This elective is designed for 4th year medical students with an interest in trauma surgery–as well as trauma-informed care and the larger socio-political context that creates obstacles to health care for victims of violent injury from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

The difficulties faced by victims of traumatic injury after completion of their initial surgery are well-documented. Patients navigating complex aftercare and rehab on limited resources run into tremendous obstacles–especially given that victims of gun violence in Buffalo are disproportionately underrepresented minorities who already experience a lack of access and have a general distrust of the medical system.

Students participating in this elective will spend half their time on the elective working on the Trauma service at ECMC, learning the basics of trauma surgery from attendings and residents. They will spend the other half of their hours working with a recently-discharged trauma patient and their family as they navigate their aftercare. Working in teams of two, they will support and
advocate for patients and their families, accompanying them to clinical follow-ups, and make home visits. Students will seek to learn what is missing in their care, and endeavor to connect the dots and make sure that it is provided.

Prerequisite: MS4 or MS3 with successful completion of SUR 700

Modules: D, F (Fall);  H, to L (Spring)

Number of students: 2-4

Course Director: Michael Lamb, PhD

Course Coordinator: Gayle Thomson