HOSA Internship in the Office of the Surgeon General: Day III

Day three of the HOSA Internship in the Office of the Surgeon General began with the interns getting on the Metro Train early this morning and heading to downtown Washington D.C.! Downtown, the interns discovered an abundance of information about the Human Health Services (HHS). The morning began with a tour of the Secretary Operations Center (SOC), where all National Emergencies are monitored. In this room you can find desks, computers, large monitors, and people keeping an eye out on American Emergencies 24 hours a day and 365 days a year. 

One of the interesting facts the interns learned this week, was that the Surgeon General has three offices, the office the interns visited today being her main office. Although, the interns did not have the opportunity to meet the Surgeon General due to the preparation for meetings that had already been scheduled, they did meet with the Dr. Benjamin's assistant LT Collins. She was very excited to share her story with the Public Health Service, and is a huge supporter of HOSA along with "America's Doctor" Dr. Benjamin. 

After spending time with LT Collins, the students had the opportunity to experience publications that are issued through the United States Public Health Service. These publications are work of the Surgeon General and the Acting Director of Science and Communication. The inters were able to review documents on tobacco use, breastfeeding, and underage drug and alcohol abuse. This experiences was very exciting for the interns, simply because it provided them with a side of healthcare that usually is not given much attention.

Their time in downtown concluded with a visit to Capitol Hill with HOSA's Political Lobbyist George Sifakis. The students meet in the office of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, who was not present, but her assistant was available. She was very excited to here about all the opportunities HOSA provides students, and assured the interns that she will keep her up to date with the latest HOSA news that the interns shared wit her. The interns then took the metro train back to their hotels, and met back up once more for dinner with the Public Health Service Officers they have been working wit daily.