​PHRONESIS PROJECT

In their own words...

 

"I applied to be a part of the Phronesis Project because I was interested in establishing longer-term relationships with patients.  I knew that the first and second years of medical school would consist of mostly classroom learning, so I wanted to involve myself in an organization that allowed me to learn about patient health outside of lecture as well.  The highlight of the Phronesis Project for me has been the opportunity to follow patients over time, tracking their progression and getting to know their social situation in greater depth." (Student, Phronesis Class of 2018)

 

"One of the highlights of Phronesis has been the privilege of being allowed into the lives of the patients, learning details about them from what I think is a unique perspective, as part of the healthcare team but also of an eager student. I have been surprised at how resilient a person can be, even when they are encumbered by numerous chronic conditions." (Student, Phronesis Class of 2018)

 

"The highlight of my Phronesis experience so far has been sitting down with my patients and getting to know them at a more personal level than any other experience offered during my first year in medical school. While I’ve learned many things through the Phronesis Project that are not taught in the standard curriculum, the most important lesson that I’ve learned so far, particularly through conducting interviews and writing a narrative history, is the complexity of health and how it is not simply a clinical concept, but rather largely shaped by a patient’s circumstances and how he/she views his/her medical condition. My biggest surprise is how making the extra effort to learn about a patient’s background and values is just as necessary as obtaining a thorough clinical history in order to truly address a patient’s needs and concerns. I would invite others to become part of the Phronesis Project as it is an invaluable opportunity to not only learn and practice clinical skills and history-taking while helping others, but also to establish and nourish long-lasting, personal relationships with patients." (Student, Phronesis Class of 2018)

 

"Phronesis has taught me the importance of understanding our patients beyond their physical reason for coming to the doctor. The first time we meet each of our patients, we conduct a narrative interview in their home and start to learn their full life story, where they come from, and what their situation is like now. There are so many instances in which this has proven invaluable as I have supported my patients throughout their care. I would encourage others to be a part of the Phronesis Project, because of how unique this experience is as a medical student. On rotations during third and fourth year, we will have very short interactions with patients, but this opportunity to follow a patient and play an integral part in their care is so special and so valuable."  (Student, Phronesis Class of 2018)

 

"The Phronesis Project has been an excellent supplement to my medical education. I feel that one of the major criticisms regarding the pre-clerkship curriculum of any medical school is the lack of legitimate patient encounters. Most of the patient interactions that my non-Phronesis colleagues have experienced have not allowed for continuity of care, or an opportunity to actually learn about what is wrong with the patient. I feel that may experiences in the Phronesis Projected will provide me with a great advantage as I soon transition into the clinical aspects of medical school."   (Student, Phronesis Class of 2018)