Internships traditionally help trainees build professional networks, enhance resumes, and gain practical experience in a specific field.
Sean Mini's internship with UC Davis Health has meant much more — it has been life changing.
Mini is the first intern to take part in the UC Davis Neurodiversity Internship Program. The small pilot program is a paid medical coding internship specifically designed for neurodivergent individuals, such as those with autism.
Medical coding is the process of translating health care diagnoses, procedures, medical services, and equipment into standardized codes. They ensure providers are reimbursed properly and help track public health trends.
"I've always been interested in puzzles," shared Mini. "To me, coding sounded like putting together a puzzle and that's why I was interested in learning more about it."
Internship structure
The one-year internship is broken into two phases. The first is a self-paced study portion that lasts about 12 weeks. During this time, interns complete a series of modules and have weekly check-ins with Dannette Regina Hollinger. She is a professional and outpatient patient record abstractor, a subject matter expert who serves as auditor for the program.
"Growing up I had a tough time with communicating — I would not talk much or ask questions because I didn't know how to ask them," shared Mini. "I'm still finding ways to do better, but working closely with the team has helped me develop more confidence to speak up and be part of the conversation."
During the second phase, interns begin coding cases in the electronic health records system and use a real encoder. Hollinger works directly with them to ensure accuracy and compliance in medical coding. This real-time experience allows interns to get familiar with the workflow and receive feedback. This way, they develop their skills while maintaining high standards of quality.
"Sean's level of attention to detail and his willingness to learn has been really refreshing," said Kimberley Hubbard, inpatient analyst and clinical documentation specialist at UC Davis Health. She manages the UC Davis Neurodiversity Internship. "He has met or exceeded the standards of 85% in all of his modules, which is something many trainees don't achieve."
Mini's job coach Elaine Hobday agrees that he is thriving in his internship.
"I have seen incredible growth from Sean," she said. "He is opening up and utilizing his skills to learn and grow in this position."
The perfect fit
The UC Davis Neurodiversity Internship Program was created by Tami McMasters Gomez, director of coding and CDI program at UC Davis Health.
"Being neurodivergent myself, I am passionate about making sure neurodivergent individuals are represented in the workforce and I saw a gap in the industry," explained McMasters Gomez. "It occurred to me that coding met the needs of many neurodivergent individuals."
Neurodivergent adults often face unique challenges when finding and staying in a job. These difficulties can include challenges with interpersonal communication and sensitivity to noise or light.
"Although many people assume that autistic and other neurodivergent adults aren't able to work, the fit between Sean and the coding program is the perfect illustration that this isn't true," shared Marjorie Solomon a professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and the MIND Institute. "The important thing is finding a job that fits the skills, abilities, and interests of the autistic person and their specific needs in the workforce setting."
Solomon founded the ACCESS Program at the MIND Institute, which focuses on empowering neurodivergent adults with life coping skills, planning abilities and social skills. In particular, the program enables participants to access various opportunities in social, work or educational, and community settings.
"Working provides all individuals with a sense of purpose, a place to go every day, and new persons to interact with," added Solomon. "These are the roots of well-being and life satisfaction."
Need for medical coders
More than ever, health care systems need coders. Across the nation there is a 30% shortage in medical coders, according to the American Medical Association (AMA).
"There is a gap in the workforce, we need more coders to support how much the health care industry has grown over the last few years," shared McMasters-Gomez, who has worked in medical coding at UC Davis Health since 1997.
The AMA also notes the coding industry reflects an aging population.
"We have many senior coders who have been in this profession who are retiring and we're not seeing the same interest in this space with the up-and-coming generations," explained McMasters Gomez. "This internship is just another way we can provide a pathway for new talent and support the national shortage in coding."
A promising future
As Mini enters the final month of his internship, he is now preparing to sit for his introductory coding credential.
"Sean has set a high standard for future interns in this program," Hubbard declared.
The Neurodiversity Internship Program is preparing to hire two new interns for the program after Mini completes his internship. Program leaders are also working with other health care systems to see if they can replicate the internship.
"Our goal is to grow this program to support as many people as possible in the neurodiverse space that might otherwise not have an opportunity," added McMasters Gomez.
