Project Healthcare is an annual 10-week summer volunteer program through the NYU School of Medicine where students are given the
unique opportunity to play an active role in patient care in one of NYU’s active emergency departments. Through
hands on experience, in one of New York City’s active
emergency departments, volunteers are able to explore a diverse array of
interests and are exposed to the reality of a career in medicine. The
volunteers learn to function as patient advocates, and are also exposed to
numerous aspects of patient care while working closely with the clinical staff.
In addition to the Emergency Department, which includes
adult and pediatric emergency rooms (including
trauma) as well as the Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program, all
participants rotate through the Operating Room and Cardiac Catheterization Lab
to observe and help facilitate care. They ride along with FDNY EMTs, and
spend time with the Social Work staff where they learn about the social needs
of patients suffering with issues such as domestic violence, sexual assault,
substance abuse, and/or homelessness.
The main function of the volunteers is patient advocacy.
This directly translates to providing food and water to patients, providing
blankets and clothing and, above all, emotional comfort by way of conversation
and interaction. Volunteer participants also engage in concrete tasks such as
making up stretchers, transporting patients, providing patient support during
procedures, interpreting, assisting with undressing patients, and the stocking
and preparation of equipment. In the clinical area, they are afforded the
opportunity to observe procedures, assist with custodial care, and interact with
patients of varied cultural, social and economic backgrounds.
This program offers each participant an opportunity
to further develop the skills of flexibility, compassion, and creativity, while
addressing the demands of spontaneous situations.
- More Info: https://med.nyu.edu/emergency/education/undergraduates/project-healthcare
- Application: https://projecthealthcare.fluidreview.com/
- Application Deadline: Monday, February 4th at 11:59pm