Harris Frankel, M.D., neurological sciences, and Paul Paulman, M.D., family medicine, participated in the Community Internship Program through the Metro Omaha Medical Society.
The program was started in 1992 to foster communication and understanding between community leaders and the medical community. Interns are provided the unique opportunity to shadow four different volunteer physicians over a two-day span. They are allowed to witness all aspects of care including patient examinations and procedures, consultations and even behind the scenes. Each intern shadows physicians to experience the office/clinic setting, a medical procedure and a surgery.
At the end of the program, the interns and physicians are invited to attend a dinner and asked to share their experiences. Since its inception, the Community Internship Program has provided this life-changing experience to 178 interns. Past interns have included lawmakers, members of the media, community leaders and business representatives who work closely with physicians.
The interns who came to UNMC this year included: Bob Whitehouse, a member of the University of Nebraska Board of Regents; Pete Festerson, a member of the Omaha City Council; and Spencer Head Jr., caseworker/outreach director for Rep. Lee Terry.