If you’re tired of just reading about medicine and would like to get some hands-on experience, the Institute for Good Medicine is here to help.
Under the leadership of founder and former Pennsylvania Medical Society President Peter Lund, M.D., the Institute has held a series of Skills Nights at state medical schools during the past year.
The Skills Nights provide Pennsylvania medical students with hands-on instruction in basic surgical skills and promote student involvement in organized medicine.
“They are a wonderful relief from the very hard grind of didactics,” Dr. Lund said.
Nearly 100 students at five Pennsylvania medical colleges in Pennsylvania participated in the sessions, which began in early 2008. The sessions were most popular among first- and second-year medical students.
“Medical students are a competitive bunch. In your first and second years, you’re also anxious to do the hands-on stuff,” said third-year medical student Travis Meyer, who helped organize the Skills Night at Penn State College of Medicine.
Faculty and residents from participating schools collaborated with Dr. Lund in training the students on knot-tying and surgical techniques.
The Institute plans to hold more Skills Nights in 2009. Dr. Lund will be accompanied by internist and current Pennsylvania Medical Society President Daniel Glunk, MD.