Internship Spotlight: Q&A with Healthcare Quality Intern Palak Patel
Thursday, Sep 11, 2025
This summer, Lander University senior Palak Patel brought her curiosity, energy and passion for health care to DPH. From tagging along on facility inspections to diving into compliance regulations, she embraced every learning opportunity and connected classroom lessons to real-world impact. To learn more about Palak’s experience, insights and favorite moments from her time with us, we sat down for a Q&A. Here’s what she had to share about her summer at DPH.
Can you tell us a little about your background and what led you to pursue this internship?
I am a healthcare management student at Lander University and will be graduating in the spring of 2026. Since starting my college career, I quickly recognized how disconnected administrative roles can be from the hands-on realities experienced by those actively working in the health care field. Knowing that my plans post-grad are to work at a hospital, I was intentional with looking for an internship that would keep me close to the heart of the industry and allow me to engage directly with the public. When I applied for the internship at DPH, I knew the experience I could gain here wouldn’t simply mirror what I’d learned as an undergraduate student, but instead it would complement what I’ve learned by adding a new piece to the overall picture.
What were your main responsibilities during your internship?
The overarching theme of my internship was to simply learn as much as I could. I looked forward to being able to draw connections to my studies through discussions at various meetings and the time I spent looking through various regulations.
Which project or task did you enjoy the most, and why?
My favorite part of my internship was being able to go on inspections at various facilities. I was able to gain insight and firsthand experience that related to the discussions in the office. I also really enjoyed seeing the inspectors reiterating that they are going to facilities to support and help them improve rather than penalize them. A bonus point is that every inspector can build and maintain good relations with the public. This was my favorite part to experience while out on the field; DPH is very lucky to have inspectors that are doing their roles with passion and empathy.
What new skills or knowledge did you gain during your time here?
During my time here, I had the opportunity to develop my attention to detail. Whether it was during in-depth discussions about compliance regulations or while conducting field observations to identify potential citation issues, I learned to closely analyze information, ask the right questions, and recognize small but important details. This experience has helped me better understand how operational accuracy and compliance contribute to organizational efficiency and overall long-term strategic success.
Were there any challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them?
Starting my internship felt overwhelming at first. As a business major, I was aware that I would have gaps in my understanding of the public health industry and also the government sector. That uncertainty was beyond intimidating. However, I tend to embrace discomfort in general and used this opportunity to potentially make mistakes to learn and hopefully grow, so I reminded myself to keep that mindset throughout the experience.
How do you think this internship has prepared you for your future career goals?
This experience has deepened my understanding of the critical role DPH plays in supporting health care facilities, not just by ensuring they meet regulatory standards, but by creating an environment where they are positioned for long-term success. I’ve seen firsthand how every decision made within the department is guided by a commitment to putting patients’ quality of care at the center, emphasizing safety and overall well-being.
What feedback or advice would you give to future interns?
Dear Beloved Summer 2026 Intern,
There might be days where you are utterly confused, and that is okay! Just remember — never shy away from asking questions and that people here will always help you close gaps in knowledge you may have. A curious intern is always better than a forever confused intern. No two days will be alike, so take good notes, build connections and absorb each part of your time here like a sponge. You got this!
With pizazz and swagger,
Palak Patel (Summer 2025 Intern)
What’s next for you after this internship?
I’m thrilled to be entering my final year of college and on track to complete my bachelor’s degree this coming spring. During my senior year, I look forward to another internship, this time at a hospital. I hope to observe firsthand how the insights I’ve gained from my current experience intersect with and influence the hospital side of health care. It will be incredibly rewarding to witness how these diverse perspectives come together in practice, further enriching my understanding of the industry. After graduation, I plan to gain as much professional experience in health care as I can, which I intend to relate back to throughout my future studies in law school.