My Internship Experience at Cardinal Glennon NICU
As a pre-physician assistant student at Saint Louis University, my internship took place my junior year in the spring semester. I interned in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital. It was one of the most impactful and eye-opening experiences of my life. I went in hoping to learn more about clinical care and research, but I left with so much more: a deep love for the NICU, a stronger sense of purpose and the privilege of knowing I was able to make a real difference, even in small ways, during some of the most fragile moments in a family's journey.
Throughout my time in the NICU, I worked alongside an incredible team of nurses, therapists and researchers on sensory intervention studies aimed at improving outcomes for premature and medically fragile infants. These interventions — such as soothing touch, calming sound and light regulation — might seem simple, but I saw firsthand how powerful they can be. I helped monitor and record the responses of these tiny patients and watched them grow stronger day by day, surrounded by care that was as intentional as it was compassionate.
One of the most rewarding parts of my internship was forming connections — not just with the healthcare team, but with the infants and their families. Even though I wasn’t providing direct medical care, I quickly realized that small gestures could have a huge impact: helping soothe a baby during a difficult moment, offering encouragement to a tired parent or simply being a calm, consistent presence in a stressful environment. Those experiences taught me that being in healthcare is about so much more than procedures and protocols — it's about showing up for people in their most vulnerable moments and helping them feel seen, heard and supported.
The NICU challenged and shaped me in ways I never expected. I learned how to think critically, communicate clearly and observe with purpose. More importantly, I learned how to lead with empathy and stay grounded in the “why” behind this career path. Watching these tiny fighters overcome so much — and knowing I played a small part in their journey — was both humbling and motivating.
This internship reaffirmed my decision to become a physician assistant. I found a deep passion for neonatal care, and I hope to one day return to that care environment as a provider who brings both clinical skill and a compassionate presence to every patient and family I meet. The NICU didn’t just teach me — it changed me, and I’ll carry that with me wherever I go.
Riley is a senior at Saint Louis University studying Health sciences (Pre-Physican Assistant track). She is originally from San Francisco, California.