Haiku Reflections on my Early Clinical Experience

FLASHBACK SERIES: Blog posts written during my medical school days at Pacific Northwest University - College of Osteopathic Medicine

by Kim Ha Wadsworth, OMS I

On Patient Engagement and Communication Skills, one of AAMC's Core Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs):

Medicare Wellness!
Prevention, education –
improved health outcomes.

On RWJF's County Health Rankings and Roadmaps:

Kittitas County –
number 3 in Washington!
Patient-centered care!

Vulnerable Populations – Violence Against Others

FLASHBACK SERIES: Blog posts written during my medical school days at Pacific Northwest University - College of Osteopathic Medicine

by Kim Ha Wadsworth, OMS I

Interpersonal violence occurs when an individual inflicts violence and coercive behavior—including economic control, isolation, and physical, emotional or sexual threats / actions—to gain power and control over another person. National statistics indicate that trauma accounts for 25% of health care visits by homeless patients, with 50% of this population having mental illness.¹ Likewise, people with developmental disabilities have a lifetime sexual assault victim rate of 68% - 83% and a 4 - 10X increased risk of becoming a crime victim.² In addition to abuse by family members or intimate partners, people with disabilities are at risk for abuse by attendants or health care providers. It is important to recognize that the survivor of the abuse is never to blame.

SMAs at FHCOE, an Early Clinical Experience

FLASHBACK SERIES: Blog posts written during my medical school days at Pacific Northwest University - College of Osteopathic Medicine

by Kim Ha Wadsworth, OMS I

It is a typical Wednesday afternoon at the Family Health Care of Ellensburg (FHCOE). Eight pre-diabetic patients sit comfortably in a semicircle, chatting with ease among themselves while waiting for the start of their "Shared Medical Appointment" (SMA) with Dr. Byron Haney, MD, founder of FHCOE. In the front of the room, a large LCD touch screen monitor displays each patient’s name, age, gender, vital signs, blood test results, relevant history on smoking, aspirin prophylaxis, and health care maintenance tasks. A female medical assistant sits quietly off to the side, ready to enter information into the EMR system on her laptop and to order any Rx or additional tests. Myriad questions pop into my head: Why are patients willing to share their medical stats to the entire group? Will they openly discuss their progress and health goals with others present? How will Dr. Haney manage his different roles in such a group setting—medical expert, advocate, educator, facilitator, supporter?