Becky Tyrrell -- Health Care Consulting Intern at Pershing Yoakley & Associates

I'm nearing the end of my internship with PYA here in Knoxville, Tennessee and I'm still pretty amazed by all of the things I've learned -- both personally and professionally. I started graduate school with the goal of completing a summer internship at a consulting firm to see if the field really would be a good fit for me and if I'd be interested in pursuing a consulting career full time after graduation. I'm happy to say that so far I've found the field to be a good fit for my skills and interests and one that offers a wealth of challenge and opportunity for growth and learning.

I've especially enjoyed the fact that no two days have been alike this summer. I go into the office each morning not knowing with certainty what I'll be doing or what exactly will happen, and so far I've found that very invigorating. I like the variety, unpredictability, the time pressure, and the responsibility I'm entrusted with. I've also enjoyed being able to touch a wide range of project types because it has helped me to build a much better understanding of how all the complex and varied pieces of health care fit together.

In terms of specific project work, I've worked on engagements involving physician manpower planning, emergency department call burden assessments, fair market valuations, practice leasing agreements, clinical co-management arrangements, new care model design, health reform implementation, and much more.

I've also done a lot of research, writing, and editing, both for clients and for internal use. I've drafted memos, written email blasts on breaking health care news, written chapters on ACOs for professional organizations, and summarized calls with the Department of Health and Human Services. I've also written a lot of project proposals and created presentations to give to clients. My PowerPoint and Excel skills have definitely improved!

Overall, it has been a fantastic summer and a great glimpse into the world of health care consulting. I'm looking forward to being back in the 'burgh and seeing what everyone else has been up to though!