George Washington medical students are handing out hundreds of gold wristbands today to emphasize the importance of compassion and empathy in medicine.
The wristbands, which have the inscription “the most important thing…humanism,” are one element in a National Day of Solidarity for Compassionate Patient Care spearheaded by the Gold Humanism Honor Society.
“The event idea came about after the Tucson shootings and the story about how one of the surgeons who cared for Rep. Giffords said that the most important thing he did that day was hold her hand and tell her that she was going to be taken care of,” says GW medical student Subhashini Katumuluwa, who is helping coordinate the event.
The doctor, Randall Friese, was the trauma surgeon in charge of triage as the victims of the Tucson shootings arrived at the University of Arizona Medical Center emergency room last month.
“We feel this simple act will be a good reminder to all of us about what is truly important in the work that we do,” says Ms. Katumuluwa, who will be helping to hand out 400 wristbands in Ross Hall and other area teaching hospitals to students, physicians and staff today.
Established under the Arnold P. Gold Foundation, the Gold Humanism Honor Society is composed of students, residents and faculty dedicated to emphasizing the importance of compassion, empathy and respect in the practice of medicine. The honor society is active at 92 schools across the country.
GW chapter advisers are Yolanda Haywood, School of Medicine and Health Sciences assistant dean for student and curricular affairs, and Charles Macri, professor of obstetrics and gynecology. The student coordinators for today’s event include Ms. Katumuluwa, Sister Mary Gretchen and Justin Azar.
“Join us today, Feb 14, in an act of solidarity in memory of those affected by the Tucson shooting, by wearing these simple bands to remind ourselves to recognize the dignity of the people we treat,” says Ms. Katumuluwa.