“ We have expanded our curriculum to include a session on gender and developmental dermatology to discuss conditions such as PCOS [ polycystic ovary syndrome ] and the role of dermatology in LGBTQIA + health ,” George says . “ We are also creating a toolkit for medical students in other cities who are interested in adopting our program at their institution .”
When the Skin of Color Community Series first launched , panelists were able to connect with their audiences in person at a Providence hair salon . The events typically attracted 30 to 40 people , who found instant community .
“ Seeing some participants come together and share , ‘ I feel like I ’ m not being seen ,’ ‘ I can ’ t go to someone I feel comfortable with ,’ and having others say , ‘ Me too ,’ it felt like a little therapy session ,” Okoro says . “ It showed me that what we ’ re doing is valuable .”
When pandemic shutdowns moved the series online , the organizers worried the “ healing community ” they built at the salon would be difficult to maintain on Zoom . Instead their audience grew , and continued to share their stories .
While they hope to resume in-person events when it ’ s safe , the virtual format has boosted outreach and access . It “ encompasses more people in the Rhode Island community as well as internationally ,” Negbenebor says . “ We expect to draw even more people and connect more people to dermatology .”
It ’ s a Wonderful Life
Medical students learn to take a different kind of patient history in a new program . BY ISHAANI KHATRI
A Veterans Affairs initiative that gives older adults a chance to share their life stories with health care providers is now part of the curriculum at The Warren Alpert Medical School .
Medical student Jeffrey Lam , who learned about the My Life , My Story program shortly before the pandemic began , says he was drawn to its humanistic aspect . “ What feels most meaningful in medicine , to me , is getting to know a person ,” he says . Lam got a grant from the medical school so he could develop the curriculum . He worked with hospice and palliative care fellow at HopeHealth , Mara Feingold-Link , MD , who also helped him write a guide to facilitate the conversations .
Each first-year medical student is paired with an older adult volunteer . They speak via Zoom or phone and the student then writes a first-person narrative about the volunteer and shares it with them .
“ The program was an important reminder that everyone has a story to share , and that so many older adults live such vibrant lives ,” says medical student Carey Favaloro , who partnered with lifelong Rhode Islander Helen Decesare . “ When you show up with a real intention to listen , you can learn so much .”
Decesare says she appreciated how open to listening the students were . “ I love learning , I love talking , and I love the younger generation ,” she says . “ It was a joy to meet such great young people .”
Favaloro says Decesare ’ s advice — that students treat all elderly patients as if they are their own parents or grandparents — was especially touching .
Anne Quinn , LICSW , CCM , coordinates the program volunteers and conducts follow-up surveys . “ Being able to emotionally connect with a younger person during the pandemic had such meaning for [ the volunteers ],” she says . “ It was truly a gift for them .”
Other participants said they found it rewarding to help shape future doctors and ensure that they were mindful of the needs of older adults , Quinn adds .
“ The My Life , My Story curriculum allows students to take a moment to bear witness to others ’ stories , rather than doing more or saying more or informing more ,” Lam says . He adds : “ I think it ’ s just as important that we learn from our patients as they learn from us . The earlier we learn this as medical students , the better .”
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