A summer internship program created by Decatur Memorial Hospital, Workforce Investment Solutions and the Jerry J. Dawson Civic Leadership Institute gave four young people from Decatur the opportunity to experience the health care field firsthand.
The Dawson Civic Leadership Institute Summer Healthcare Internship ran from June 16 to July 10 and allowed four current students and recent graduates of MacArthur High School – Amiyah Broughton, Kenrayle Carr, Aarhiana Jones and Jayda Flournoy – immersive, real-world experiences within the hospital setting.
“This program reflects our shared commitment to developing the local workforce and growing hometown talent,” said Tamar Kutz, interim president and CEO of Decatur Memorial Hospital. “By creating early, meaningful exposure to health care careers, we’re not just filling future roles — we’re empowering our community.”
“Witnessing the transformation of these students has been the most rewarding part of this initiative,” said Desir’ee Wright, assistant coordinator, DCLI. “Their internship reinforced the importance of core values like integrity and professionalism, while teaching them that compassionate care is built on human connection and that serving patients is a profound form of community service.
“This experience, made possible by our partners at DMH and Workforce Investment Solutions, didn't just inspire future healthcare workers,” she added. “It cultivated the next generation of compassionate civic leaders who are truly invested in the well-being of our community.”
Funded in part by Workforce Investment Solutions, which provided hourly wages for the interns, the program combined career development exercises with intensive job shadowing and clinical simulations. Interns completed 40 hours of job shadowing, working alongside DMH professionals to explore patient care, behind-the-scenes operations and the role of technology in modern medicine.
“My internship at DMH has been a life changing experience. It drove my passion for health care and left me wanting more,” said Amiyah Broughton, a DCLI participant. “Every day was a new opportunity and learning experience. This experience strengthened my desire to be a nurse and taught me skills I never thought would be so valuable. It reminded me that compassion, teamwork and dedication are the key to great care.”