Staff Spotlight: Intern Class of ‘25

The inaugural intern class of 2025 brought three hardworking students to the Academy for the summer. Emma, Piper, and Ethan each supported different business units, bringing their work ethic and eagerness to learn for the season.

Emma Camps

Emma is a junior at the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health and is studying public health and bioethics. She supported the Research & Quality team at the Academy this summer.

Has interning at the Academy changed or shaped your decision about what you hope to do after graduation?
For as long as I can remember, I have been enthusiastic about helping others live healthier lives. This call led me to pursue a career in public health. Interning at the Academy has significantly broadened my understanding of the field by introducing me to the impactful and often unknown work of nonprofit medical associations.

This internship not only affirmed my passion for public health but also helped me discover the unique and critical role that nonprofit associations play in supporting healthcare professionals, advancing research, and connecting global communities. I see myself pursuing a career that blends research, global health, and program development to help shape a healthier future for all.

Tell us about a time you received support or guidance from your colleagues at the Academy.
My colleagues didn’t just answer my questions but invited me into meaningful conversations about their professional journeys. One memorable example was my conversations with Marina Kheyfets, Research Analyst, who took the time to share her journey as a recent graduate of a master’s degree program in epidemiology. She shared how her course work directly applies to the work she does today. These informal, yet powerful exchanges helped me gain insight into how particular skills and interests are applied within nonprofit medical associations like the Academy. That kind of meaningful mentoring is something I will carry with me long after my internship ends

What is something readers might be surprised to know about you?
Growing up on the East Coast, I spent my summers working as a lifeguard. I was drawn to lifeguarding because I care about keeping people safe and making sure everyone could enjoy the water. Apart from my first aid, CPR and AED (automated external defibrillator), and lifeguard rescue training, I earned my pool operator certification where I learned how to manage pool chemistry and other tasks.

Piper Genkin

Piper is a student at Wake Forest University studying political science and international affairs. She supported the Academy’s Advocacy team this summer. 

Tell us about a memorable experience working at the Academy.
From weekly check-ins with my team to monthly intern lunches with Rahul K. Shah, MD, MBA, AAO-HNS/F Executive Vice President and CEO, I’ve found support and guidance any young professional would be lucky to experience. I’ve even had incredible opportunities to go to Capitol Hill with the Advocacy team on several occasions.

What is something readers might be surprised to know about you?
This summer I’ve been living in a dorm-style residence with other young students, interns, and professionals from all around the world in a converted mansion built in the early 1900s. The house has become an international cohort of dozens of young adults with unique experiences and life stories everywhere from India to Germany to Senegal. 

How do you unwind after a busy day at the office?
When the weather is not too muggy, my favorite way to unwind after work is to take long walks around our nation’s capital—with a precisely picked Spotify playlist to accompany me. Whether I’m trying one of the many local coffee shops in the city or seeing some of the most iconic monuments in the country, I’ve never regretted a post-work walk!

Ethan Visage

Ethan is a student at George Mason University studying mechanical engineering and aerospace. He supported the Academy’s Communications team this summer.

Has interning at the Academy changed or shaped your decision about what you hope to do after graduation?
Interning here at the Academy has affirmed my beliefs on the essential nature of communication and team unity. As I'm sure most readers will appreciate, college students often lack communication skills and, by the nature of our studies, college can feel like an isolated work environment. Joining a team that has a focused goal even when working in varying roles is a much-appreciated contrast. For me, it reinforces my desire to be on a strong team. The skills and structure I've been exposed to here at the Academy will serve me for years to come.

Tell us about a time you received support or guidance from your colleagues at the Academy OR tell us about a memorable experience working at the Academy.
The biggest help I have received comes from the leadership team, mostly Tina Maggio, Senior Director, Communications, Dr. Shah, and Tarek F. Kallassy, MBA, PMP, PMI-ACP, CSM, CSPO. The leadership here made efforts to nurture and encourage my growth. For example, while looking into some of our newer member benefits, I recommended automating some background data collection and analysis points. Tina reallocated some projects to give me the bandwidth necessary to research and create a proposal for this automation. She supported me and encouraged the team to improve our output and use the skills we have to offer.

What is something readers might be surprised to know about you?
Something surprising about me is my general interest in all things nerdy. I have been playing video games my whole life. I read and write fantasy stories. I like to spend my weekends playing Dungeons & Dragons. And I love listening to political debates that tend to put my fiancé to sleep.

Thanks to our inaugural intern class of 2025! We look forward to seeing all the great things they accomplish in their future careers.