As part of the A Professional Approach to Team Care in Public Health course, this activity is designed to help you become familiar with the healthcare organization where you will complete your externship.

Every healthcare organization has a unique mission, vision, patient population, and role within its community. Taking time to learn about your externship organization before your first day will help you feel more confident, understand the patients you will serve, and recognize the valuable resources available to the community.

Learning Objectives

After completing this activity, you will be able to:

• Describe the mission and purpose of your externship organization.
• Identify the community your organization serves.
• Recognize the healthcare services and community resources available to patients.
• Explain how your externship organization supports public health and team-based patient care.
• Prepare for your externship by becoming familiar with your organization's website and available resources.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, download the Externship Organization Note Catcher. You will use this worksheet to record your observations as you explore your assigned externship organization's website.

📄 Download the Externship Organization Note Catcher

Instructions

Locate your assigned externship organization in the list below and visit its website.

As you explore the website, pay close attention to information about the following topics.

Community

Learn about the community your organization serves.

Consider questions such as:

• Whom are the primary patients served?
• What geographic area does the organization support?
• Does the organization describe the healthcare needs of its community?
• Are there any unique populations or healthcare challenges discussed?

Resources and Services

Identify the programs and services offered by your organization.

Take Notes

As you review the website, complete the Externship Organization Note Catcher you downloaded earlier to record your observations.

Your notes should include:

• The organization's mission, vision, or purpose
• The community it serves
• Healthcare services provided
• Community programs and resources
• Interesting facts or information you learned

These notes will be used to complete your assignment in the A Professional Approach to Team Care in Public Health course.

Externship Organization Websites

Use the dropdown list to select the state where your externship is located. Then locate your assigned externship organization and select the appropriate website.

Next Step

After completing your website review and Note Catcher, return to the A Professional Approach to Team Care in Public Health course in Populi and complete the Wk 3 - Knowledge Check #4 assignment.

Why This Activity Matters

Healthcare professionals are expected to understand not only the clinical care they provide but also the healthcare organization they represent and the community they serve.

By completing this activity, you will:

• Become familiar with your externship organization before your first day.
• Gain a better understanding of the community and patients you will serve.
• Recognize the healthcare services and resources available through your organization.
• Develop a stronger understanding of how healthcare teams support public health initiatives.
• Build confidence as you prepare to begin your externship experience.

This knowledge will help you become a more informed, engaged, and successful member of your healthcare team throughout your externship and future career as a medical assistant.