Intern of the Month Feels Prepared for the Next Step
Posted on Sept. 17, 2009
Kristopher Stepney, chiropractic student, was selected as the August clinical education intern of the month for Northwestern Health Sciences University.
Stepney completed an internship with Josh Watkins, DC, at Watkins Family Chiropractic in Prior Lake, Minn. He selected that position because the clinic is a family practice that sees all types of patients from newborn to 90 years old. “Dr. Watkins is a great teacher and mentor,” Stepney added, “who allows his interns to get involved and hands on with the patients. You don’t spend a lot of time sitting around or watching at his clinic. The clinic is a very busy place and as an intern there you are always working on something or treating patients.”
Stepney said the internship provided valuable insight into the day-to-day managing of a clinic and staff. “I learned so much about managing a clinic and staff while working there,” he said, “something I wasn’t exposed to at the school clinics. Even when the doors are closed there is always something to do when you own a business.”
During his internship, Stepney gained valuable experience giving public health talks in the community. He then went on to compete in – and win – the national Talk the ‘Tic contest, an event that challenges chiropractic students to present a 10-minute health talk on the benefits of chiropractic. He was also president of the On Purpose Club on campus. “I believe it’s important to get involved,” he said, “because we ARE the profession. If we don’t define what it is that chiropractors do, then someone else will define it for us.”
Stepney will spend his last term in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, this fall. After graduation, he will start a practice in nearby Sherwood Park. “As a T10, I see that in three months I am the doctor,” he said. “I have all the responsibility that my community entrusts in me with their health. I better be prepared.”