My Unhealthy Healthcare Internship
I don’t think people talk enough about unhealthy healthcare environments, especially when you’re young and trying to learn.
My internship was supposed to be about growth.
Instead, it taught me how easily you can lose yourself when you’re trying to prove you belong.
I was doing tasks outside my role, getting dismissed when I asked questions, and constantly being told:
“You won’t understand, you’re too young.”
But the truth is… innovation comes from the youngest people in the room.
Curiosity comes from the youngest people in the room.
And the future of healthcare, especially AI healthcare… needs young minds who aren’t scared to challenge what’s outdated.
Leaving that internship taught me:
✨ Your age doesn’t define your capability
✨ Respect matters more than opportunity
✨ You are allowed to walk away
✨ Not every healthcare space is built for learning
And now, building AI tools in healthcare, I understand why that experience happened.
It made me want to create systems where young people are valued, not ignored.
Where ideas matter more than hierarchy.
Where curiosity isn’t treated like a threat.
#lemon8healthcare #lemon8challenge #asklemon8 #jobadvice #internships
Experiencing an unhealthy healthcare internship, especially as a young learner, reveals significant challenges within these environments that often go unspoken. Many young interns find themselves performing tasks outside their designated roles, facing dismissal when asking sincere questions, and encountering ageist remarks such as “You won’t understand, you’re too young.” This discouragement from curiosity not only stifles growth but also hinders the potential innovation that young minds bring to healthcare. Innovation and curiosity are often strongest among the youngest people in the room. Young interns and professionals bring fresh perspectives needed to challenge outdated systems and promote advancement—particularly as healthcare increasingly integrates AI technologies. Their abilities to question, learn, and propose new ideas are critical for shaping the future of healthcare. Internships should be a space of growth and learning, but unfortunately, many healthcare environments are not yet designed with that mindset. Respect and support are paramount for nurturing young talent. The lesson that one’s age does not define capability emphasizes the importance of dismantling hierarchical barriers that undervalue emerging voices. Additionally, young interns must know they have the right to step away from toxic or uninspiring environments. Building AI tools in healthcare today underscores the need to create healthier, more inclusive systems where ideas matter more than hierarchy and curiosity is encouraged rather than feared. A culture shift that values young people’s contributions can empower the next generation of healthcare innovators who will responsibly integrate AI and improve patient outcomes. Furthermore, recognizing unhealthy environments can help budding healthcare professionals seek better opportunities—spaces where mentorship, respect, and genuine learning exist. Interns and young workers should advocate for themselves and seek roles that nurture growth, creativity, and respect. In summary, addressing unhealthy healthcare internship environments is crucial. Valuing young people’s voices not only supports their growth but also drives innovation essential to evolving healthcare landscapes, particularly in AI and technology. Creating inclusive, respectful workplaces will cultivate the curiosity and creativity necessary to meet future healthcare challenges effectively.
Have you ever been made to feel “too young” in a workplace? What happened?