FSU College of Medicine 2017 annual report 2017 Annual Report - FSU College of Medicine | Page 39

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TEACHING BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
When Suzanne
Harrison speaks to other
offshoot that Harrison helped to create.
She taught a roomful of health-care team members some
health professionals outward signs of human trafficking, such as bruises, missing
about treating victims of teeth and ruptured eardrums (from getting smacked in the
human trafficking, she head). She told them to notice whether fearful young patients
invariably hears: “We’re were being controlled by another person, possibly someone
ready, but we never see who didn’t want them to be candid with the doctor.
them in our office.”
Actually, the patients
are there. Most doctors just don’t recognize them.
That’s why Harrison, professor of family medicine and
rural health, teaches not only her medical students but also
Harrison calls the traffickers rapists and grumbles, “I’m
embarrassed that this is happening in my country.” When
speaking of the people upon whom they prey, however, she is
pure compassion.
“What do you do when you suspect somebody may be
the community about how to identify – and care for – people trafficked?” she asked the participants. “First of all, like with
caught up in this modern incarnation of slavery, vulnerable cases of abuse, we don’t ask any questions at all if we can’t
people exploited for commercial sex or forced labor. get the patient alone. We don’t want to increase their risk of
Harrison is just one example of a faculty member whose serious injury. You also don’t want to ask in front of a family
classroom extends far beyond the College of Medicine’s walls. member. Instead, create a situation where you can get them alone.”
She recently presented “Human Trafficking: A Call Also, she said: “Reassure them frequently. Let them tell
to Action for Healthcare Professionals” at the Florida their story their own way, when they’re ready. Unless they’re
Department of Health in Leon County. The session was in danger.”
co-sponsored by the College of Medicine; the Survive &
Even then, don’t try to be a hero, she said. The STAC
Thrive Advocacy Center, home of legal expert Robin Hassler center knows the law and knows about how to keep people
Thompson; the American Medical Women’s Association, safe. STAC people also know when it’s time to call in law
where Harrison is wrapping up a year as president; and enforcement.
Physicians Against the Trafficking of Humans, an AMWA
“We need to put the patient’s issues first,” she said.
RECOGNIZING EXCELLENCE
Insight Into Diversity magazine recognized the College
2017 Inspiring L