Compassion emphasized to soon-to-be M.D.'s by Gold Humanism event

Compassion emphasized to soon-to-be M.D.'s by Gold Humanism event

On March 19, 2008, about 150 University of Minnesota Medical School fourth year students and more than 25 physicians gathered for a "Pre-Match Day Retreat." This daylong retreat, planned by the Gold Humanism Honor Society chapter, took place on beautiful Lake Minnetonka. The society is a program of the Arnold P Gold Foundation and was created to elevate the values of humanism and professionalism in medicine. The society honors fourth-year medical students, residents, and physicians who exemplify excellence in clinical care, leadership, compassion, and dedication to service.

The retreat, which is in its second year at University of Minnesota Medical School, occurs the day before the National Residency Match Day when most students find out where they will be going after graduation. The goal of the day is to reflect on clinical experiences and to stress the importance of humanism and compassion during residency and beyond. This year, the retreat day incorporated motivating speakers for the entire group and engaging discussion among breakout groups facilitated by the student-nominated faculty.

Highlights included an address from Dean of the Medical School Deborah Powell, who spoke about how to do one¿s best in residency and in practice as well as the humbling experiences when "your best is not good enough." Small group discussions covered the ethical issues in end-of-life care, caring for culturally diverse patients, and ways to pass on principles of humanism and professionalism to junior medical students.

Particularly entertaining was a musical medley by favorite faculty Thomas Stillman, an internal medicine physician from Hennepin County Medical Center. He used clips of songs, including the Beatles "Help! (I Need Somebody)," to demonstrate the joys and challenges of the up-coming intern year. The day also included a session on stress-reduction and time for socializing among classmates who are otherwise separated learning at their varying rotation sites.

Overall, the retreat successfully reunited medical students for a relaxing yet thought-provoking day before Match Day and then the beginning of their careers as physicians throughout the country. The retreat was made possible by generous financial contribution from the Minnesota Medical Foundation and support from the Medical School.

Johannah Krueger, MS4
On behalf of the Gold Humanism Honor Society at the University of Minnesota Medical School