Biochemistry and molecular biology major advocates for accessible healthcare with Operation Smile

Louise Fenny ’27, a biochemistry and molecular biology major pursuing a public health pathway at The College of Wooster, served as a program support intern with Operation Smile Ghana, the summer before her junior year. Through an APEX Fellowship, Fenny shadowed cleft surgeries, engaged with patients, and completed administrative work. Through a variety of tasks, she explored her interests in healthcare and community outreach. With a passion for increasing accessibility to healthcare, she will apply the valuable skills and experiences she gained to her future career as a physician or physician-scientist.

“I have seen first-hand how socio-economic barriers to health can shape patient outcomes and am determined to contribute to research that helps alleviate these issues.”

—Louise Fenny ’27

FINDING OPPORTUNITIES

Fenny: I learned about this opportunity through LinkedIn and networking with members of the organization. It was a great fit for me because I was looking for a hands-on way to impact my community in a healthcare setting.

LESSONS LEARNED

Fenny: I loved working with kids and following patients along a continuum of care. I did a range of tasks each day depending on how far along the surgical program was. On some days, I did more administrative work, while on others I would shadow different cleft surgeries.

GUIDANCE FOR GROWTH

Fenny: My fellowship mentor was Jamie Adler. She was instrumental to my success in this position. Each week, her questions prompted reflections that helped shape how I approached tasks and handled the corporate climate.

EXPANDED PERSPECTIVE

Fenny: I have learned to be responsive, reliable, and detail oriented. I have also built empathy, compassion, and the resilience needed to ensure patients get the care they need, no matter how unique their challenges are. These are skills that are invaluable to my future career as a physician or physician-scientist.

WHAT’S NEXT

Fenny: This internship has solidified my career plans by defining my why. I have seen first-hand how socio-economic barriers to health can shape patient outcomes and am determined to contribute to research that helps alleviate these issues.

Featured image: Louise Fenny ’27, photo provided by subject.

Posted in Experiential Learning, Showcase Stories 2025 on August 6, 2025.