PEP Externship: shaping future health informatics leaders
(SACRAMENTO)
The UC Davis Health Clinical Informatics Practice Experience Program (PEP) has emerged as a beacon of opportunity for aspiring health informatics professionals through its innovative PEP Graduate Student Externship. This program gives graduate and professional students hands-on experience in Epic, fostering the development of future health informatics leaders.
Foundation and objectives
Recognizing a need to provide students an opportunity to gain experience in health informatics, the PEP team launched the PEP Externship in September 2020. This initiative aligns with the UC Davis Health Strategic Plan, which emphasizes reimagining education by cultivating diverse, transdisciplinary, lifelong learners. The PEP Externship aims to provide transformative leadership development and training for student externs, equipping them with the skills and experience necessary for successful careers in health informatics.
Program structure and benefits
The PEP Externship offers two 10-month cohorts, Fall (November – June) and Spring (April – December), targeting students in Health Informatics, Health Administration, Computer Science, Data Science, Public Health Sciences, and related fields. Externs gain invaluable experience in Epic EHR, project management, and technical training processes while working closely with professionals from UC Davis Health Clinical Informatics and Information Technology Epic Applications.
Key components of the program include:
Perspective and feedback: Externs provide fresh insights on organizational issues and offer new ideas to enhance PEP.
Productivity boost: Meaningful projects assigned to externs benefit PEP while lightening the workload of full-time staff.
Leadership and mentorship: Clinical Informatics and IT Applications staff develop their leadership, mentorship, and supervision skills.
Visibility and networking: The program increases PEP’s visibility within University of California graduate and professional programs and provides students with networking opportunities.
Alumni testimonials
The success of the PEP Externship is evident through the glowing testimonials of its alumni:
Hien Ho, Spring 2022: “I was able to get a more in-depth look into the inner workings of the Epic EHR, and also be exposed to various roles and work processes. I highly recommend the Practice Experience Program Externship to all students.”
Priya Sharma, Spring 2022: “It has been a transformative experience that has molded me into a more proficient individual, particularly by providing a gentle introduction to the field of clinical informatics and project management, all while having the unwavering support of our supervisors.”
Noah Hoang, Fall 2022: “The Practice Experience Program Externship granted me another perspective of health care that is not well known but vital in providing high quality of care. I hope to apply the analytic and organizational skills I learned into my future public health career.”
Neha Singh, Spring 2021: "I applied for the Practice Experience Program Externship to gain real-world insight in my field of study. The Externship provided me the opportunity to explore my interests in Epic training, technical project management, and Epic build. I wholeheartedly recommend this experience to any graduate/professional student looking to work in Clinical Informatics."
Alumni success stories
Nebay Russom, a former extern, highlighted the program's impact on his career. “Through the program, I earned my proficiency in EpicCare Ambulatory and learned how to work with clinicians to optimize efficiency.” Nebay now works as a Database Specialist at the California Department of Public Health, where the skills and knowledge gained from the PEP Externship continue to benefit his daily work.
Hien Ho appreciated the welcoming environment and structured program. “I was floored by how welcoming the staff were and how well-organized the program was.” Hien currently works as an ICU nurse at Mercy General and is exploring roles that align her education and passions in program management and development.
Priya Sharma encourages graduate students to apply. "First and foremost, I encourage graduate students to apply for the PEP Externship. Although some may initially be deterred by the fact that it’s unpaid, the experience you gain is invaluable and absolutely worth it. The PEP Team is dedicated to guiding and supporting you throughout the program and is eager to hear your ideas and recommendations. It was also refreshing to apply the theories and concepts learned in my health informatics graduate program directly to PEP.” Priya recently finished her Masters in Health Informatics at UC Davis and is searching for positions in the field that will have a great impact on patient care and the patient experience.
Institutional commitment
The UC Davis Health PEP Externship stands as a testament to the institution's commitment to education, leadership development, and innovation in health informatics. By providing students with practical experience and professional mentorship, the PEP Externship not only enhances the career prospects of its participants but also contributes to the ongoing improvement of healthcare delivery and provider well-being.
Apply today
The UC Davis Health PEP Externship is currently accepting applications for its Fall 2024 cohort. To apply:
Submit an online application and email a current CV/Resume to hs-pepsquad@ucdavis.edu by October 11, 2024. Online application link: https://ucdavis.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bDzG1bGrQmqGGSp.
