Ryan Athay, a Master of Public Health student pursuing a concentration in population health management in the University of Florida College of Public Health and Health Professions, has been selected for the UF Health Cancer Center’s Cancer Policy Internship.
He will intern during the 2025-26 academic year in the office of Rep. Darren Soto. Cancer policy interns work out of the University of Florida’s Washington, D.C. office and primarily focus on legislative support related to cancer health policy, cancer prevention, and telehealth initiatives in rural communities. The interns gain exposure to the U.S. government’s inner workings to advance the center’s education and research missions.
“This internship gives me the opportunity to explore the intersection of legislation and public health in a hands-on way,” Athay said, noting he’s particularly interested in exploring how data-driven insights can shape health care policies.
“What excites me most is the chance to be immersed in the legislative process at the federal level and to contribute to health policy initiatives that truly matter,” he said. “It’s always been a dream of mine to work in health policy in Washington, D.C., and I’m really looking forward to learning and growing in this role.”
Athay, who also earned his Bachelor of Public Health at UF, hopes to continue working in health policy after graduation.
Congratulations, Ryan!
