The Children’s National Hospital Internship is more than a standard training experience—it’s an immersive journey into the heart of pediatric care, where aspiring professionals not only observe world-class treatment but also engage with the compassionate core of medicine.
Located in Washington, D.C., Children’s National is one of the top-ranked pediatric hospitals in the United States, offering interns a dynamic and enriching environment that blends academic rigor with real-world impact.
Who the Internship Is For
This internship provides a rare opportunity for students and recent graduates who are passionate about healthcare, medicine, child psychology, biomedical research, or public health. Interns become part of a mission-driven institution that places children and families at the center of everything it does. Whether it’s through shadowing physicians, assisting in research labs, or contributing to patient support programs, interns are encouraged to bring their curiosity, empathy, and dedication to the forefront.
A Multidisciplinary Learning Environment
One of the defining aspects of this internship is its multidisciplinary approach. Interns are often exposed to a variety of departments—from pediatric oncology and cardiology to developmental psychology and rehabilitation. This wide-ranging exposure allows participants to gain a holistic understanding of pediatric healthcare.
It’s not uncommon for an intern to begin their day attending grand rounds with a team of physicians and end it by helping plan a therapeutic art activity for long-term patients. This diversity in experience fosters adaptability and gives students a broader view of the roles that different professionals play in the care of young patients.
Opportunities in Research and Innovation
For those with a research interest, the hospital’s close ties to academic institutions and its own Research Institute make it an exceptional setting for scholarly growth. Interns may find themselves contributing to studies on childhood obesity, congenital diseases, or adolescent mental health.
Even those without a deep scientific background are welcome to participate in data analysis, literature reviews, or the planning of community health initiatives. Through this exposure, interns build a foundational understanding of how evidence-based practices shape the future of pediatric medicine.
Building Emotional Intelligence and Compassion
Additionally, the internship recognizes the emotional complexity of working with children and families in a healthcare setting. Emotional intelligence, resilience, and interpersonal communication are all integral to the experience. Interns learn how to support not only patients but also their caregivers, often during incredibly vulnerable times. These soft skills, though less quantifiable, are deeply valuable and often cited by alumni as life-changing takeaways.
Find Out More Perkins Eastman Internship
Summary
The Internship at Children’s National Hospital is not simply a line on a résumé—it is an experience that shapes emerging professionals into thoughtful, skilled, and compassionate contributors to pediatric healthcare.
The program opens doors that extend far beyond the hospital’s walls. For anyone with a passion for helping children and a desire to make a difference, this internship represents a profound step forward in both personal and professional development.
Online Apply
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