Building careers in health innovation: Gabriella and Eric’s internship experience
We know that the next generation will have a vital role to play in tackling health inequalities and improving outcomes for patients and communities. That’s why we partnered with Health Data Research UK (HDR UK) and welcomed two interns this summer through their 10,000 Black Interns Programme.
This internship gives young people the chance to gain hands-on experience, build confidence, and explore careers in health innovation, whilst also bringing fresh perspectives to our work. Gabriella and Eric joined us for eight weeks supporting our Improving Cancer Journeys work and our Evaluation and Insight team. Find out what motivated them to join the programme and what they hope to achieve in the future.
The power of an internship
Gabriella has always been driven by a desire to help people, though for a long time she wasn’t sure how. Like many, she first assumed that becoming a doctor was the only path. But during her undergraduate studies she discovered health data science and realised that innovation and technology could improve lives at scale. Learning about UCLPartners’ focus on tackling inequalities in disadvantaged areas made the decision to apply an easy one.
I knew our priorities aligned, and that this was the place for me.
For Eric, the internship was an opportunity to apply his pharmacy background in a new setting.
The idea of working with experts who are driving real change in the health system motivated me, I knew it would give me a strong foundation outside of my degree and help me see how my skills can make an impact on patients and communities.
Eight weeks of discovery
During the placement, both Gabriella and Eric built skills that will stay with them long after the internship. Gabriella, who began with little programming experience, was guided by her UCLPartners buddy, Data Analyst Osahon Ohenhen, and by the end of the eight weeks could independently carry out data analysis. She also gained insight into how the NHS works and the importance of public and patient involvement.
It’s so important to hear the concerns of the people who an innovation is being designed for. It makes any programme run smoother.
Eric developed his technical abilities while also strengthening communication and teamwork. Working across different projects, he grew more confident in presenting findings and learned to approach challenges from multiple angles. He also built a clearer understanding of how healthcare systems operate, and how innovation can address the gaps.
Future directions
Both left the internship with a clearer vision for the future. Gabriella now hopes to pursue a career in healthcare innovation, ideally within a network like UCLPartners, and one day lead her own project. Eric wants to combine his pharmacy background with data and research to improve healthcare delivery and tackle inequalities at a systemic level.
What unites them is a strong belief in the power of innovation. Gabriella sees innovation as the future and a way to make access to healthcare more equal and increase healthy life expectancy for all. For Eric, being part of UCLPartners confirmed that he wants to keep working in this space.
Being exposed to the work here has shown me how much potential there is to improve outcomes. That makes pursuing this path even more motivating.
Their stories highlight the value of internships like this one in not only in building skills and confidence, but also in shaping careers dedicated to making healthcare fairer, more innovative, and more accessible to everyone.