NSU University School Viewpoint Fall/Winter 2017

16 n NSU UNIVERSITY SCHOOL UPPER SCHOOL surgery club and took part in a hands-on suturing lesson (on pigs feet). They will soon have the opportunity to experience the Simulation Lab, where they will learn how to measure blood pressure and take blood. “The fellows will not only get clinical practice taking blood on a silicone arm, they will learn about the psychology behind the action. They will learn how to relax the patient and how to approach it with compassion and empathy— the cornerstone of the osteopathic medicine college,” Silvagni said. Early in January, each fellowship student will be part of a one-on-one “standardized patient” simulation exer- cise that will be videotaped and assessed by the medical students. Unlike actual patients, “standardized patients” are given scripts and act out different medical scenarios. The fellows will record the patient’s medical history and ask important questions. KPCOM medical students will evaluate their bedside manner, critical-thinking skills, and the way they interact with the “patients.” This is an introductory exercise to prepare the fellows before shadowing medical professionals as they meet with real patients in a clinical setting. Students will participate in six rotations beginning in the spring. The final, integral part of the KPCOM fellowship will include a visit to the Ronald McDonald House, where students will prepare a meal for the residents and will put together and distribute care packages. “In my 16 years of administration, this is one of the most exciting programs that I have ever been a part of,” Fech said. “I would like for this to be a template for these sorts of programs across NSU University School.” n The fellows received their CPR certifications.