For Aitkin High School graduates Josie Kostick and Zack Ehnstrom, this summer offered more than a break from classes. Through Riverwood’s Summer Health Care Internship Program (SHCIP), they gained firsthand experience in Surgical Services, witnessing the teamwork, precision, and compassion that make exceptional patient care possible.
Although their career goals differ, both students left the experience with a deeper understanding of healthcare and the many professionals who work together behind the scenes of the operating room.
Josie, who will attend the University of North Dakota to pursue a nursing degree, discovered the internship while browsing Riverwood’s career page. Zack, a pre-med student at Concordia College Moorhead, learned about the opportunity after a chance conversation with Riverwood CEO Ken Westman at a classmate’s open house. Having grown up around medicine through his father, a physician at Riverwood, Zack was eager to gain a new perspective on healthcare.
What they found was a team committed not only to delivering excellent patient care, but also to helping the next generation of healthcare professionals learn and grow.
Both interns described Riverwood’s staff as welcoming, supportive, and invested in their success. Throughout the summer, they observed surgeries, learned about the many roles involved in patient care, and experienced the collaboration required to ensure positive outcomes.
For Josie, the internship provided a new appreciation for the planning and coordination involved in every procedure. “I’ve learned what an intricate process preparing for and executing an operation is,” she said. “Every person knows their job, and they do it well, because the patient’s wellbeing is everyone’s priority.”
The experience also reinforced her interest in becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). She especially enjoyed observing anesthesia professionals and learning how they care for patients before, during, and after surgery.
Zack’s experience strengthened his interest in medicine while giving him a broader understanding of the healthcare team. “My biggest takeaway is that healthcare really is like a puzzle,” he said. “There are so many pieces in play, and everyone plays a part in putting the bigger picture together.”
As someone who hopes to become an orthopedic surgeon, Zack valued the opportunity to observe procedures firsthand and connect classroom concepts to real-world patient care. “I’ve loved being able to see theoretical knowledge applied in real situations,” he said.
When asked what advice they would give to students considering a healthcare career, both emphasized the importance of gaining hands-on experience. “Take the chance to learn whenever you can,” said Josie. “Try everything to see what sticks, because every skill you pick up is going to benefit you, even if your career goes in a different direction.” Zack offered similar advice: “Jump in. Hands-on experience is the best way to learn and figure out what’s right for you.”
Riverwood’s participation in SHCIP reflects its commitment to developing the future healthcare workforce. Made possible through a grant from the Minnesota Department of Health and administered by the Minnesota Hospital Association, the program connects students with meaningful healthcare experiences while helping employers invest in tomorrow’s caregivers and clinicians.
By opening its doors to students like Josie and Zack, Riverwood is helping inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals who will serve communities across Minnesota and beyond.
Students interested in future internship opportunities should watch for Riverwood’s SHCIP application process each spring.