Medical students in the Population-based Urban and Rural Community Health (PURCH) track's Class of 2023 marked their official transition from classroom to clinical training at a ceremony on May 6, 2021 at the Baystate campus in Springfield.
Always Centered in the Community
Before a mostly virtual audience of faculty and deans, the 25 students received specially designed pins from their Brightwood House learning mentors—Drs. Samuel Borden, Eric Churchill, Elizabeth Eagleson and Jacqueline Wu.
The pins depict the staff of Asclepius, the god of healing, within a circle of intertwined arms—signifying their roles as healers within their community.
"If you remember this quote from a community member in Holyoke you will always practice person- and community-centered care, not only in your third and fourth years, but throughout your future practice," advised Sarah Perez-McAdoo, MD, MPH, Director of the Population Health Capstone.
Ready for Greater Responsibility
For the past two weeks, the rising third-year medical students have been undergoing skills training in Baystate's Simulation Center, attaining Basic Life Saving certification from the American Heart Association, and participating in other activities preparing them to take on greater responsibility as active members of healthcare teams in the hospital, community clinic, or physician's office.
Their upcoming clinical training comprises seven required core clerkships: Internal Medicine, Neurology, Family Medicine, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, Obstetrics/Gynecology, and Surgery. In addition, PURCH students participate in a variety of flexible clinical experiences—and can even create a "designer" experience to explore a passion or curiosity.