HPM Student Spotlight: Hope Tiboni ’22
Meet Hope Tiboni! Hope is a senior at Providence College double majoring in Health Policy and Management and Psychology. She paired these two fields of study because she cares deeply about health systems, especially for at-risk populations. Pursuing a double major has allowed her to gain invaluable research and professional experiences that bridges the gap between science and humanity.
This semester, Hope is enrolled in HPM 450: Field Experience. This course is a structured combination of fieldwork and a seminar that all HPM majors are required to take during their senior year. These internship experiences offer students meaningful opportunities to link theory with practice, learn from practitioners, and practice professional skills in a real-world setting. It also allows for the exploration of potential careers and the development of valuable networking skills prior to graduation.
Hope shared with us what she’s learning from her field experience so far at Rhode Island Hospital in the Neuropsychology Department.
Please tell us about your internship experience:
I am currently interning at the Neuropsychology Department in the Rhode Island Hospital. My tasks range from inputting data, speaking with participants in studies exploring Alzheimer’s disease, mild cognitive impairments, and caregiving. I also shadow cognitive assessments conducted on inpatients and assist with daily office tasks.
Why did you decide to apply to this specific internship?
I decided to apply to this internship because I am very interested in neuropsychology. Although my tasks primarily fall under the field of psychology, my experiences in the Neuropsychology Department are deeply rooted in health policy and management principles. My internship has taught me that a medical setting must ensure efficient, effective, and high quality care in order to successfully achieve clinical research aims.
What is the most surprising thing that you did not expect to learn or experience through your internship?
I was surprised to learn how useful the information I learned my epidemiology, aging and health, and issues in global health courses would be for my neuropsychology internship. It has been very interesting to learn how deeply embedded areas of health policy and management are within the field of psychology, specially when it pertains to neurocognitive testing and assessments. My education in HPM has helped me bring a level of understanding and compassion beyond data analysis that helps humanize the field of science.
What are your future goals or aspirations? How has your internship influenced your goals?
My internship has inspired me to continue working within the health field upon graduation. My dream would be to continue conducting research and working in health-related settings that are rooted in preventive health and sciences. My overall goal is to develop interventions that aim in improving the health and wellbeing of vulnerable populations.
Lastly, do you have any advice for future HPM students about the major or internship process?
My biggest piece of advice is to never be afraid to reach out for help or support. The HPM department is a supportive community that genuinely wants to see everyone succeed. They are a great resource to have!
Interested in learning about more HPM Field Experiences? Check out what other students have done.
