Winter 2021
FCE Volunteer Family update Medical student gains valuable perspective from FCE family volunteer by Emily Grimes, MD Class of 2024 As a first-year medical student who has spent most of my time focused on trying to learn the science of medicine, it has sometimes been easy to forget why I strived to become a physician in the first place. However, the FamilyCentered Experience has been an invaluable resource in preserving the humanity within my medical education. While others in my class may have known they wanted to be a doctor since they were young, when I was a child, I had an experience that caused me to vehemently not want to be a doctor. A family friend suffered complications related to diabetes, went into a coma and was hospitalized. When I went to visit her, I had a panic attack. There were so many tubes and wires connected to her, she did not seem human to my child’s mind.
As I grew older, I looked back on that experience and realized the source of my panic was an intrinsic desire to help combined with the realization that I was helpless. I decided then that I wanted to pursue medicine so that in those situations, I wouldn’t be helpless again — I would have the ability to help people like my friend, as well as their loved ones. The intrinsic desire to help, to do no harm, is a hallmark of medical professions. To do no harm, we must learn the science of medicine. In fact, most of the first two years of medical school are dedicated to learning about anatomy, physiology, biochemistry and other scientific disciplines related to the human body. Between endless study sessions trying to remember anatomy and memorizing various scientific facts, we become so focused on understanding how the body works that we often fail to stop and consider how these medical facts impact the everyday lives of our patients.
The Family-Centered Experience (FCE) in the Patient and PhysicianCentered Care course at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine allows us to speak with volunteer families who have a chronic condition and hear their perspectives from the other side of medicine. My experience has been invaluable, as speaking to my FCE volunteer family not only allows me to learn from a patient how to be a better doctor, but it also breathes life and meaning into the science courses in the curriculum. Understanding the mechanics of a condition such as cancer is different from understanding how cancer changes a person’s life. And understanding both of these aspects of medicine is necessary to be a capable, empathetic physician. During the first two years of medical school, patient contact is limited (if not non-existent), so the opportunity to learn from patients outside the clinical setting adds a depth to our education not afforded at other institutions. The Family-Centered Experience at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine is an invaluable resource to future physicians like myself, and I thank every volunteer in the program for allowing us to learn how to be better doctors through sharing your experiences.
FCE Volunteer Family Update | Winter 2021
Family-Centered Experience program update: What’s next? As we begin the new year, we thank all FamilyCentered Experience (FCE) volunteers for partnering with Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine and sharing your time and healthcare experiences with our medical students. Early in their first year of medical school, Geisinger Commonwealth students learn how the impact of illness on a person’s sense of self, their relationship with family and friends, their activities and their future goals can affect a family. In November, students reached out to over 100 community FCE volunteers to begin understanding the complexity of healthcare delivery, the diversity of patients’ needs and the importance of patient-centered care. After the discussions, students expressed appreciation and gratitude for the time they spent with the families and began to think about how patients’ previous experiences can be incorporated into a future medical practice characterized as family-centered — valuing dignity, respect, information-sharing and collaboration.
What’s next In February, students will contact families to schedule time to reconnect. All interactions will continue to follow protocols set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Pennsylvania Department of Health. Students will use phone calls, emails and video chats to connect with families. If you’d like to communicate with your assigned medical students through a video call, let them know, as they can offer helpful tips to guide you through the process. Thanks for your willingness to support the medical school and students. We look forward to another great year! Have questions or need information? Contact Carly Ellman, FCE program director, at 570-955-1338 or cellman@som.geisinger.edu or Sharon Myers, FCE community program liaison, at 570-687-9707 or smyers02@som.geisinger.edu.
Geisinger Coronavirus Resource Center With reliable information, you can stay safe and slow the spread of COVID-19. For the latest updates and answers to frequently asked questions about the virus, visit geisinger.org/coronavirus.
Family volunteers needed Geisinger Commonwealth is looking for more families to volunteer and share their healthcare experiences with medical students. Do you know a family who might fit the bill? If so, contact Sharon Myers at 570-687-9707 or smyers02@som.geisinger.edu.
FCE Volunteer Family Update | Winter 2021
Snow Angels Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine students were called “snow angels� when they came to the rescue of FCE families near the medical school to help clear snow from cars and driveways during a winter storm! Miranda Rep, MD Class of 2024, coordinated the efforts with her fellow classmates. Medical students will continue to clear snow for FCE families who live near the medical school throughout the winter when possible. If you would like help from the snow angels during the next snow storm, contact Sharon Myers at smyers02@som.geisinger.edu.
Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine is committed to non-discrimination in all employment and educational opportunities. 2228-14823-1/21-HDAV/SL