August 11, 2009

Preparing to leave the classroom
for the hospital room

Entering third-year students learn how to draw blood, insert a catheter and administer cardiac life support as they train for their new role as members of a clinical team.

Working on a mannequin, Tzu-I Jonathan Yang practices using a bag valve mask device.

"What's lying ahead of you is exactly what brought you to medical school," said Richard Belitsky, deputy dean for education, "to put to use all the things you’ve been learning, practicing, and doing over the past two years."

Belitsky was speaking to students who have completed their basic science studies and had gathered in the TAC auditorium for the start of Survival Fair—two weeks of hands-on training to prepare them for their clinical clerkships.

"I assure you that the experience you are about to have will transform you in amazing ways," said Belitsky of clinical training. "You will see incredible bravery and resilience on the part of your patients. You will see physicians who astound you with how knowledgeable and skilled and compassionate and empathic and humane they are."

The purpose of Survival Fair, developed by Nancy Angoff, associate dean for student affairs, and Gisella Weissbach-Licht, director of curriculum management, is to introduce students to the clinical culture they're about to enter. It familiarizes them with issues such as infection control, HIPAA compliance, operating room safety, and advanced cardiac life support training. Students are also taught and have a chance to practice such basic skills as how to draw blood, insert a catheter, and tie knots.

Angoff assured students that they are well prepared for the next phase of their medical school education. "Your natural compassionate instincts that got you into this school are all you need to really be successful this year," she said. "If you listen, if you pay attention, if you pick up on cues, that will take you so far you can't imagine."

But she also urged students to take care of themselves so they can be at their best when caring for patients. "Get as much sleep as you can and continue to do the things that give your life meaning," she said, adding that Yale offers many support services that are available to students as they navigate this demanding phase of their medical training.

Belitsky told students that a "remarkable time" awaits them, one that will "determine and influence how you act and how you behave for the rest of your professional careers."

"You’re going to love it," agreed Angoff. "This is where you're going to thrive and come into your own."

—Jennifer Kaylin

Photo by John Curtis

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