MAHEC Internship Gives UNC Asheville Students a Competitive Edge for Medical Careers

Paid, hands-on clinical experience prepares graduates for success in medical school and patient care

For UNC Asheville alumni Noah Rice ’21 and Judy Felipe De La Cruz ’26, a summer internship at the Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC) was more than a learning experience — it was a launchpad into the medical profession.

Through the highly selective Pre-Healthcare Professions Internship, UNC Asheville students gain paid, hands-on exposure to clinical environments, direct mentorship from healthcare professionals, and practical experience that strengthens their preparation for medical school and healthcare careers.

Rice, who earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from UNC Asheville in 2021, credits the program with confirming his decision to pursue medicine. Chosen as one of just 10 interns, he participated in physician shadowing, clinical research, and applied health initiatives that enhanced both his academic profile and professional readiness. This spring, he will graduate from the UNC School of Medicine at Chapel Hill.

During the pandemic, Rice’s internship included telehealth shadowing, where he observed how physicians build trust and connection with patients — even in virtual settings.

“A lot of the visit was a conversation, getting to know the patient and what he was thinking and feeling,” Rice said. “I remember the patient getting visibly more comfortable and more relaxed. That, for me, exemplified why I wanted to go into medicine: that human connection. I knew I was in the right place.”

A hallmark of the internship is a student-led project addressing a real healthcare need. Drawing on research skills developed at UNC Asheville, Rice created a vaping education initiative to support MAHEC clinicians. The experience introduced him to clinical research methods and health communication strategies — key competencies for future physicians.

“My experience with the program was amazing,” Rice said. “It helped introduce me to how clinical research is conducted and how healthcare teams solve real-world challenges.”

Students in the program rotate through diverse clinical areas, including dentistry, pharmacy, psychiatry, and internal medicine. For De La Cruz, that variety reinforced the importance of adaptability and communication in patient care.

“A doctor I shadowed was trying to learn Spanish to speak with the Hispanic community,” she said. “I thought that was very impactful. Even though he’s older, he’s still trying and wants to learn new ways to treat patients and communicate with them.”

Beyond shadowing, De La Cruz gained experience navigating patient portals and attended a pediatric surgery course, broadening her understanding of both clinical practice and patient engagement.

Amanda Maxwell, director of UNC Asheville’s Pre-Health Professions Program and a lecturer in chemistry and biochemistry, understands the program’s value firsthand. A UNC Asheville alumna and former MAHEC intern herself, Maxwell now mentors students pursuing similar paths.

Steve Imig, MAHEC’s Program Administrator of WCU Health Professions Experiences and Undergraduate Internships at the Center for Health Professions Education, says UNC Asheville students consistently demonstrate strong preparation and professionalism.

“UNC Asheville students are well-prepared and able to step in to do great work for us, and in return, the MAHEC experience helps students to reach their career path goals,” Imig said. “That reciprocal impact is the greatest reward.”

Partnerships like the MAHEC internship reflect UNC Asheville’s commitment to experiential learning that connects classroom study with real-world application. For aspiring healthcare professionals — and the families supporting them — these opportunities provide a clear pathway from undergraduate education to meaningful, in-demand careers in medicine.

About UNC Asheville

Founded in 1927, UNC Asheville is a proud member of the University of North Carolina System. With award-winning faculty, small class sizes, and 60+ academic programs in the natural sciences, human sciences, humanities, arts, and social sciences, the University is recognized for its robust paid internship programs to prepare students to immediately enter the workforce. In the US News & World Report 2025 edition of Best Colleges, UNC Asheville is ranked No. #9 in Top Public Schools, and No. #7 in Princeton Review’s 2025 Top 50 Guide to Green Colleges. Known as the Bulldogs, UNC Asheville student-athletes compete in 16 NCAA Division I Teams in the Big South Conference. For more information, please visit: www.unca.edu.