Candidates must have secure home internet access, a hotspot, or VPN and the ability to work remotely while collaborating with program staff at the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) 

Join our team at the Medical Services Division within the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to support a high-impact project focused on Long COVID and other post-viral syndromes. In this role, the intern will develop evidence-based educational materials for clinicians, public health professionals, and the public to raise awareness about these conditions, so that affected individuals can receive the care that they need. These materials will be posted to the IDPH website and distributed to clinicians and public health professionals through the IDPH Rapid Electronic Notification System (SIREN).

This internship offers a unique opportunity to explore emerging public health issues, contribute to statewide health communication efforts, and gain hands-on experience at the intersection of medicine, epidemiology, and public health policy. The medical student intern will be given an overview of public health in Illinois and IDPH, along with opportunities to learn directly from public health physicians and other professionals about their experiences in the field. The intern will be able to develop the critical skill of combining epidemiological data with scientific studies and clinical information into coherent, concise messages for audiences with a variety of backgrounds (e.g., clinicians and the public). 

Responsibilities:

• Review scientific literature and information from public health entities, medical associations, and other specialty organizations.
• Incorporate this information into webpages for clinicians, public health professionals, and the public with information on each of the post viral syndromes:
  1. Epidemiologic data (estimates of number impacted, demographics, etc.)
  2. Typical symptoms and potential outcomes 
  3. Prevention (vaccinations) 
  4. Resources 
• Develop a SIREN notification summarizing this information to be distributed to clinicians and public health professionals.
• Present a summary of findings to the IDPH Medical Services Division and the Office of Health Promotion Chronic Disease and Emerging Health Issues Staff.
• Perform additional duties as assigned within the scope of the project.

Requirements:

• Currently enrolled in an accredited Doctor of Medicine (MD) program with good academic standing. 
• Availability to commit up to 20 hours per week for the duration of the internship. 
• Must have secure home internet access, a hotspot, or VPN and a computer with Microsoft Office.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong ability to interpret and synthesize scientific and medical literature. 
• Interest and knowledge in public health, public policy, emerging diseases, and health communication.
• Ability to critically review and translate complex medical information into clear, concise language for a wide range of audiences. 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Attention to detail and commitment to scientific accuracy. 
• Ability to work independently and manage a structured project timeline. 
• Experience or familiarity with developing educational or informational materials such as webpages, briefs, or professional communications.

Duration and Compensation:

This is a fully remote, unpaid internship lasting approximately one month during Summer 2026, with an expected commitment of up to 20 hours per week. Academic credit may be available depending on your institution’s policies and guidelines.

All applications must be submitted by Wednesday, April 15, 2026 by 5 p.m. to be considered for this internship.  

 Apply Here