INTERNING AT 25: MY UNCONVENTIONAL ENTRY INTO HEALTHCARE COMMUNICATIONS

By Elizabetta Deblasio, Strategy Intern, Publicis Health Media 

Ciao! I am Betta Deblasio, 25-years-old and perhaps one of Publicis Health’s more non-traditional interns, let me explain: 

In undergraduate school I studied biology and for many years I had dreamed of becoming a doctor. But, once I was in the pre-medical program, I wasn't sure if that was the direction that I wanted to truly dive into for the remainder of my career—it felt like so many years to give up for a career I was not sure about. Once I graduated, I was unsure of my next move and planned to take a year off to travel and plan out my next career move. For most of my life I had thought about making a career out of medicine—becoming a doctor, PA, anything in the healthcare community. But deep down, I knew medicine really wasn't what I wanted to do and instead that I wanted to work behind-the-scenes in the healthcare business space. I clearly needed to spend more time thinking really about what I truly wanted to pursue.

I sat on that feeling for a year, while I got a part-time job at a retailer I had always dreamed of working with and got involved in my local community. I also had plans to travel and see new places that I would be interested in moving to. Then the pandemic hit and for the first time I was exposed to the important world of public health, and it peaked my interest. I was curious where public health and the behind-the-scenes business side of healthcare could intersect. 

Lockdown.

Thinking.

What are the next steps? 

Will there be something next? 

Can I still pursue my career dreams? 

As vaccines rolled out and we were able to go into the world and seek out adventure again, I made a decision to go back to school and pursue a masters degree in Public Health, Policy & Management at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. As I finished up my first year of the program I knew I was exactly where I was supposed to be.

In my internship research, I wanted to explore non-traditional ways to apply my background of biology and public health, so I applied for the Publicis Health summer internship program. I had a feeling this experience would be very beneficial for me as it would give me insight to a side of healthcare that I have never been exposed to. My summer with Publicis Health Media has been an incredible experience. At PHM, I have been introduced to many aspects of the healthcare space that I never would have stepped foot in if I didn't explore all my options. One of the biggest things for me was a different perspective on ways to bring access to healthcare to those who may not know about it. In my opinion, health media is a great way to ensure populations of people in need of treatment get the education and information needed to improve their health. I was able to gain insight into the world of media and communications, the system that connects us all together. I am forever grateful to have been chosen for this program and I am proud to be a part of the PHM internship experience.