"The Thing That Really Matters": Solidarity Week at PNWU

Recently, PNWU’s Gold Humanism Honor Society (GGHS) chapter, along with GHHS chapters throughout the country, hosted Solidarity Week.

In a break from the first-person blogs we typically publish here on the PNWU Health Blog, we compiled stories and lessons from PNWU students, which highlight the importance of the Solidarity Week, and illustrate the power of the connection between people who are patients and the people who care for them.

Jesse Kipperman, OMS IV

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I found myself overwhelmed in the ED this month wondering, how will I find the time to ask patients to tell me more? In an already stressful and fast paced environment I worried my attendings wouldn’t approve, or my patients would grow frustrated with more questions.

Not only was I wrong, but taking the time to connect on a deeper level with my patients, not only brought them joy, it reminded me of my purpose. It gave me back energy to feel human again.

I spent this week  allowing for one extra moment before walking out of the room, or checking back on patients before I left for the day, or filling in stressed out family in the waiting room even if all I could say was: ‘Your loved one is comfortable and stable.’

I took the time to follow up on those random bits of information patients often offer.

‘How is your son doing in New York?’

‘What kind of motorcycle did you used to ride?’

You know, the questions that may not seem relevant but often provide a glimpse through a window to somebodies spirit.

The smiles and energy I was able to bring my patients, even in the ED — a place no one expects to be or wants to be when they wake up that morning — was inspiring. It reminded me to slow down a bit in our fast paced professions. 

It reminded me that we DO have time to connect on a deeper level. It reminded me of the physician I want to become and person I want stay true to. It reminded me that, at the end of the day, perhaps this human connection is the thing that really matters.

Sarah Knight, OMS IV

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One of the goals of PNWU’s Gold Humanism Honors Society (GHHS) Solidarity Week is to remind us all of the people — both patients and staff — who help make us better, more caring physicians.

Mrea, an ophthalmology technician and soon-to-be Heritage University physician assisting student, recently taught me how to perform Tono-pen eye pressure readings. I had the pleasure of getting to know and learn from the remarkable physician and technicians at the clinic during her ophthalmology rotation, and this photo embodies the importance of crediting the people that help us to grow into the compassionate physicians we hope to be!

Preston DeHan, OMS IV

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The one-liner on the computer read: 17 year-old female, spondylolisthesis, referral from Pediatrician. 

An entire individual condensed to one sentence. My favorite part about medicine, and a feature of the ‘Tell Me More’ campaign, is to get to know people for who they are. That one line on a computer screen? It didn’t tell me who she was.

In reality, she was a person who had recently come to America from a Ugandan refugee camp. She loved biology class. She HATED for math. When her back didn’t hurt, she loved to play soccer and run. She wanted to be a teacher someday. Sure, she was a patient, but she was so much more than that. 

Medicine is cool, but people are cooler.

Sarah Green-Abhold, OMS4

Thanks to the “Tell Me More” campaign, I recently got to know one of my 8-year-old patients while on a pediatrics rotation. 

What do you like to do for fun?

“I like to read Spider-Man books. I like recess at school and soccer”

What is your favorite food? 

“Ummmm… probably pizza!”

What brings you joy?

“My friends and soccer”

What is your favorite TV show?  

“Anything spider man”

Jessica Lancaster, OMS IV

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I delivered hand-made Valentines cards to patients in the hospital. It was a great way to bring everyone together!

At the end of the day, perhaps this human connection is the thing that really matters.
— Jesse Kipperman, OMS IV
 

 

PNWU GHHS Chapter

Gold Humanism Honors Society
Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences

Paul Bubluski