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Katriel Tan.

Katriel Tan recently finished the Bachelor of Health Science at ANU and is starting the Doctor of Medicine and Surgery program at ANU Medical School.

Where did you complete your internship?

I completed my internship at the Department of Health and Aged Care (DOHAC).

Why did you decide to apply for an internship?

In my final year, I wanted to apply the skills I had gained in my Health Science degree to a meaningful, real-world project. The internship program seemed like the perfect opportunity to do exactly that. I have always been strongly interested in health policy, so I was excited about the chance to intern at DOHAC.

How was the process? What was the level of support from the college/university?

The process was straightforward and well-organized. The College of Science and Medicine advertised all internships on their website, and I simply had to submit an expression of interest for my preferred options. After that, I completed a panel interview for DOHAC, and once I was successful, I filled out a few forms to find a supervisor.

Marian from the Science Internships Office provided incredible support at every stage. Even the process of finding a supervisor who was interested in our project was well-supported by the office.

Did you end up with the specific internship opportunity that you were after? Were there others that you were interested in?

Yes, I secured the specific internship opportunity I was aiming for, which focused on cancer survivorship. All my preferences were for various cancer-related projects at DOHAC, so even if I hadn’t received my first choice, I knew I would have still thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I am deeply passionate about the cancer space in health policy, making this internship a perfect fit.

Can you describe a day in your life as an intern?

I would take the bus to the DOHAC office in Woden, often meeting up with the other ANU intern at the coffee shop on the ground floor. I was fortunate to have another intern working on the same days as me—we became friends, and she was a great support throughout the program.

Each day began with a meeting with our supervisor to discuss our project progress and any support we needed. My project involved conducting a literature review on the current state of lung cancer survivorship in Australia, in preparation for the 2025 National Lung Cancer Screening Program. Most days, I was compiling research findings and synthesizing information from various sources.

The DOHAC office is quite large, so I had many opportunities to connect with senior industry professionals and learn about their work. I also joined team meetings and had the unique experience of listening to Senate inquiries where DOHAC was presenting.

Biggest achievement and/or most memorable experience from your internship?

My biggest achievement was presenting my research findings in person to a range of industry professionals at DOHAC. One of the most memorable moments was showcasing a flowchart I had created, which encapsulated the key findings from my literature review and their connections to various government initiatives.

It was particularly exciting to illustrate how my flowchart helped identify gaps in support for lung cancer survivors and outline potential next steps for the government. Being able to present this visual element—something I developed independently alongside my literature review—was a proud and defining moment for me.

Do you believe this internship will help you achieve your career goals? If yes, how?

I truly believe this internship will help me achieve my career goals. As I move into medicine, I know I will return to the policy space in the future, using my medical background to help shape better public health policies within the government.

This experience was incredibly eye-opening, giving me valuable insight into how policies are developed and adapted to meet evolving healthcare needs. Alongside my Health Science degree, it reinforced my passion for public health and solidified my commitment to making a meaningful impact in this field. Everything about this internship excited and inspired me, strengthening my drive to become a better doctor in the future.

What would you say to future students about pursuing a science internship?

If you’re even slightly considering it, go for it! The science internships offered are truly unique, and each project is thoroughly described on the website. Take the time to explore all available opportunities—you might find one that perfectly aligns with your interests.

If you’re passionate about a topic, that passion will come through in your application and interview. So trust yourself, back yourself, and take the leap—you won’t regret it!

Find out more about science internships.