Drawing from their direct experience in a dynamic clinical setting, the team proposed thoughtful, patient-centered innovations aimed at improving the Emergency Department experience. Their recommendations included a user-friendly mobile app to enhance communication and provide patients with easy access to information, as well as intuitive map brochures to help patients and families navigate the Emergency Department more effectively. The students delivered an exceptional presentation, and our leadership team is already considering how to implement several of their suggestions to further elevate the patient experience. In addition to their impressive work, the students demonstrated remarkable diligence, insight, and collaboration — qualities that were noted and appreciated by both staff and patients alike.

The program’s curriculum was recently expanded to include more hands-on medical simulation sessions as well as sessions on responding to medical emergencies and performing CPR. We also had some Dalton alumni who are current medical students and residents teach in some of the educational programs.    

The Weill Cornell Emergency Department Immersion Program, organized by Rahul Sharma  P’34, P’36, P’36, offers students a chance to engage in additional activities such as disaster simulations, shadowing physicians, and participating in departmental meetings and ongoing performance improvement initiatives (volunteers do not perform research or assist medical personnel with procedures). To qualify for the program, candidates must demonstrate academic excellence, interest in medicine and healthcare, professionalism, and a firm commitment to the program.