Experiencing a patient's perspective firsthand

The New York Times featured an article today about an innovative geriatric education program, in which medical students have the opportunity to experience life in a nursing home. Medical students at the University of New England are given a diagnosis that an elderly patient might have and spend two weeks living as a patient with that diagnosis, including medical exams, being assisted in and out of bed, and passing the time with other nursing home residents. The goal of the program is that the two week experience better equips future geriatric doctors to interact with and understand their elderly patients. When clinicians can empathize with their patient's situation and actions, they will be better able to communicate with their patients about their medical and quality of life needs.