Kaiser Permanente is not just envisioning the future of health care; we’re actively shaping it. This summer, 40 passionate high school students from Washington, D.C., Baltimore City, Prince George’s County, and Fairfax County embarked on a transformative journey through our immersive Summer Youth Internship Program, designed to cultivate the next generation of health care leaders.
Our medical centers across the region welcomed these ambitious students, offering them a hands-on introduction to diverse medical fields such as radiology, internal medicine, women’s health, endoscopy, pharmacy, and beyond. These students, many from underrepresented communities with no immediate family members in health care, were chosen for their strong interest in pursuing careers in this vital industry.
“Our Summer Youth Internship Program is more than just an educational opportunity—it’s a critical investment in the future of health care,” said Cynthia Cifuentes, Vice President, Brand, Communications, and Community Engagement at Kaiser Permanente, Mid-Atlantic. “By nearly doubling the number of participants this year, we are not just opening doors; we are building the workforce that will drive health care innovation and equity for years to come.”
In addition to gaining real-world experience, these students participated in professional development sessions with the Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine. These sessions offered invaluable networking opportunities and insights, preparing these young talents to become leaders and changemakers in health care.
The impact of this program extends far beyond the summer. For many participants, like alumna Alexia Anazco, this internship is the first step on a career path that promises to transform not only their lives but the future of health care.
About Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.7 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health.
