Intern of the Month Tries to Find Learning Moments in Everyday Happenings
Posted on Oct. 29, 2009
Katy Lundell, a chiropractic student at Northwestern Health Sciences University, tries to see the learning moments in everyday happenings. “I think it’s the key to making the most of your education at any level,” she says, “whether that is in class, in clinic or in your day-to-day life.” Lundell was selected by the University’s Department of Clinical Education as Intern of the Month for September 2009. It’s not the first time she’s been singled out as an exemplary student leader.
During her time as a student at Northwestern, Lundell has participated heavily in student government. She has served as Student Senate Chiropractic Vice President and Senator; student representative on the Chiropractic Alumni Association Board; student representative on the Internship Planning Committee with Clinical Education; and a member of the search committee charged with selecting a new Dean for the College of Chiropractic. She also tutored other students and assisted in labs.
“I believe involvement is crucial,” Lundell says. “It helps build my interpersonal skills as well as time management. Networking is vital as we begin to develop our future practice.”
Lundell is spending her final trimester interning at Live Well Chiropractic Spa and Acupuncture Center in Chanhassen, Minn., with Jo Becker-Puklich, DC, a 1995 graduate of Northwestern. “Dr. Jo is a phenomenal clinician as well as a mentor,” says Lundell. “She incorporates many modalities including acupuncture, soft tissue work, and adjustments into her treatment plans for each patient. It is obvious how much her patients appreciate and respect her. The atmosphere in her clinic is warm and inviting - exactly how I want my patients to feel.”
“I am grateful for this opportunity to learn many of the intangibles involved in running a practice,” adds Lundell, “including marketing and patient education, managing cash flow, and patient retention.”
As Intern of the Month, Lundell will earn four hours of time away from the clinic (TAC) that counts toward T9 internship total hours; a $25 gift certificate to the bookstore; and a signed certificate suitable for framing.