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Your doctor is a member of the faculty at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. SIU is among the highest-rated institutions in surgical education in the United States. In an effort to better educate the physicians of tomorrow and bring you the best health care possible, medical students and residents will be collaborating with your doctor as members of the health care team. Your doctor will serve as a mentor and instructor to the students and residents, supervising his/her education. The information discussed below describes this team effort to education and patient care.
What is the difference between medical students and residents?
Medical students have already completed a college degree and are now enrolled in medical school. When they complete their four years of medical school, they will receive their medical degree (M.D.) but cannot practice medicine independently until they complete their residency. Residents already hold medical degrees and are now at the level where they are licensed to practice medicine under supervision. Residency programs exist so that residents can receive further specialized training prior to practicing independently.
What will the medical student or resident do?
Responsibilities will vary. They may simply observe as you talk with your doctor. At other times, a medical student or resident may meet with you alone to discuss your medical history or do a physical exam. Medical students or residents may talk with you about your general health and other topics. They and your doctor will always review your concerns together and will work as a team to come up with a plan best suited to your health care needs. At all times, your privacy and confidentiality will be of upmost importance.
Will this impact my care? Will I have to see a medical students or resident?
Regardless of your decision whether or not to allow other members of your doctor’s health care team to participate in your care, your doctor will meet with you as you have done before. It is your choice to permit medical student or resident involvement and your decision will be respected with no negative consequences or penalty.
How does having medical students or residents involved in my care benefit me?
You will have two professionals – a student or resident and your doctor – both working for you! While your doctor may be the medical expert you are the patient expert. You know what it’s like to be a patient best and your input counts. Your participation in future physician education guarantees that you will have a direct impact on today’s medical care and the future of medicine.
Any more questions? Please ask!
Our doctors believe involving medical students and residents in our office will play a vital role in the education of the next generation of physicians and it could not happen without your help and support. Please feel free to ask your doctor any questions you may have about our physician education program.
Patient Satisfaction with Resident Care
Throughout their training, residents are evaluated not only by faculty MDs, nurses and other healthcare professionals, but by patients as well. 33 patients were recently asked to complete a questionnaire regarding the care they received from Urology residents. Of those patients, 32 ranked their resident physician as providing “excellent” or “very good” care. Some of their comments include:
“I feel Dr. ____ is an excellent doctor. At first, I was a little surprised by his youth but he put me at ease immediately with his knowledge, his easy going manner and his warmth. I would like to keep him as my doctor wherever he practices it at all feasible and would recommend him to anyone in need of an urologist.”
“An incredibly wonderful doctor.”
“Dr. _______ is a great doctor.”
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