This internship project explored how community-based wellness programs may support motivation, engagement, and quality of life for adults living with acquired brain injury (ABI) and traumatic brain injury (TBI). The project took place at Supportive Living Inc.’s Neuro-Fit program, where participants completed individualized one-on-one exercise sessions. A structured observation checklist was developed and used during sessions to measure physical engagement, motivation and effort, cognitive participation, and emotional indicators. Brief reflection questions were also asked to certain participants in order to better understand how the program affected independence, mood, and daily life.

This quality improvement project at Lynn Primary Care Center aimed to increase colorectal cancer screening completion among patients who did not finish their initial Cologuard tests. By identifying incomplete screenings, determining eligibility for a new blood-based test (Shield by Guardant), and conducting clear, culturally responsive outreach, completion rates rose to nearly 80% by mid-April. The project highlighted how language barriers, low health literacy, and insurance changes affect participation. Offering alternative, non-invasive testing options improved engagement and supported preventive care access for the clinic's diverse patient population.

Incomplete payment collection creates financial and operational challenges in outpatient behavioral health settings. At Bridgewell’s Sovner Center, missed payments were associated with patient confusion, limited cost transparency, and inconsistent collection practices. This project implemented workflow and communication strategies to improve copayment completion rates and reduce outstanding balances. Interventions included adding copayment reminders to phone calls and emails, embedding payment links into email footers and Zoom-related documents, tracking unpaid balances, and incorporating reminder calls into daily administrative routines. These changes increased patient awareness, improved accessibility to payment options, and strengthened follow-up efforts. The project demonstrated that consistent communication and structured workflows can improve payment adherence and support revenue cycle management.

Racial and ethnic disparities in cigarette and electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use in the United States persist as a pressing public health concern. A legacy of targeted marketing (Nicksic et al., 2022), socioeconomic inequities (Forman et al., 2025; Levy et al., 2025), and unequal access to cessation resources (Avila et al., 2022; Lee et al., 2023) continues to sustain these disparities. Research demonstrates that while cigarette smoking has declined overall, the rise of e-cigarette use has introduced new forms of nicotine dependency, disproportionately affecting marginalized populations (Foxon et al., 2024; Lozano et al., 2021). Furthermore, policy initiatives such as menthol bans demonstrate potential but must be paired with culturally responsive cessation interventions to achieve equitable outcomes (Booras et al., 2023). This literature review synthesizes current findings (2020-2025) and concludes that public health strategies rooted in cultural competency and structural reform are essential for reducing racial and ethnic inequities in tobacco and e-cigarette use.

This project examines workplace factors that Radiologic Technologists consider most important in influencing their retention at Salem Hospital. The assessment was based on observations across all modalities in the Radiology department, with the most notable finding being a shortage of Radiologic Technologists. This shortage is a common challenge faced by many hospitals, prompting extensive research into the contributing factors. The project was carried out using a survey distributed to Radiologic Technologists in the X-ray, Nuclear Medicine, Mammography, Interventional Radiology, and Ultrasound departments. The goal was to identify which factors were most important to Radiologic Technologists and make inferences on whether these factors may contribute to retention. Overall, the survey results showed that work-life balance and workplace culture/supportive leadership were the most important factors, whereas professional growth and recognition/appreciation are not as important. This indicates that the decision to stay or leave a job may depend on a good work-life balance and a positive work culture.

This Internship project examined how Anna Jaques Hospitals cardiac rehabilitation program is e<ective for patients who su<ered a cardiac event. To analyze this, upon completion of the cardiac rehabilitation patients were presented with a satisfaction survey. Patients went through 12-24 sessions of the cardiac rehabilitation program. This involved patients to participate in various exercises that specialized nurses and exercise physiologist monitored using EKGs, blood pressures, weight and the measure of the energy of the expenditure of physical activity (METS). The overall goal for cardiac rehabilitation is to allow cardiac patients to maintain a healthy lifestyle and recover from their cardiac issues. The results of the satisfaction survey have proven that Anna Jaques Cardiac Rehabilitation program is beneficial to all cardiac patients who attend.

This project examines how massage therapy affects stress levels and sleep quality by activating the parasympathetic nervous system. Body & Soul Massage in Salem, MA, focuses on promoting relaxation and wellness through therapeutic massage. Participants of different ages completed a Google Forms survey after their massage session, and their responses were analyzed for patterns. The results showed clear trends: most participants experienced lower stress levels, feeling calmer and less tense, and many reported better sleep quality, including falling asleep faster and waking less during the night. Overall, the findings suggest massage therapy supports improved relaxation and well-being.

Botox is a injection that can help relax muscles. It can ease the tension of a migraine, and cause relief to symptoms relating to a severe migraine. This can be extremely beneficial as a non-therapeutic way to help with pain management. By relaxing the muscles in the forehead and in many other areas in the face as well, it can lessen the symptoms and the severity, as well as hopefully preventing anything in the future. The injections need to take place every 3 months, to maintain and keep the muscles relaxed to lessen symptoms. Although my focus is on migraines, there are many other disorders that botox can help with!

This project involved the scheduling of patients at Beth Israel Lahey Beverly’s MRI Department. Working with the scheduling team to book appointments and check in patients, it became clear that there were recurring schedule gaps caused by patients being assigned to machines that didn’t suit their body size—not just weight, but also height and limb length. This often led to last-minute cancellations. To address this, a Body Index Chart was created to help schedulers match patients to the correct MRI machine based on body proportions. After the chart was created and approved it was presented to schedulers with instructions on how and when to use it while booking future MRI appointments. Schedulers began to use the chart the next day. The results indicated a positive impact. Staff have reported fewer cancellations, indicating a positive impact on the efficiency of the new chart system on scheduling and compliance with appointments.

This intership project explored how cognitive challenges such as distractibility and poor focus can hinder progress in physical recovery. To investigate this, Dual Task Training was used. This method involved participants at Neuro-Fit, who performed a physical task and a cognitive task at the same time, with the goal of promoting neuroplasticity and improving attentional control. Participants who had experienced a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or stroke took part in several dual task exercises designed to test their focus and ability to complete tasks. The results showed that dual-tasking appeared to enhance engagement and provided insight into each participant’s attentional abilities, suggesting potential benefits for personalized neurorehabilitation strategies.