ChristianaCare, Delaware’s largest health system, will host up to 15 University of Delaware student interns each semester beginning in fall 2026 through a new partnership with UD’s Department of Hospitality and Sport Business Management.

The opportunity is tied to the Hospitality in Healthcare Management course (HOSP 300), which provides experiential learning for students interested in healthcare, hospitality, health sciences and related fields. Students will participate in weekly classroom instruction and hands-on learning experiences at ChristianaCare through rotations in employee engagement, guest services, patient relations, the emergency department and career mentorship.

Ali A. Poorani, professor emeritus in UD’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics, helped establish the partnership to strengthen the connection between hospitality principles and patient care.

“This academic and clinical partnership between two major Delaware institutions provides an additional opportunity that underscores President Laura Carlson’s commitment to working together on priorities that matter for Delaware,” Poorani said.

The program is designed to help students develop service, communication and leadership skills while gaining exposure to careers in healthcare and patient experience.