Internship Program
The National Patient Advocate Foundation (NPAF) and Patient Insight Institute summer internship program provides college or graduate students with a unique learning experience to better understand the challenges impacting patients and caregivers today, while also exploring the opportunities to build a more equitable health care system through research and advocacy.
Our internship program offers three distinct focus areas that allow interns to hone skills that align with their interests and career goals:
- Policy and Advocacy
- Evidence to Action
- Patient Engagement
Students will be assigned special projects that will advance NPAF and Patient Insight Institute’s work and include presentations to staff as well as creating resources and other content to support our various communities.
After an overwhelming response, we are no longer accepting applications for summer 2025. Please check back early next year for applications for summer 2026.
If you have additional questions, review the FAQs below or send us a note at internships@npaf.org. Please include in your subject line “INQUIRY” so staff know to prioritize your email.
The internship program is open to students at an accredited college or university across all majors. The ideal candidate will possess an interest in health policy, public health, health services research, patient engagement, and grassroots advocacy.
This will be a virtual experience only.
Half-day onboarding training session in which we will review both NPAF and PII missions and discuss our infrastructure and relation to Patient Advocate Foundation, public policy priorities, advocacy efforts and research opportunities. Multiple staff will present accordingly.
Additionally, interns may participate in one-on-one meetings with various staff to understand their roles in the organization.
Your preceptor will be dependent on your selected “track.” Additional staff throughout the two organizations may also provide mentorship and supervise projects and assignments where appropriate.
Interns will be an integral part of our team working closely with NPAF and Patient Insight Institute staff including organizational leaders and other policy, advocacy, and research colleagues. As such, interns will have the opportunity to join meetings or activities with partners and advocates.
Further, interns will also have many opportunities to work directly with their peers.
Interns will report their progress and receive performance feedback verbally on a regular basis. During presentations, interns will receive real-time feedback from the NPAF team. A more formal, written review will be provided by the preceptor at the mid-point of the internship, and then at the end.
The internship will last ten (10) weeks – beginning Monday, June 2, 2025 and ending Friday, August 8th. Our offices will be closed June 19 and July 4 in observation of Juneteenth and Independence Day, respectively.
Yes, a stipend will be available to all interns.
Please submit your application using the link above. Applications will be reviewed beginning February 28, 2025 and up to three positions are available. You will be contacted within one week after the deadline regarding next steps including interviewing with staff. A final decision will be communicated no later than March 28, 2025.
You may send additional questions to internships@npaf.org. Please include in your subject line “INQUIRY” so staff know to prioritize your email.