For decades, Baptist Memorial Health Care team members have served as preceptors and mentors for interns interested in public health and health administration careers. Recently, Baptist hosted a reunion for former and current interns.
“We’ve had the opportunity to host many interns during the past 20 years, and it has always been a joy to have them,” said Cynthia Bradford, Baptist community involvement manager. “We’re helping them develop, but we also learn and grow with them.”
The Baptist Center for Career Development also participated in the reunion, as the center now facilitates nonclinical internships for Baptist.
“The Baptist Center for Career Development supports the organization’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of health care professionals through our internship support program,” said Baptist’s Chief Learning Officer Sherri Brooks. “Our goal is to help students obtain meaningful, hands-on experiences to facilitate not only their preparation for the workforce but also inspire them to pursue long-term careers in health care. We’re not just preparing them for a job — we’re helping them build a meaningful career.”
Former Interns and Their Current Roles
Some of the interns who attended the recent reunion started working with Baptist as early as high school, while others became interns during college or while pursing graduate degrees. Highlighted below are some former interns and what they’re doing now.
Jasmine Arnold is pursuing her doctorate in physical therapy at Arkansas State University. Demetria Bailey, a graduate of Baptist Health Sciences University, is the founder and CEO of the nonprofit Seeds of Elderly Services, which advocates for the elderly. She is also opening her own senior independent living home.
Briana Faulkner interned during her undergraduate studies and later worked for Baptist Cancer Center. She is now a special project coordinator for Coordinated School Health with Memphis Shelby County Schools. Dalay Gonzalez, who began interning with Baptist as a Memphis Catholic High School student, is now working for the Tennessee Department of Revenue.
Lauren Halford is a physician residency manager in family medicine for Baptist’s Graduate Medical Education department at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis. Zarria Kibble interned at Baptist while she was a Memphis Catholic High School student and now works as a human resources specialist for the Shelby County Government.
Following her internship with Baptist, Tyara Moore landed the role of special assistant to the Shelby County Health Department director. She is currently pursuing her doctorate degree.
Jessica Warren began interning with Baptist as a Memphis Catholic High School student. She now works in case management at Regional One Health and is the CEO of the Modern Designs, which focuses on developing meaningful, creative events. Jerry Williams works at Baptist as a customer relationship management strategist. He interned while an undergraduate and has since completed his master’s degree.
Lateefah Tomas, a 2025 summer intern, is completing her master’s degree in health administration at the University of Memphis. Another 2025 summer intern, Kenesia Murphy, graduated from Baptist Health Sciences University with honors with a degree in public health and is pursuing a position as a community health worker. Shea Kiersky, a 2025 summer intern, is returning to Bradley University as a senior.
Learn More About Internships and Career Development at Baptist
For more information about internship opportunities and career development resources, visit cfcd.baptistonline.org/internship-opportunities, or contact the Baptist Center for Career Development via email at cfcd@bmhcc.org or phone at 901-227-3844.
