Center Hosts Emergency Medicine Simulation Workshop for Young Black Men

In April, 15 students from throughout Southern Connecticut got a firsthand look at what emergency medicine physicians do – from suturing wounds to inserting chest tubes.

Actually, the students got more than a look, thanks to the Yale Center for Medical Simulation (YCMS). The center partnered with Yale School of Medicine, Minorities in Medicine, 100 Black Men of Stamford, Inc., Future 5 and the Village Initiative Project Inc. to offer the April 28 Emergency Medicine Simulation Workshop for Young Black Men.

The day-long workshop included hands-on sessions using advanced simulation manikins and other equipment at the Howard Avenue simulation center. Yale New Haven Hospital and Yale School of Medicine (YSM) physicians, residents and advanced practice providers served as instructors.

During a lesson on suturing, students used suturing needles and thread on pieces of simulated skin.

“Suturing is a very basic skill, but there are different ways to do it,” Tatiana Moylan, MD, a fellow in simulation outreach at YSM, said in introducing the session.

The emergency medicine workshop was one of a number the simulation center hosts throughout the year to expose high school and college students to a variety of healthcare careers. Joy Grabow, YSM simulation manager, said it’s rewarding to see how quickly students learn in the simulation environment.

“They walk in here not knowing how much they’re capable of,” she said.

During a break in the April 28 workshop, 13-year-old Jasiah Akil of Bridgeport said he’s always been interested in medicine. Although he still isn’t sure he has the stomach for it, he said, “this has been amazing.”