This program is unique to the Baylor chapter of Texas EMIG; no where else in the country does a program like it exist. It is the product of over 1 year of application and collaboration between Texas EMIG and the Ben Taub Emergency Center (BTEC). Since its beginning in February of 2009 the project has spawned a Schweitzer fellowship award, is the source of several research projects and employs over 45 students as paid employees and dozens more as volunteers. The program allows medical students access to one of the most dynamic Emergency Centers (EC) settings in the country. In the EC students benefit an exceptional learning environment where they can observe the clinical practice of Emergency Medicine, master select clinical procedures and, most importantly, improve patient care. While anyone can participate, those who qualify for federal work study can earn $15.00/hour to help pay for their medical school tuition and living expenses.
Observe the clinical practice of Emergency Medicine:
- The Ben Taub is one of the busiest Emergency Centers in the country and serves over 90,000 patients/year. Close to 250 patients/day.
- As the primer trauma center in the region the Ben Taub manages critically ill patients who have sustained traumatic injuries from motor vehicle accidents, gun shot wounds and crush injuries in addition to medical emergencies such as heart attacks, pulmonary embolisms and drug overdoses.
- Work study student are encouraged to observe emergency doctors respond to such emergencies and be in the shock rooms observing while doctors and nurses resuscitate, stabilize and treat critically ill patients.
- Work study students will work with and learn from medical providers of all levels from nurses to residents to physician assistants to physicians and gain knowledge of the team interaction, intricacies and culture that make emergency medicine one of the most dynamic and fulfilling careers in medicine.
Master Clinical Procedures:
- Students work as EC technicians and are taught how to draw blood, start IV’s and perform EKG’s in classes and under supervision from nurses.
- Students under special circumstances and with adequate instruction and supervision can place Foley catheters and aid in more complex procedures.
- Students will learn and always observe universal precautions and have ingrained in them good habits that will prevent them from needle sticks and unnecessary exposures.
Improve Patient Care:
- Students serve as patient educators: When a patient is ready for discharge from the BTEC and has a sub-optimal understanding of their diagnosis, medication, long term sequealae of poor disease management or follow up care, work study students will take the time that doctors working in the EC often do not have to answer patient questions and assure understanding in the hopes of improving patient understanding, compliance and outcomes.
- Students serve as translators: Work Study students fluent in another foreign language will translate for Ben Taub medical staff or clinical students during patient interviews, physical exams and patient education.
- Students serve as an ER Techs: Work study students will draw blood, collect urine samples, perform EKG’s and establish IV’s and once proficient will improve the speed at which patients receive diagnostic tests, IV fluids and medicines and cut down on patient wait times.
Register
To register for the BTEC work study program, please complete the following questionnaire: BTEC Registration.
