In school, I was taught the importance of communication, transparency, and informed consent, but I was always left wondering, “Well what can I do about it? How can I improve quality and patient safety? ” I struggled with these questions because I felt like the answer was “nothing.” Afterall, I’m just a medical student.
But I held on to the idea that there had to be something. And that’s why I came to Telluride. As we near the end of this wonderful experience, the question now becomes “When can I share the tools that I’ve learned to improve quality and patient safety?” I feel empowered, inspired, and confident that the answer now to the first question is “A lot! Even a medical student can make a difference.” I can’t wait to go back home and start.