As part of our medical program’s Medicine in Society Rotation, Clerkship Director Dr Kathy Jo Carstarphen, MD, has prioritized the importance of cultural and religious diversity.
She has placed emphasis on training our students to have a more global and holistic biopsychosocial approach to medicine.
One unique aspect of the course is bringing the community to the classrooms.
Last month, students participated in a discussion on clinical strategies to avoid blood transfusions with members of the Jehovah’s Witness Hospital Liaison Committee (HLC) for New Orleans.
Presentations by HLC members offered approaches such as managing anemia and haemorrhages in clinical practices, reflecting common sense medicine and practice.
“A huge thank you to the Jehovah’s Witness Hospital Liaison Committee for taking the time to discuss clinical strategies to avoid blood transfusions with our students during their Medicine in Society Rotation,” said Dr. Carstarphen.
“Everyone was impressed by the structures and policies the Jehovah’s Witness HLC has created to advocate for the witnesses and others who want more conservative care.”
The program is another innovative way that Ochsner Academic Leaders are working to train the next generation of physicians to expand their knowledge, engage in critical reasoning, and practice ethical conduct that respects patient autonomy through a culturally sensitive approach to medical care.