As part of UVA School of Medicine’s commitment to interprofessional education, the Office of Medical Education launched a new Phase 2 (clerkship) exercise that asks medical students to engage with a diverse group of health professionals involved in the care of mutual patients. Students connect with colleagues including pharmacists, respiratory therapists, social workers, and many others, gaining valuable insights into their unique roles and contributions to patient care. Students then write a reflection on the impact of a given health professional on their mutual patient’s care. Through these interactions, students deepen their understanding of team-based care, ultimately enhancing the collaborative spirit that benefits patients and enriches our healthcare environment.
During the 2024 clerkship year, students met with health professionals from more than 35 different fields (see figure below) and completed over 1000 reflections! Evaluations suggest this exercise was extremely popular among medical students and will continue next year.
A sample of quotes from student reflections:
“Having a dietitian on the team greatly improved my patient’s hospital experience and health outcomes.”
“Pharmacists were described as ‘physician extenders,’ a statement that resonated with me throughout my rotation. It is reassuring that there are such knowledgeable clinical pharmacists as a resource for physicians, patients, and their families.”
The Office of Medical Education extends their thanks to all the health professionals whose support and dedication helps to prepare medical students to be compassionate and effective members of the healthcare team.
If you are interested in collaborating to further expand the interprofessional curriculum, please reach out to thread leaders Melissa Sacco, MD, and Caitlin Burchfield, DNP, RN, AG-PCNP.
Filed Under: Education