The National Institutes of Health (NIH), an agency of the Executive Branch of the Federal Government, is the Nation's premier biomedical and behavioral research institution supporting cutting edge research on its Bethesda, Maryland campus and around the country. The largest of the Institutes at NIH is the National Cancer Institute (NCI), with it's own funding authority direct from the White House. In fact, the NCI Director is a Presidential appointee.

The NCI is looking for individuals to prepare for a career in health communications. The Health Communications Internship Program (HCIP) at NCI is an excellent place to launch your career while working to improve the health of the American public.

The NIH is based in Bethesda, Maryland, with off-campus sites around the Washington Metropolitan area. Our 317-acre campus boasts plenty of green space where we have regular cultural events for staff and the public. Excellent restaurants, shops, transportation, and entertainment make Bethesda a great place to work, and the wealth of museums, monuments, parks, sports and cultural activities in the Washington metropolitan area provide ample recreation opportunities. There is a Metro subway station and bus stops located on the NIH campus providing access to DC, suburban Maryland, and Northern Virginia. We also have free parking - a rare commodity in the Washington metropolitan area-transportation subsidies, and a ride-sharing network for commuters.

The Health Communications Internship Program offers a number of benefits to help your six months with us be an exciting and growing experience.

The Office of Communications and Education (OCE) represents the National Cancer Institute and its Director on press-related, public information, and communication planning matters. Focusing on NCI's strategic priorities and working with the NCI Director, NCI Divisions/Offices/Centers, other government agencies, and national external organizations, the Office of Communications develops and utilizes communication systems and strategies that advance NCI's research information and ensure that NCI speaks with a consistent and wide-reaching voice in conveying information about cancer to the public.

The Office provides a comprehensive, integrated, and technology-supported capability that ensures rapid, accurate, and consistent communication with all National Cancer Institute stakeholders, including cancer patients and survivors, their families, advocacy groups, the Congress, government agencies, the research and health care community, the media, and the general public.

"It was very challenging. It provided me with an inside view of how the government operates and it was a good learning experience."

"The environment, professional and personal, and content of work was extremely interesting and challenging."

"I had a wonderful mentor who gave me many opportunities. I also got to make a lot of connections during my internship"

"The office staff support was above and beyond! Very, very supportive."