By: Kai Rumley, BSPH
Internship: Marion County Public Health Department: Bell Flower Clinic
I grew up in Avon, Indiana, as the eldest of five siblings. Family has always been a cornerstone of my life, so I strongly desired to attend a university close to home that would allow me to remain active in my siblings’ lives. Indiana University Indianapolis seemed like the perfect fit.
Initially, I enrolled at IU Indy as a pre-nursing major, motivated by a desire to work in healthcare. However, during my first semester, I quickly realized that my passion did not align with clinical practice. While I admired the dedication of my peers, I found myself yearning for a different way to contribute to the health and well-being of others. This led me to explore other academic paths offered at IU Indy.
In the following spring semester, I enrolled in “PBHL-P 109: Introduction to Public Health” and “PBHL-E 210: Zombie Apocalypse and Doomsday Infections.” These courses, particularly the latter with its focus on epidemiology, captivated my interest. The enthusiasm and expertise of the faculty, combined with the dynamic and interdisciplinary nature of public health, ignited a passion in me that I had not felt in my previous studies. By the following semester, I was honored to serve as a teaching assistant for the “Zombies” course, which further deepened my commitment to the field.
Beyond the classroom, my involvement with Alpha Chi Omega provides me with practical opportunities to apply my growing public health knowledge. As vice president of risk management, I am responsible for overseeing the safety and well-being of our members, which includes implementing health and safety protocols and educating my peers on relevant public health issues. This role highlighted the importance of applying academic knowledge to real-world situations and pushed me to research other opportunities.
Eager to gain more hands-on experience in the field, I was thrilled to learn about the internship opportunity at the Bell Flower Clinic (BFC) through the Marion County Public Health Department. The internship represented a unique opportunity to immerse myself in public health practice, and I was excited to contribute to the important work being done at BFC.
During my internship, I have been fortunate to participate in a variety of outreach activities, providing a comprehensive view of public health in action. One of the most impactful experiences was observing an STD clinic at the Marion County Jail. This experience exposed me to the challenges and complexities of providing healthcare in a correctional setting, where public health efforts are crucial yet often underappreciated.
Additionally, I worked with the Safe Syringe Exchange program, an initiative aimed at reducing harm among individuals who use injectable drugs. This program underscored the importance of harm reduction strategies in public health and broadened my understanding of the diverse approaches needed to address public health challenges.
Another significant aspect of my internship was my involvement in participant recruitment for our project that focuses on the reduction of syphilis cases in Black MSMs. This experience allowed me to engage directly with the community, gaining valuable insights into the social determinants of health and the barriers that individuals face in accessing healthcare services. Through these experiences, I developed a deep appreciation for the critical role that outreach and community engagement play in public health, even though my primary interest lies in research.
My long-term goal is to pursue a career in epidemiological research, with a particular focus on autoimmune disorders. I am passionate about advancing our understanding of the genetic and immunological factors that contribute to these disorders, with the hope of improving diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies. After graduation, I plan to apply to IU Indy’s MPH and PhD in Epidemiology programs, where I can build on the foundation I have established and continue to pursue my research interests.
Reflecting on my time at BFC, the most valuable lesson I have learned is the importance of not comparing yourself to others. It is all too easy, especially as young adults, to become consumed with comparisons—whether in grades, jobs, or social statuses. When I first began my internship at BFC, I frequently compared myself to my colleagues, feeling unprepared and questioning whether I deserved to work alongside such knowledgeable and experienced professionals. As an undergraduate, I felt intimidated by the knowledge and experiences of my peers, particularly in the areas of STDs and public health.
However, I soon realized that my insecurities were holding me back from fully embracing the opportunities before me. Instead of allowing comparisons to undermine my confidence, I chose to view my time at BFC as a unique learning opportunity. Yes, my peers had more experience, but that was precisely the point of this internship—to gain experience and learn from those who are more knowledgeable. I began to ask questions, engage in discussions, and actively seek out opportunities to learn. This shift in mindset not only enhanced my internship experience but also made me a more capable student and future public health professional.
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