MACON — Mercer University senior Shaan Prasad has been selected for a highly competitive internship with the Georgia Governor’s Office that provides Georgia’s brightest and most ambitious students with professional experience to prepare for the working world.
Dr. Chinekwu Obidoa, associate professor of global health and Africana studies, describes Shaan, a global health studies major with minors in biology and chemistry, as having a keen interest in public health governance.
“The Governor’s Intern Program will provide the perfect platform for him to receive first-hand training and some experience in health policymaking and diplomacy at the state level,” said Dr. Obidoa. “The skills he will build through this program will help prepare him to serve as a well-rounded physician in underserved parts of the state upon graduation from medical school. Without a doubt, his multi-interdisciplinary undergraduate training in global health studies at Mercer adequately prepared him for selection into this program.”
Prasad, from Athens, will attend the Mercer University School of Medicine in the fall and plans to pursue a residency at a university-affiliated hospital and serve underprivileged communities.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to learn more about the Governor’s Office and the effects of state-level health policy on citizens,” said Prasad. “I always admired the contributions and work of our state government from my exposure during Youth Assembly in high school. As an aspiring physician, this internship will give me the additional skills and expertise to improve the health of all Georgians.”
Initiated in 1971, the Governor’s Intern Program offers students valuable work experience in the Governor’s Office and in numerous agencies throughout the state. Interns work in a fast-paced environment and enjoy many opportunities to learn more about politics, state government and the legislative process.
The application process for the program is highly competitive, consisting of an application and several rounds of interviews.
