ICC Student Embarks on Internship at Rutherford Regional Health System
By: Mike Gavin
Published: August 15, 2024
SPINDALE (Aug. 14, 2024) — An Isothermal Community College student is on her way to a great career, thanks to an internship with Rutherford Regional Health System.
Angela Miller began her internship with the hospital system in late spring. She started working with Cancer Navigator, Amanda Philyaw.
Miller, an outstanding student in the Medical Office Administration program at Isothermal, has always shown a passion for healthcare and a commitment to excellence in her studies, said instructor Tiffany Cooper.
“Her selection for this internship is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and academic achievements,” said Cooper. “Angela was eager to apply her classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios and contribute to the vital work done at Rutherford Regional Health System.”
During her internship, Miller has been immersed in the daily operations of the RRHS Cancer Program. Her primary responsibilities include abstracting patient data from patient records which includes collecting data from radiology reports and pathology reports. This hands-on experience has provided Miller with a deep understanding of the meticulous process of collecting and maintaining patient data. Information collected is used for case abstractions that are reported to the North Carolina Cancer Registry where it is provided to researchers, healthcare providers, and public health officials for monitoring and advancing cancer treatments, conducting research, and improving cancer prevention and screening.
In addition to abstracting patient data for state reporting, Miller has also been working with the Cancer Support Group that meets the first Tuesday of each month at the Rutherford County Senior Center. This support group was established by the Health Council of Rutherford County. Miller is currently on the Community Health Council of Rutherford County’s planning committee for the Cancer Survivor Celebration which will be held on September 12, 2024, with more than 400 people expected to attend.
“This opportunity has been an invaluable experience, and I believe I was able to learn quickly because of the knowledge I have gained at Isothermal Community College in the medical office program,” said Miller. “I am also fortunate to be able to work with Amanda who has years of healthcare experience.”
Philyaw expressed her enthusiasm about mentoring Miller.
"We are delighted to have Angela join our team,” she said. “Her enthusiasm and eagerness to learn are truly inspiring. This internship will not only provide her with practical skills but also highlight the importance of accurate data in improving patient outcomes."
Isothermal Community College takes pride in facilitating opportunities that bridge the gap between academic learning and professional practice. Cooper, lead instructor for the Medical Office Administration program at Isothermal, emphasized the importance of internships in student development.
"Internships like Angela's provide our students with invaluable experience and a chance to make meaningful contributions to their chosen fields,” said Cooper. “We are incredibly proud of Angela and look forward to seeing her growth and success."
For more information about the Cancer Support Group or the annual Cancer Survivor Celebration, call 828.245.4596 (option 1).
For more information about the Medical Office Administration program at Isothermal Community College, contact Tiffany Cooper at tcooper@isothermal.edu or 828.395.1638.