INTERN POSTION
Proposed Class Title: Get Smart Program Intern
Organizational Location: Pennsylvania Department of Health, Bureau of Epidemiology
Geographic Location: Health and Welfare Building, 625 Forster St, Harrisburg.
State or Allegheny County Health offices around Pittsburgh
The Get Smart Get Smart: Know When Antibiotics Work in the Community Program is a multifaceted effort
that includes collaboration with multiple partners including Pennsylvania Department of Welfare, Office of
Office of Child Development and Early Learning, Penn State College of Medicine Pediatric Group, and the
University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy. It is supported through a Cooperative Agreement with the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Get Smart about Antibiotics Campaign. The program’s aim is to
encourage judicious antibiotic use through a variety of interventions including education of current and future
healthcare providers, childcare providers, young children and their parents. Implementation of program
activities requires regular communication and participation in events, some organized by key partners. An
epidemiologist responsible for surveillance for antimicrobial resistance pathogens provides supervision of two
interns in collaboration key partners. Currently one intern is assigned to Penn State College of Medicine
Pediatric Group. The current position is for an intern who be assigned to activities at the University of
Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy and public health agencies within Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area.
Intern’s key duties and responsibilities include:
 Updating content on the Program website, www.KnowWhenToSayNo.org
o optimizing website for program use
o Updating to best practices
 Communication with collaborators
o Scheduling and facilitating conference calls and meetings including recording meeting minutes
 Coordinating training activities
 Assisting in current and new initiatives
o Pharmacy Initiative: Collaboration with the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy to
educate student pharmacists on antibiotic resistance and Get Smart. Student pharmacists then
take this knowledge to community pharmacy settings or presentations at other appropriate
settings.
o Monthly or bi-monthly e-newsletters to program supporters.
o Annual drawing competition for PA children.
 Other duties as assigned
 Required Skills and Qualities:
o Knowledge of public health practices
o Commitment to best practices
o Strong writing skills
o Strong oral communication skills
o Interest in child health and/or antibiotic resistance
 How internship will contribute to sponsoring organization:
o The intern will maintain ongoing collaboration through regular communication, coordination of
training activities and development targeted Web content. Among other duties intern will also
conduct training under the guidance of the epidemiologist assigned to Get Smart Program.

Max 20 hours a week, paid, possible employment up to a year.
To apply for a Public Health Internship, please send your completed Public Health Internship Application,
Academic Verification Statement (attached) and resume to the following address:
PA Department of Health
Intern Coordinator
126, Health and Welfare Building
625 Forster Street
Harrisburg, PA 17120-0701
Please also e-mail a letter of interest and resume to Nkuchia Mikanatha at nmikanatha@pa.gov
Requirements: Current, full time student enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program. Major
course of study in a health related field such as Public Health, science, or technical field (engineering or
computer science). Resident of Pennsylvania or attending a Pennsylvania college or university. Good academic
standing.
Time Frame: Start dates are flexible but follow the traditional spring, summer and fall semesters
Upon receiving your Internship Application and Academic Verification form completed by the
college/university, we will advertise your resume to the Bureau of Epidemiology’s program managers. Program
managers will contact you directly to discuss any paid or non-paid opportunities they have to offer. Please let
me know if you have any questions. Thank you for your interest in the PA Department of Health’s Public
Health Internship Program.
Bridget Racis | Human Resource Analyst
PA Dept. of Health, Bureau of Human Resources
Room 126 Health & Welfare Building
625 Forster Street | Harrisburg, PA 17120-0701
Phone: 717.547.3194 | Fax: 717.783.2808
www.health.state.pa.us/employment