NEOMED’s newest class of “students” started with a White Coat Ceremony the morning of May 6, 2024. By the end of the day, they had also received their residency matches and diplomas – all while learning clinical skills and even saving a life that afternoon.
The inaugural class of NEOMED’s Doctor for a Day program gathered eight elected officials from throughout Ohio – State Rep. Jon Cross, State Rep. Al Cutrona, State Rep. Joseph A. Miller, III, State Sen. Sandra O’Brien, State Rep. Monica Robb Blasdel, State Sen. Michael A. Rulli, State Rep. Nick Santucci and Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro – as they spent the day gaining inside access to the life of a medical student.
Following their welcome at a White Coat Ceremony, the legislators enjoyed sessions on peer instruction and academic research, as well as more hands-on sessions in the Gross Anatomy Lab and the Wasson Center. The legislators were in the middle of an activity conducted by Frank Beck, D.D.S., interim dean of the Bitonte College of Dentistry, when a simulated emergency sprung up. The legislators quickly pivoted as they were given roles to save the life of a simulated patient.
After building up an appetite in the “emergency room,” legislators enjoyed lunch with several students, who offered insight on the rewards and challenges they each face. The afternoon continued with clinical skills sessions, career counseling and an inside look at how NEOMED works with its hospital partners for students to participate in clerkships for real-world training. They also heard from students on how wellness and mental health impact the overall quality of life for patients, and how practitioners need to see the patient’s entire experience, rather than just a set of symptoms.
Following the hours-long crash course in medical education, the legislators received their “residency matches” before donning their caps and gowns to celebrate their accomplishment – being the first class of NEOMED’s Doctor for a Day program. The program will continue to educate legislators on the value of medical education, as well as the needs of students and the overall health care system.
Gallery
