Medical schools teach students how to diagnose and treat diseases, but such knowledge alone is not sufficient to become a physician that can improve both physical well-being and mental and emotional health.
Empathy is perhaps the single most powerful communication skill that a medical student can learn to support the holistic healing and recovery of their patients, particularly those with histories of abuse, violence and exploitation. According to David Skorton, MD, AAMC President, there is a need for medical students to focus on their patients' lived experiences as he feels it will be especially important "as they enter a world where the effects of systemic racism and poverty on health are undeniable. Being able to listen and learn from patients, families, and communities is now a necessary skill."
This survivor-led presentation will teach medical students this necessary skill: how to listen to patients and learn from them, foundational components in trauma-informed care.
Patty Bennett, MA, will call medical student's attention to a few pieces of her artwork to provide a rich analogy of complex trauma and the healing processes that were required of her to move from victimhood to survivorship, from warrior to overcomer. Based on her personal experiences, Patty will share how physicians listened, learned and demonstrated understanding of her complex trauma and its impact on her over-all health. Patty feels this trauma-informed approach empowered her to reclaim her life, hopes and dreams.
