by Chloe Wang
As an intern at Global Partners in Care (GPIC) this past summer, I had the opportunity to explore the intersection of healthcare, social justice and global collaboration. As a neuroscience and applied mathematics student at the University of Notre Dame, this internship enabled me to apply my academic knowledge and deepen my understanding of the challenges communities face in accessing palliative care within a global context. GPIC was the perfect platform for this learning journey, particularly aligning with the social justice theme that resonates deeply with me as a Notre Dame Hesburgh-Yusko Scholar.
As I progressed through my internship, I realized how crucial GPIC’s role is in connecting palliative care providers and organizations with the resources and opportunities they need to grow. The work often goes unrecognized because GPIC serves as a bridge — an unseen but essential part of facilitating global collaboration. Yet, it is precisely this bridging work that makes all the difference. Throughout my time, I had the opportunity to contribute directly to this mission by creating detailed informational briefs and concept notes that highlighted potential partnerships and collaboration opportunities. Through these projects, I gained a clearer understanding of the importance of learning and knowledge exchange which can ultimately drive collective growth and better healthcare outcomes around the world.
I saw firsthand how essential it is for organizations around the world to stay connected, share resources and collaborate to enhance the quality of care. Being part of that mission was deeply rewarding, knowing that we were contributing to a shared goal of improving healthcare on a global scale. The work I completed played a small yet significant role in helping these palliative care organizations grow and succeed through international collaboration.
I also had the opportunity to choose an area of personal interest to learn more about. I conducted a literature review on the gut-brain axis and its implications for palliative care, which deeply resonated with my understanding of patient care. This experience allowed me to explore the intricate connections between microbiome modulation, neuroplasticity, and pain management. Through my research, I discovered the potential of using the gut-brain axis connection to improve the quality of life for patients facing neurodegenerative diseases. The insights gained from this show the importance of a holistic approach in palliative care, offering new pathways to enhance mental health and overall quality of life. As the demand for more compassionate and effective care continues to rise, embracing these interdisciplinary methods has the potential to fundamentally change how we manage complex symptoms.
This internship also provided me with invaluable experience in global health, strategic communication and time management. Working remotely, I honed my ability to manage tasks across different time zones while ensuring consistent communication and meeting deadlines. I am incredibly grateful to Global Partners in Care for their unwavering support and guidance throughout this experience. Their expertise and encouragement were pivotal in my personal and professional growth. I also want to extend my appreciation to my fellow GPIC interns for their camaraderie and collaboration along the way.
My time at GPIC was both professionally enriching and personally meaningful, offering me a glimpse into the impressive reach of global partnerships and their contributions to healthcare equity and justice. I leave this experience with a deepened understanding of palliative care, international collaboration and the profound impact that organizations like GPIC can have in communities around the world.
Written by GPIC Intern, Chloe Wang, a third year student at University of Notre Dame.