Internship Logistics

• Placement days are variable and to be determined with direct supervisor
• All students will have a hybrid placement to combine remote work and in person activities at OHSU
• All students must have their own device (laptop/desktop computer) for offsite work. OHSU equipment available when onsite
• Preferred duration of PE is 2 terms and 160 hours and this is negotiable

Organization Mission/Purpose

The OHSU Transgender Health Program provides high-quality, evidence-based healthcare to transgender and gender diverse individuals across the lifespan. Through interdisciplinary clinical care, education, community engagement, advocacy, education, policy and research the THP strives to support transgender and gender diverse communities to enjoy optimal overall health, psychological wellbeing, and self-fulfillment.

Preceptor

Amy Penkin, LCSW (Clinical Program Manager, OHSU Transgender Health Program)

Practice Experience Opportunity

OHSU welcomes master’s in public health students within the Transgender Health Program. Practice experiences with the THP include opportunities related to clinical care, advocacy, policy, education, and research endeavors that help develop/implement projects to promote access to care and health equity for individuals of all ages. All practice experiences are flexible and based on the intersection of clinic/program needs and student goals. For specifically pediatric focused placements please see the listing under OHSU Doernbecher Gender Clinic.

Key areas for the practice experience include:

• Community engagement
• Policy development
• Program development
• Program or project evaluation
• Quality/process improvement
• Education/training development (patient or healthcare provider directed

Sample Practice Experience Activities/Deliverables:

Transgender Health Program (THP) Adult focused practice experience

• Program evaluation of THP Here4You surgical peer support and mentoring program and Social Connection Project (SCP) which delivers peer to peer friendly social support
• Community engagement/partnership with Trans Lifeline in the development of peer led surgical education curriculum
• Program evaluation of gender affirming hormone therapy Learning Collaborative and Community of Practice
• Curriculum development to support volunteer engagement, retention, and professional development
• Program development, expansion, and evaluation of peer delivered services
• Quality improvement related to increasing timeliness from referral to scheduled visit

To Apply

Please contact the appropriate preceptor to discuss whether opportunities may fulfill your program objectives. Include a resume/CV, general availability, terms you are interested in for your PE, and specific areas of interest.

THP contact: Amy Penkin, LCSW penkin@ohsu.edu

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of onboarding or orientation will be required?
All students will be onboarded through the OHSU Office of Visitors and Volunteers to ensure all compliances are met. Expect 2-4 weeks to complete required onboarding activities.
 
What does a typical day look like?
Students will be engaged in project-based work that can include quality improvement, program design, program evaluation, or program coordination. Milestones will be established in collaboration with your preceptor and aligned with your PE agreement. Activities will include remote and in person collaborations.

 
Is this remote or in person?
Most MPH students will have the majority of their activities take place virtually.

 
What kind of projects do students work on?
Students can participate in new projects determined by the program’s needs or can orient towards ongoing projects that may be a continuation from a prior student. If students have ideas about specific new projects they wish to initiate these can also be considered.

 
What commitment duration is required?
Students have committed one or two terms for their Practice Experience. The THP can accommodate students who wish to complete their PE’s in either 1 or 2 terms. Many projects benefit from the longevity of 2 terms.

 
Are there other MPH interns or students?
We host students throughout the calendar year. Depending on the time of year and project MPH students may collaborate with MSW students, Psychology students, and/or medical/nursing students.