Highlights
Shout out to FSMA class of 2021 for successfully completing the second-ever virtual FSMA. Despite the difficulties of Zoom fatigue, FSMA over Zoom had some unexpected advantages- such as participating from the comfort of home and meeting people from across the country. Here are some of the highlights from this year’s academy.
- Medical Mystery– students spent a week solving the medical case of a 22 year old female suffering from undiagnosed medical and mental health conditions. Students solved her case by consulting with medical professionals including a psychiatrist, a nurse practitioner, and a patient advocate. By deciphering clues on Elizabeth’s Instagram, email, and medical records- all three groups were able to solve her case and present a thorough treatment plan.
- Hands-on Skills- although FSMA was virtual this year students were still able to practice hands-on skills including CPR, taking vital signs, and suturing. Students were mailed kits including all necessary supplies, and worked with professionals over zoom to learn the basics of each of these skills- many even convinced family members to serve as practice patients!
- Mentorship- students were able to meet over 20 different professionals in the medical field including medical students, pediatric residents, pathologists, social workers, doctors, physician assistants, nurses, EMTs, and current medical school professors.
Testimonials
“Through my participation in this program, I learned about how to receive and approach a patient’s case from many directions. I learned to ask good questions, look for the bigger picture, and keep patient information organized. I also learned a lot about the challenges that people face with housing, insurance, and treatment, especially immigrants who are undocumented. FSMA was a very valuable experience”. -FSMA Student, Blocks 2 and 3
“I loved this program. I came in very nervous that I did not know enough to be here, yet soon understood that this is a kind learning environment. I loved the mentors and, even though it was over zoom, I felt that I really was able to connect with the administrators as well as my fellow students. All of the workshops were so interesting and I felt no inhibitions about speaking up to discuss my perspective or answer questions. I have already written down multiple emails of people that I plan to email with questions at different stages of my application process and am so grateful that FACES gave me the opportunity to connect with such people.”-FSMA Student, Block 2
“The presenters/guests were all very knowledgeable and have had experience in the field they were talking about. They were very kind, open, and generous with their knowledge, and hearing their own personal experiences in the medical field helped me personally on forwarding my education in medicine. It gave me insight into different professions and a wider outreach/network of people I can go to for assistance. Overall the program gave me connections/resources/information all very helpful in furthering my interests in becoming a doctor. I felt immersed in medicine and all the peers had similar interests diving into the medical field, this just proved to me that the medical field is where I would like to be.” -FSMA Student, Block 2