Medical schools across U.S. undertake projects demonstrating the importance of empathy and compassion
On February 14, the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine Gold Humanism Honor Society joined with dozens of medical schools around the country undertaking projects to observe the first National Day of Solidarity for Compassionate Patient Care.
As the first trauma surgeon to treat Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords after she was shot, Dr. Randall Friese struck a chord when he said that his most important actions that terrible day were “holding her hand, speaking to her, and reassuring her that she was in the hospital and would be cared for.”
To honor that spirit of caring, the Gold Humanism Honor Society (GHHS) of the Arnold P. Gold Foundation created a National Day of Solidarity for Compassionate Patient Care for medical schools to undertake projects demonstrating the importance of empathy and compassion in patient care.
To honor National Solidarity Day, the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine Gold Humanism Honor Society delivered electronic valentines to faculty, residents, and medical students, again emphasizing Dr. Friese’s message and conveying that in the context of sound patient care, “A loving heart is the beginning of all knowledge.” GHHS Chapter Advisor, Carol Stanford MD, along with medical students and residents, also delivered hand-made valentines to patients on the Internal Medicine service at Truman Medical Center.
On February 14, dozens of medical schools in the U.S. and in Canada stood in solidarity with Dr. Friese and the University Medical Center team in Tucson, Arizona. Other participating schools included Stanford University, Ohio State University, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, George Washington University, University of Florida, University of Virginia, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, University of Texas Medical Branch-Galveston, and the University of Alberta.
In a note to GHHS executive director Jacqueline A. Mintz PhD, Dr. Friese said, “It is a distinct honor to have my actions contribute to the organization of this event. I am pleased that a message of humanism in medicine is being communicated across the state and country. When I described my actions in interviews about that awful day, my goal was to help people understand the first few minutes of the congresswoman’s evaluation in the ER. Thank you for taking my small action and helping others understand its importance.”
About the Gold Humanism Honor Society
The Gold Humanism Honor Society (GHHS) is an international association of role models for compassionate patient care. Top medical students, residents, and faculty members are chosen for demonstrating outstanding empathy, compassion, altruism, integrity and service in working with patients. Begun in 2002, GHHS has ninety-two chapters at medical schools across the United States and Canada and more than 11,000 members. The Society supports chapter projects, holds a biennial national conference, and educates medical students for leadership and advocacy. GHHS is an initiative of the Arnold P. Gold Foundation. For more information about GHHS, visit http://bit.ly/GHHSinfo.
About the Arnold P. Gold Foundation
The Arnold P. Gold Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of health and patient care by enhancing the doctor-patient relationship. Its work encourages the development of physicians who combine high tech, cutting edge medical science with the high touch skills of communication, empathy and compassion. Among the Foundation’s diverse programs are the White Coat Ceremonies held in 94% of U.S. medical schools, touching more than 18,000 students each year; the Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine awards which recognize graduating medical students and outstanding role model faculty members; an annual humanism in medicine essay contest; the Gold Humanism Honor Society; grants for service projects; and support for curricular change in medical education. For more information about the Arnold P. Gold Foundation, visit www.humanism-in-medicine.org.
About the UMKC School of Medicine
The UMKC School of Medicine was founded in 1971 as an innovative combined degree program. From its baccalaureate/MD curriculum to a docent system that emphasizes small group learning, the school has remained a trendsetter in medical education and research. For more information about the UMKC School of Medicine, visit www.med.umkc.edu/. You can also find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
About the University of Missouri-Kansas City
The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), one of four University of Missouri campuses, is a public university serving more than 15,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional students. UMKC engages with the community and economy based on a four-part mission: life and health sciences; visual and performing arts; urban issues and education; and a vibrant learning and campus life experience. For more information about UMKC, visit www.umkc.edu. You can also find us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and watch us on YouTube.