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Electives - Emergency Medicine

Remote Area Medical (RAM) Expedition - Wise VA

Elective Number: 1308 (arranged)

Rotation Supervisors: Dr. Scott Syverud and Audrey Snyder, RN, PhD, ACNP

Designated signer: Penny Carlisle; West Complex room 2235A

Evaluation should be given to: Dr. Syverud

Duration: 2 weeks

Available: Rotation 3b (7/16-7/28/2012) - Class of 2013

Report to: Dr. Syverud

Time to Report: 9:00 am

Place to Report: West Complex room 2235A

Typical day: varies

Attendance: Attendance at elective activities is mandatory.

  • Anyone who is ill or has a personal or family emergency must contact Student Affairs and the Attending on Service.
  • Students are allowed to take off up to 1 day per week to interview between November 1 and February 1.
    • Specific days missed must be approved by the Attending on Service.

Number of students per rotation: 8

Course Description: The goal of the Remote Area Medical Expedition to Wise VA is to provide students with a working knowledge of the planning, execution and follow-up needed for a community outreach health program. Students will also participate first hand in providing medical care to at-risk and underserved communities. The fourth year students will gain direct experience teaching and mentoring second year medical students participating with the UVA medical team. This course is in conjunction with a nursing student community health experience. Collaborative practice is emphasized.

A brief (3 minute) slide show of the 2008 experience is available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eisGBeYuDj8

It is expected that students will learn the administrative tasks involved in organizing a large volunteer group trip. In advance of the trip students will help with planning, scheduling, orientation of other providers, and preparation of supplies. At the event, students will perform H&Ps, procedures (including physical exams, blood glucose finger sticks, pap smears, cerumen removal, excisional biopsy, punch biopsy, blood draw, urinalysis, EKG, sonograms, peripheral IV placement), will write orders, will counsel patients and families, and will assist with first year medical students who also volunteer at the event. Students will also obtain knowledge of the challenges of the patient follow-up process for abnormal labs and imaging studies. After the event, students will assist with patient follow-ups (labs, imaging, appointments) and data analysis.