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Patient and Nurse

SERVICE LEARNING PROGRAM

The Service Learning Program offers students and early-career professionals the chance to contribute to real-world projects submitted by organizations in our Partnership Network.
 

Designed as a blend of apprenticeship, internship, and consultancy, this program builds your skills while delivering value to institutions working in health, education, and administration.

 
Rather than classroom simulations, you’ll work on actual problems, tools, or initiatives that organizations would normally assign to a junior staff member or external consultant.

What You’ll Work On

You’ll be matched with a project or case submitted by a partner organization, including training institutions, healthcare facilities, nonprofits, associations, or regulatory bodies. Projects may involve:

  • Designing or evaluating health professions curricula

  • Supporting public health campaigns, outreach, or education programs

  • Assisting in the design or evaluation of clinical or community-based programs

  • Drafting or revising policies, procedures, or operational manuals

  • Supporting online learning communities, events, or conferences

  • Contributing to quality assurance, accreditation, or regulatory processes

  • Assisting with digital transformation or educational technology adoption

 

Each placement is tailored to your interests and availability, with a clear scope of work, structured deliverables, and support throughout.

How It Works

  • No fixed timeline: Duration depends on the project (typically 2–12 weeks)

  • Flexible format: Most projects are remote; in-person elements may be offered based on location

  • Adaptable schedule: Choose when to take on a project based on your goals and capacity

  • Support provided: Includes onboarding, resources, mentorship, and regular check-ins

​You’ll work with a project advisor from Stetho Steps, and may also collaborate directly with the host organization’s team.
 

What You’ll Gain

  • Practical experience addressing real challenges in health professions education and systems

  • Mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals across sectors and regions

  • Credible outputs to showcase in your CV, portfolio, or graduate applications

  • Expanded network of peers, mentors, and host organizations

Who Should Join?

This program is open to all Stetho Steps Community of Practice members, especially:

  • Students in health professions, public health, education, administration, or related fields

  • Graduates or job-seekers building a portfolio of meaningful experience

  • Early-career professionals exploring new interests or pivoting into new roles

  • Emerging educators, coordinators, and administrators seeking applied learning

No prior experience is required, just curiosity, commitment, and a willingness to learn by doing.

Join as a Partner or Mentor

We also invite institutions and individuals to:

  • Submit a project your organization would benefit from external support on

  • Mentor or advise a learner or team as they work on your project

  • Sponsor a placement to help provide data access, tech support, or stipends to learners in low-resource settings
     

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need prior experience to participate?

No. The program is designed for learners. You’ll receive support and mentorship throughout the process.
 

Can I choose which project I work on?
Yes. You’ll have the opportunity to express your interests and availability. We’ll match you to a project that aligns with your goals.


How is this different from a typical internship?
Rather than working full-time within an organization, you’ll contribute to a specific, time-bound project with defined outputs, similar to a junior consultancy. It’s more flexible, focused, and designed for mutual benefit.


Will I receive recognition for my work?
Yes. You’ll get a Certificate of Participation, optional LinkedIn endorsement, and reference to reflect your experience professionally on your CV or portfolio.


Will I work alone or in a team?
Both models exist. Some projects are individual, others are team-based. You’ll be placed based on interest, fit, and project scope.


Are the placements paid?
Most are unpaid, but provide significant mentorship, recognition, and exposure. We work to secure stipends for participants in low-resource settings when possible through our Sponsorship Fund.

 

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