm Springs is the opportunity to learn about the rich culture of the native people. They are very open and eager to share that culture. They encourage anyone who is interested to take part in their pow wow and other activities. Since moving into the American Indian community, I have felt welcomed by nearly everyone I have met. I have had the opportunity to attend church services here as well. They sing some of the traditional Christian songs that I grew up with in a native tongue, which is special to hear.
I have also had the opportunity to meet several IHS pharmacists. One thing I've noticed about them is that they are satisfied with their jobs. After working here, I understand why.