By Gabby Rodriguez – Staff Reporter

It is officially internship season, and senior Cassie Rodriguez is working at Milford Vascular with Dr. Esposito.  Advocate Staff reporter Gabby Rodriguez interviewed Rodriguez about her internship and how this exciting opportunity has impacted her.

Gabby Rodriguez: What originally inspired you to pursue a career in the medical realm, and how has this internship strengthened that goal?

Cassie Rodriguez: I wanted to do something where I could directly help people with their quality of life. This internship has completely locked that in for me. Up until now, medicine was just a cool idea in my head. But being here, seeing the actual hustle of a clinic, and watching patients walk out feeling better than when they walked in

GR: What does a typical day at Milford Vascular look like for you?

CR: It’s definitely fast-paced, and no two days are exactly the same! I get to shadow the medical professionals, observing everything from initial consultations to procedures.

GR: What has been the most surprising or memorable experience you’ve had while working at Milford Vascular?

CR: How much a vascular issue can impact a person’s entire life, and how quickly the team can fix it. Seeing the difference between how a patient walks in with an issue and then seeing how much better they feel when they return for a follow up visit after a procedure.

GR: How has working directly with patients and medical professionals changed your understanding of healthcare?

CR: I’ve learned how important it is to listen to the patients and handle their fears and anxiety. Medicine is more than textbooks and procedures. It’s about connecting with patients and earning their trust.

GR: What have you learned from Dr. Esposito and the clinical team that you think will stay with you throughout your career?

CR: They have taught me about what it takes to run a great practice. They are completely focused and precise when it comes to patient care, but they also maintain this warm, welcoming environment that puts everyone at ease. Seeing their work ethic and community focus will stay with me for my entire career.