To improve the bedside manner of physicians, a professor of sociology at the University of Calgary, Arthur Frank, wrote a book titled, "The Wounded Story: Body, Illness and Ethics." Frank had studied the medical profession for years as a detached observer, yet became intimately involved with it from a patient's point of view when he was hospitalized during a serious illness. He discovered the need for patients to tell the story of their illness from their own point of view, rather than the physician identifying the illness from a practitioner's point of view.
A group of top-notch medical students at MSU have read Frank's book, and are putting his technique into practice. The Medical Scholars Program is seeking individuals who have severe injuries or serious illnesses and who are willing to tell the story of their illness or injury: how it has impacted them and their reaction to the illness or injury. The stories the students witness will be used in confidential case study reports to Medical Scholars Program Coordinator Lynn Scott.
Students who are willing to participate should contact Lynn Scott, 121 W. Fee Hall, (517) 432-5112, as soon as possible for more information. Students can also contact Valerie Nilson at OPHS, (517) 353-9642.