SPRING 2024
INTERNS
Scleroderma United welcomed its second-ever intern cohort during the Spring 2024 semester. Our interns excelled in every way possible, and we couldn’t be more proud of their accomplishments. Scroll to see some of our favorite highlights from the Spring 2024 Internship Program!
From Around the World…
OUR GLOBAL INTERN COHORT
Our interns came from: the United States, Canada, Jamaica, Ukraine, Pakistan, Hong Kong, Philippines, Morocco, Nigeria, Singapore, and Taiwan.
Interns Engaged in Collaborative, Meaningful Projects…
PRIMARY PROJECTS
Learn Center Content Project:
Updating our Learn Center with the latest information about scleroderma and restructuring the resource
Key Terms Glossary Publication Project:
Developing a publication that explains the “key terms” that patients may come across
Medications & Treatments Database Project:
Creating a database of scleroderma medications and treatments
Strategic Relations Project:
Conducting research and strategic outreach in marketing, grant funding, and collaborations
Scientific Studies Project:
Synthesizing recent scleroderma news in short, easy-to-understand pieces, perfect for new patients or children
Scleroderma Sundays Project:
Crafting brief highlights of “Scleroderma Stories,” designed to hook the reader in and direct traffic toward our publications
Arranging interviews with scleroderma warriors who run small businesses or make art
Implemented Grassroots Awareness Tactics and Fundraising Strategies…
CAMPAIGNS
With their mentors’ support, interns led organized Amplified Awareness Area Campaigns in their communities and hosted personal fundraising campaigns. While building key nonprofit, advocacy, and fundraising skills, the interns reached almost 3,000 people who had never heard of scleroderma and raised thousands of dollars in support of Scleroderma United’s upcoming Children’s Course.
Click photo to expand
Created Patient Advocate Portfolios…
PORTFOLIOS
Each week, interns listened to an episode of a podcast, read an interview, watched a documentary, or conducted research on a broader healthcare issue. Some weeks, interns summarized and reflect on a topic. Other weeks, mentors guided the interns through the article-writing process. By the end of the internship period, interns had a deeper understanding of scleroderma and the patient experience – as well as a portfolio to back up that knowledge! Patient Advocate Portfolios included at least one published article.
And Engaged with Guest Speakers!
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Select interns were even offered the opportunity to engage with a guest speaker: Dr. Gohar Majeed, DO, a neurosurgeon based in Gainesville, Florida. During this 1-hour expo, interns were granted an inside look at what life is truly like in healthcare from an experienced professional.
Check out our Internship page for current internship opportunities
Special Thank-Yous
MENTORS & SPONSORS
This internship would not have been possible without the help of our Internship Program Mentors and Sponsor Organizations.
Cosette
Wu
Founder & President, Internship Coordinator
Hawaii, USA
Khushboo
Shukla
Vice President, Internship Coordinator
Texas, USA
Mishaal
Hammad
Chief Coordinator of Internship Activities
New York, USA
Ellie
Armstrong
Internship Coordinator, Relations Projects Mentor
Oklahoma, USA
Grace
Elliott
Relations Project Mentor
Connecticut, USA
Sponsor Organizations:
Opportunities in Hong Kong | JUMSA | UTSC Molecular Biology & Immunology Student’s Association | Students’ Neuroscience and Psychology Society, Monash University | Sciences of Dermatology | uEmpower | University of Queensland Premedical Society | Girls in White Coats | Broncology Magazine | The Youth Medicine Association | Medical Enthusiasts | Princeton Women in Medicine | STEMATA | Teens for Healthcare | ScienceHolic | Youth4Neuro | RevolutionizeSTEM NYC | Youth Medical Association