Community leaders interested in experiencing the rewards and trials of practicing medicine are encouraged to apply for the 2009 Chattanooga-Hamilton County Mini-Internship Program. This year's program will be Sept. 29-Oct. 1.

This successful program, ongoing since the early 1990s, is designed to open lines of communication and expand perspectives on important health care issues for participating physicians and community representatives. To apply for this program, contact Kevin Lusk at the Medical Society at 423-622-2872 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Participants will have the opportunity to observe operations, emergencies and the close relationship between physicians and their patients during office visits. Participants come away with a new perspective on medical care.

"By allowing community leaders to witness patient care through the eyes and ears of physicians, out goal is to emphasize the human rather than the technical side of medicine," said Ken Hayman, MD, President of the Medical Society.

Interns will accompany a doctor on his/her rounds, office care, surgery, emergency care, and anything else in the daily routine of the doctor. Nothing will be set up and the intern will be encouraged to ask questions and discuss concerns throughout the mini-internship. At the end of the internship, participants will discuss the experience and share perspectives on the health care industry. 

The program begins with a short orientation and privacy briefing at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 29, followed by four half-day experiences with different physicians on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1.