Current student, Diana Nguyen, shared the following about being a Summer Intern at Montilla Plastic Surgery…
What did you do as an intern at this organization?
As an intern at Montilla Plastic Surgery, I showed Dr. Montilla in a variety of procedures and learned the ins and outs of running a practice and working with a full team. I was able to observe super interesting procedures and in-office surgeries. Dr. Montilla answered all of my questions and explained every stitch and decision he made on the spot so that I could have a full understanding of what goes on in the mind of a surgeon at work. I also practiced suturing and other medical skills whenever his medical assistants, Heather and Sinead, had time to teach me. I was able to learn so much from his awesome team of staff who formed the foundation of the clinic and went out of their way to show me and teach me as much as I can. I helped out wherever was needed, whether it was cleaning surgical instruments, taking health histories, assisting Dr. Montilla, updating our social media, organizing the office, cleaning rooms, tending to patient needs, etc.
How did you find this internship?
I was lucky enough to stumble upon their website and I reached out via email and phone because Dr. Montilla’s skillset was so awesome to read about online and I wanted nothing more than to be able to see him work his magic in person.
What did you enjoy most about your internship?
I could go on forever about the ways that this summer changed me for the better, I learned so much about every aspect of life from this internship and enjoyed every bit of it. My most cherished memory of the internship would definitely be patient interactions, specifically when the entire team would go out of our way to visit a patient in a different part of the hospital. Seeing those smiles just made my entire year, knowing how our actions made patients feel so cared for and seen. I also loved learning from Dr. Montilla and his team, every person had something awesome to teach me and I sought to absorb every ounce of information like a sponge so that I could gain as much knowledge as possible. Everyone was just so kind and genuine!
What did you find challenging?
The most challenging part of my internship was seeing elderly patients in pain. Skin cancer is nothing short of traumatizing and completely life-altering. I wanted nothing more than to take that pain away for them and do anything that I can to put a smile back on their faces. This challenge of seeing patients wincing in pain as Dr. Montilla was performing mohs surgery was difficult because I do not want them to feel that pain, but it was necessary in order for them to survive and heal. I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to be there for patients during their follow-up appointments where they were able to recognize themselves again after their bandages were taken off and that meant the world to me, to see the life flooding back into their eyes and the smile returning to their faces.
What advice would you offer to someone who wants to make the most of an internship like yours?
Go into any shadowing or medical assistant experience with an open heart and mind. You will see patients from all walks of life and learn about their stories and how to be there for them. Be open to doing literally anything as long as you can be helpful, whether it’s cleaning tools or rooms, be there for the people you work with and be useful!
