Author: outreach

For this educational event, we had three fantastic speakers come and teach us valuable lessons about different aspects of medicine that especially concern the homeless and low income communities.

 

First, Dr. Zoe Weinstein had us complete a group exercise in which we practiced counseling patients about substance abuse. Each of us took turns interviewing in groups of two, to simulate the kinds of questions that would be most appropriate in that situation.

Next was Dr. Payel Roy, who coached us on discussions about housing. We spent the session in a circle, considering the various challenges faced by individuals who are without a home, or in and out of one, and how to best address this sensitive topic.

Last, but not least, Dr. Vassiliki Pravodelov (a BUSM and OVP grad!) taught us about the strategies used when asking patients about trauma. It was a very humbling and moving conversation.

The first trip of the year! This year we experimented with using signs to advertise flu shots, and it really paid off, as we gave far more than in previous years. Many clients came out on our first night as the nights were still warm.

 

 

 

OVP and HHIE came together to participate in the Alan Alda Group workshop to get to know each other better and to foster a team building spirit. The Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science leads workshops that use improvisational theater games to help scientists communicate more directly and personally. Dr. Sarfaty, who had recently participated in a workshop lead the session, which included several icebreakers and improvisational exercises.  Students, group leaders, as well as physicians participated in the activities. Unlike at the beginning of the session, by the end of the three hours everyone had opened up and was much more at ease with each other and eager to embark on the years activities together.

 

 

 

 

In partnership with AMWA (American Medical Women's Association), we sold a bundle of these neat t-shirts, and it was for a great cause! Part of the money went to Rosie's Place, a women's shelter in the South End, and we also used it to fund the continued existence of OVP (purchasing clothing, groceries, etc) so we can keep doing what we're doing. And that's a good thing!

OVP Orientation Meeting

This was OVP’s first meeting of the year. It was a chance for members to get to know one another before starting to go out on the van. Students were given their group assignments and had a few small group discussions about feelings about homelessness in general and going out on the van. Members were briefed on a safety and what a typical van trip would look like. Dr. Gaeta also came to give members a flu shot demonstration. She walked members through how to give one and then demonstrated on an orange. A video of Dr. Gaeta demonstrating this was posted on the OVP member’s site so they were able to refresh their skills before going out on the van.

 

 

Open sign ups are an opportunity for BU students not directly involved in OVP to experience what a van trip is like. Students from the Graduate Medical Sciences, Physician Assistant or Dental programs are able to go out on the van. Open sign ups happen throughout the year. They typically occur in the Spring after M2s begin studying for STEP, in the Summer when members may go home, on Thanksgiving, and over Winter break. The van goes out every Thursday no matter the circumstance so we always need willing volunteers to help out!

Dr. Mardge Cohen, an attending at Boston Healthcare for the Homeless Program led a lunchtime discussion about homelessness in Boston and the different ways medical students can help. Dr. Cohen discussed the unique population that exists here at BMC and in the South End and how Boston Healthcare for the Homeless is making an impact in their lives. It was a great way for first year medical students to start to learn about homeless medicine and the special challenges this group faces.

Every year BUSM hosts an Activities Fair so new first year medical students can learn about all the different organizations BUSM has to offer. Tables are set up with representatives from each organization to facilitate sign ups and answer any questions students may have. Outreach Van Project and Homeless Health Immersion Experience had a combined table since the organizations work with similar populations. It was easy for students to learn about the similarities and differences between the two student groups this way.