This series highlights the outstanding internships undertaken by our students in the YSPH Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases (EMD) program. Here, second-year MPH student Cristina Arnés Sanz discusses the skills acquired and contributions made to her field of study during her internship.
What organization did you intern with this summer and where were you based?
Cristina: I pursued my MPH summer internship at The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria in Geneva, Switzerland.
What was your role or the title of your internship position?
Yale's Leadership in Global Health Fellow
What were your main responsibilities and deliverables during the internship?
I worked on two public health challenges that are very close to my heart: climate change and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). I identified and analyzed climate-relevant interventions within the Global Fund’s Modular Framework. I was also involved in analyzing investments in AMR prevention and control activities and in developing country profiles to understand their AMR capacities.
How did your coursework at Yale inform your work during the internship?
As an MPH student in the EMD department with a concentration on Climate Change and Health, I applied the knowledge and further developed the practical skills acquired in my first-year courses, such as applied analytical methods in epidemiology, health and climate change policies, healthcare systems, social justice, and health equity.
It was fascinating to witness the enormous impact of the Global Fund in saving lives and promoting the health of the most vulnerable populations.
Cristina Arnés Sanz
What were the most important insights you gained through the internship?
I had the unique opportunity to learn firsthand about the inner workings of a major multilateral organization. I gained insights into the importance of global partnerships to combat infectious diseases and strengthen health systems, as well as coming to appreciate the complexities involved in navigating international organizations. It was fascinating to witness the enormous impact of the Global Fund in saving lives and promoting the health of vulnerable populations.
What advice would you give to a student considering this internship?
I highly encourage students interested in international organizations to consider applying for the Yale Institute for Global Health’s (YIGH) Leadership in Global Health Fellowship. This program allows you to immerse yourself in a global health organization during the summer while receiving YIGH training and support throughout the internship.