IGHS has launched a new internship through the Department of Defense’s SkillBridge program, which helps service members transitioning to civilian life after completing 10 or more years of service. Seeing many unhoused veterans in San Francisco, UCSF and IGHS agreed to take on interns through this program and introduce them to a possible career in public health.

In November, IGHS will welcome its first “cadet,” Austin Palacios. Austin is from southern California. He joined the Army in 2012, at the age of 18. He has served as a combat medic for 11 years. During that time, he gained experience in every echelon of patient treatment and evacuation in various places around the world. He helped set up remote trauma facilities in support of ongoing operations in Central Asia and the Middle East.

Austin says: “Although my passion to help people started with tactical trauma medicine, it has since grown into a passion to help not just soldiers, but all people in need. I turned my gaze towards public health after a very dear mentor explained the mission of IGHS. Hearing about the initiatives taking place to help people who otherwise wouldn’t have a voice immediately struck me and I knew I needed to be a part of it. I look forward to expanding my knowledge and experience within IGHS during this internship opportunity. I am eager to learn and excited about this next chapter of my life.”