In just the first day, I feel refreshed to listen to, and take part in, the unique conversations that develop spontaneously after activities and during breaks.  I hope we can discuss results of increased patient safety as a group with regard to medical student training at free-of-charge clinics.  These venues often provide care to vulnerable populations, who medical students may “help” by performing common procedures or assisting an overworked volunteer physician.  Many procedures have an inherent learning curve in which mistakes are common during the learning stages, and these mistakes may cause undue harm to the patient.  There is certainly a fine line between a medical student providing helpful care and learning versus harmful mistakes and discouraging patients from visiting again.  Medical students may also overestimate their skills and find themselves in uncomfortable situations without readily available assistance.  For example, I am aware of… Continue reading →