More than 120 interns recently celebrated the successful completion of Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System's summer work-based learning internship program, crossing the stage as they concluded the experience during a graduation ceremony. 

Interns spent eight weeks working across dozens of department assignments within hospital settings and medical practices. The ceremony in the Aycock Education Center was an opportunity to recognize the interns as they received a certificate and pin, signifying the ways they have individually played a role in compassionate patient care. 

Many of the interns are pursuing careers in healthcare, aligning with one of the program’s primary objectives: building a strong pipeline of future healthcare professionals through strategic workforce development. Through meaningful exposure and hands-on experience across the organization, interns gained skills and insights that will prepare them for success.  

This year's program included 126 interns representing 15 high schools and seven colleges. Seventy-three Spartanburg Regional departments hosted interns in all six hospitals and 20 Medical Group of the Carolinas practices. 

The program reached a significant milestone this year, with interns working 18,747 hours of hands-on experience, representing a 135% increase over the 7,961 collective hours worked during the previous summer. 

Program leaders estimated a preliminary economic impact of nearly $250,000 from these internships. 

"We are incredibly proud of our summer interns and all they have been able to achieve this year," said Julie Denesha, MSN, RN, manager of workforce and pipeline development. "This year marked our largest group of interns, who gained meaningful exposure and hands-on experience. Many of these interns have established new connections within our healthcare system and overcome challenges to succeed and thrive in this work setting, striving for excellence and putting patient care first. 

"We are beyond grateful for their hard work and dedication, and their desire to pursue healthcare professions, which have bolstered our workforce pipeline. Congratulations to these well-deserving interns."