Hello! My name is Alejandra Ramos, and I am a region 5 intern from the Rockville, Maryland area. I started my internship in September. I am currently in my food service management rotation at MedStar Montgomery Medical Center in Olney, Maryland.
During my first week, I worked on the production side of foodservice. I was able to help the food service staff with daily cold and hot production. I took part in the tray line during patient meal service, helped with dish room procedure, and monitored the temperature of the food and refrigerator. I have also participated in doing inventory and supervised receiving and ordering food. During my second week, I participated in the café as a cashier and assisted the grill and serving line employees. I also discussed budgeting with the general manager and took part in financial reporting. It was interesting to talk about the big changes that had to be made due to COVID-19. These experiences have been very helpful to see what goes behind the scenes of how the foodservice process comes together to give the best possible care and service.
During my first week, I worked on the production side of foodservice. I was able to help the food service staff with daily cold and hot production. I took part in the tray line during patient meal service, helped with dish room procedure, and monitored the temperature of the food and refrigerator. I have also participated in doing inventory and supervised receiving and ordering food. During my second week, I participated in the café as a cashier and assisted the grill and serving line employees. I also discussed budgeting with the general manager and took part in financial reporting. It was interesting to talk about the big changes that had to be made due to COVID-19. These experiences have been very helpful to see what goes behind the scenes of how the foodservice process comes together to give the best possible care and service.
My favorite assignment for this rotation is The Retail and Wellness Project. My event will be a fall pumpkin theme. I like using my creative side to come with an event that customers will learn from and enjoy. Working on internship projects and completing the competencies can be challenging at times, but I'm making sure to stay organized and communicate with my preceptors what I need. They have been supportive of my ideas and have made me feel like they are invested in me getting the best experience during my time with them.
Some other projects I have been working on are helping the hospital’s Manna Food Drive. I counted and sorted the food that was donated and made sure they were not damaged or expired. I also created a cancer awareness bulletin board with information on cancer prevention for customers the walk into the café. Another project was to translate the hospital's new patient menu into Spanish. I feel very grateful to my preceptors, who are giving me a wide variety of experiences to take with me.
Some other projects I have been working on are helping the hospital’s Manna Food Drive. I counted and sorted the food that was donated and made sure they were not damaged or expired. I also created a cancer awareness bulletin board with information on cancer prevention for customers the walk into the café. Another project was to translate the hospital's new patient menu into Spanish. I feel very grateful to my preceptors, who are giving me a wide variety of experiences to take with me.
