For a third year, the Tobago Regional Health Authority (TRHA) is hosting its summer internship programme.
The programme, which aims to give participants first-hand experience in healthcare, opened with a ceremony on Monday.
This year, 68 post-secondary and university students from across Tobago will be engaged in the seven-week summer internship programme.
TRHA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Delmon Baker said the programme is designed to offer far more than employment and a salary.
“Today you take the first step not only into the world of work but also into your own leadership journey. This year’s theme, ‘Empowering our youth to be future leaders,’ speaks directly to your presence here. You are not just trainees. You are tomorrow’s innovators, tomorrow’s decision-makers, and its change agents.”
TRHA Board Director Dhanique Jerry also noted the programme will expose the interns to the ever-evolving nature of healthcare, which goes beyond frontline workers.
And Secretary of Health, Dr. Faith Brebnor, said the programme is about investing in the future of healthcare in Tobago, as she urged the young adults to maximise the exposure they will receive.
“Show up, be present and give your best, but dream big because ten years from now, five years from now, some of you will be standing right here where I am standing, and on that day, whenever that day comes, I want you to remember where it all began right here in this room, with this opportunity.”
Following the ceremony, the interns were led on a guided tour of the Scarborough General Hospital.