I will be attending the Telluride Colorado Session II next week. I chose to attend the Telluride Experience because I want to learn more about patient safety and bring the teachings back to my school. Having just completed my first year of medical school, I’m excited for the coming clinical experiences but feel underprepared in discussions regarding patient safety. In our curriculum’s first block, I remember briefly learning about adverse events and improvement initiatives in the Cleveland area. Later on in the school year, I joined the Student Committee on Medical Education (SCME) to provide recommendations on curricular improvements. I’m hoping that my experiences at Telluride next week prepare me to come back and make a lasting impact on our school’s curriculum for patient care. I’m especially interested in learning from professionals with years of experience and how they respond to daily obstacles. In parallel to my undergraduate degree in finance, I am also interested in how cost-cutting and economics play a role in patient safety. Finally, I’m excited about the opportunity to hear how other students interface with similar issues around the nation.
Patient safety is integral to good patient care since it promotes responsible behavior, restores faith in the medical system, and boosts patient and physician satisfaction. Even simple measures, like surgical time-out, that promote safety can emphasize perspective and responsible behavior by all healthcare professionals. I know my parents, as immigrants from India, continue to have a distrust of healthcare professionals- often opting to “self-diagnose” their own conditions. Studies have shown that many individuals share this discontent with medical care, but a strong atmosphere of accountability can help restore trust and lead to better outcomes. As a future physician, I’m sure that increases in patient safety measures will make me more confident and satisfied in my work. Promoting this all-around positive environment in clinics, hospitals, or medical homes can facilitate systemic healthcare progress. I’m sure the Telluride Experience will be an informative and engaging week, and I’m glad that I have this opportunity early on in my education. I look forward to forming lasting connections with other patient safety advocates next week.