WESTFIELD — Baystate Noble Hospital’s Student Ambassador — Mini Medical School Program took place July 29 to Aug. 9. Twelve local students attended the two-week program.
To welcome the students and kick off the program, several administrators and staff members at the hospital spoke about their jobs. Lissette Grimaldi, chief nursing officer, chief administrative officer and vice president of patient relations, talked about leadership and her path to her current role. Jan Mayforth, chief financial officer for Baystate Health Community Hospitals, spoke about health care finance. Dina Dugan, hospital dietician, addressed her role. Chrissy Humason, Baystate Noble’s stroke care coordinator, gave a presentation on overcoming life’s obstacles, and stroke care. Dr. Patrick Chambers, associate chief of emergency medicine, told the students about the emergency department and his journey into medicine.
Training sessions took place twice a week, starting with Mental Health 101 and continuing with such topics as Respiratory, De-escalation/Simulation Lab 101, and Stop the Bleed.
Students also spent time in six departments, ranging from patient registration, to radiology, to the emergency department, where they were able to shadow Baystate Noble doctors and nurses, observe medical procedures, with patient permission, or see specimens in a lab.
“We had an outstanding response to this year’s program, receiving 22 applications. The 12 students selected were incredibly grateful for the opportunity,” said Michele LaPrade, volunteer coordinator and program leader.
At the end of the two weeks, the student ambassadors gave presentations on their experience at a graduation ceremony. The ceremony was attended by the participants’ family members and also team members of Baystate Noble.
“For some students, the experience reaffirmed their passion for the field they were considering, while for others, it helped opened their eyes to realize the field they were bearing in mind was not what they wanted to do, and sparked interest in different career paths,” said LaPrade. “Again, this year, the students really enjoyed being in the departments and we had another fantastic lineup of presenters and training sessions. I’m so grateful to our team members who not only graciously gave of their time, but made sure the students had a great experience.”
For more information about Baystate Noble Hospital, visit www.baystatehealth.org/locations/noble-hospital. For additional information about the Student Ambassador Program at Baystate Noble Hospital, contact Michele LaPrade at michele.laprade@baystatehealth.org.
