As a health major at the University of Utah, I needed to do an internship at any healthcare related business. I had a lot of options, ranging from working in a hospital to shadowing a health teacher. I got a referral to contact Alex McDonald at Intermountain Donor Services, and that sounded very interesting.   I met with Alex and Dixie at the end of January, and started my internship Feb 4th. I have a busy schedule with a full time job and being a full time student, so we worked out a schedule where I could come in just once a week, which was every Thursday. I didn’t know much about organ/tissue donation when I first started my internship, but I was a registered donor and supported it.   I had taken a class in college that briefly discussed donation and the process, but didn’t really get into it much. I have learned so much about this company and organ/tissue donation.

When I first started the internship I went to presentations on organ/tissue donation in the mornings at high schools and junior high schools. Those were a big help and I learned a lot from them. I also got involved in the 5K race that is put on every summer by IDS. I’ve called many businesses and discussed the race and asked for donations of gifts and prizes. I put together a number of poster presentation boards that go around to different events and health fairs. One of my favorite experiences was the opportunity to go with Alex and Dixie to Twin Falls, ID. We met with Mike Parke who is a funeral home owner and also a liver recipient. His story is great. Mr. Parke was not a big supporter of organ and tissue donation. About 3-4 years ago, he began to get sick. Eventually he needed to get a liver transplant in order to live. Mr. Parke was on the waiting list for 3 years before he got his transplant. He also got a whole new view on organ and tissue donation, and is now a huge supporter with many ideas about how to raise awareness about donation. The transplant he received really did change his life.

Working here has been great. The people are great. Everyone is very friendly and easy going. They have helped me out a lot by working with my schedule. They always had work for me to do so I was never just sitting around. If you want to learn more about IDS, or have any questions regarding organ and tissue donation I recommend going to the website www.yesutah.org.

Tags: 5K Race, Intermountain Donor Services, intern, organ donation, tissue donation, yesutah

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