When I began medical school, my academic mentor advised me to be cognizant of when the more experienced would drop pearls of wisdom.  Well during these past 4 days it’s been raining pearls.  After trying to absorb so much knowledge, my brain feels like an overfilled suitcase with a weak zipper; it’s about to burst.   And therein may actually lie a problem.  To those with less clinical and formal patient safety experience, Marseille covers too much information in too little time.  Many of the activities and discussions felt rushed.  Here I present an open, honest critique of the Marseille program and make suggestions for improvement.

I will focus on 3 observations: 1) The negotiations, listening and human factors lectures were some of the best received, 2) Group exercises/games are highly beneficial and are worth the time expense, 3) People felt that there was… Continue reading →

I am sitting in this room and I can’t help but think, “Oh crap, what did I get myself into.”  We all had been asked to introduce one other selected individual.  The lists of accomplishments and accolades accrued by the other Marseille scholars sat over their heads like 5 foot top hats.  In contrast, as a very green MS2, my head looked pretty bald, maybe covered by a flat cap.  Traditionally I would just shut up and try to steal the wisps of wisdom that they utter.  Upon conversing with these illustrious men and women however, I was struck by their humility.  These people were really listening to what I have to say, as if we were on even playing fields!  Truly a testament to the unassuming, non-judgemental nature which is Marseille.

“I cannot believe you played an X!”  The objective: Win… Continue reading →