GLOBAL KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE NETWORK ON HEALTHCARE (GKEN), RESEARCH INTERNSHIP, AUSTIN TX
GLOBAL KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE NETWORK ON HEALTHCARE (GKEN) SEEKS INTERN TO RESEARCH GLOBAL TRENDS AND EMERGING PRACTICES IN HEALTH IT AND COMMUNICATION
GKEN is a global non-profit organization committed to the identification and promotion of effective emerging and better practices in healthcare throughout the world. GKEN is composed of volunteer member delegates from the EU, South East Asia, and the United States. The delegates include practicing physicians, health administrators, employers, insurers, pharmaceutical manufacturing, health policy advocates, health underwriters and voluntary health organizations.
GKEN is seeking a student intern to assist in a research project related to global trends in the use of health information technology, including web-based tools (online communities, social networking, Twitter, etc.) to promote better practices, disseminate information, empower patients, and improve health systems and outcomes.
The use of internet-based technologies for information exchange and communication is a fast-growing, global trend. Sites such as MySpace, Facebook, and Twitter allow people to stay connected in their daily lives through the posting of comments, photos, and video, which are shared instantaneously with a user’s ‘network’ of friends, family, and colleagues. This technology has spread to healthcare as well, with a growing number of websites dedicated to creating unique online communication networks for people with a wide range of interests in healthcare. Other technologies such as online personal health records, health tracking tools, and patient-provider messaging systems are also becoming more common as healthcare consumers seek ways to empower themselves around their own health.
The intern will work with GKEN staff to research and complete a report on an issue related to this topic for publication on the GKEN website. GKEN staff will work with the intern to develop a topic in his/her area of interest as it fits within the broader context of health IT tools and their ability to improve communication, promote better practices, empower patients, increase efficiency, and improve health outcomes. The intern will also have opportunities to confer with GKEN’s international advisors in the development of this project.
Application: GKEN is seeking applications from Master’s level students interested in healthcare systems, health IT, web technologies, public health, communication, and health policy on an international level. To apply, please send the following materials via email to the contact listed at the bottom of this announcement:
Cover sheet including name, address, phone, email; University and degree program (include current level, e.g. 1st year master’s student, etc.)
Resume/Curriculum vitae
Summary of relevant work or study experience related to healthcare, health IT, communications, etc.
Brief description of why you are interested in this project and your specific area of interest and/or proposed research topic.
Any other useful background information about yourself and your interests that you would like to share.
Length of Internship:
This is an approximately 3-month internship starting in Fall 2009. Start and end dates and work times are flexible depending on the schedule of the student and completion of the project. Opportunities may be available for independent study credit with the intern’s university.
Reimbursement:
This is an unpaid internship. However, the intern may have the opportunity to attend an international GKEN meeting to share in the presentation of their research.
Officing/Location:
GKEN administration is based in Austin, Texas, therefore the intern will work independently through a telecommuting arrangement, with supervision by phone, email, and face-to-face meetings with GKEN staff as appropriate. While the intern is not required to reside in Austin, she/he must have access to a phone, personal computer, and internet service to complete assignments and communicate with GKEN staff.
Contact:
To apply, please email materials to: Deb Norris at debnorris@gmail.com. DUE DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: August 14, 2009.
For more information about GKEN, please visit our website at www.gken.org