Positive Example to Bring Good Cheer to the Thanksgiving Holidays
Wow! As a med school student, we are constantly reminded that we know nothing. Perhaps this is to motivate us to stay awake during the wee hours of the night to learn the muscles involved that help us point our feet (plantarflexion) verses flexing our feet (dorsiflexion). In any case, being at the bottom makes us feel useless. Where are we supposed to direct our do-gooder energy in the two years we are stuck in the lecture halls? Below is a great example of students making a positive impact on patient care. Are you a health professions student and want to make a positive impact? Join the

What EpiPens Can Teach Us about Human Factors and Patient Safety
Last Monday, at the University of Michigan IHI Open School Chapter November Speaker Event, we heard from Dr. John Gosbee, Human Factors Engineer and Healthcare Specialist. He gave us a brief overview of the history of human factors research in health care and also brought in two very exciting demos. The first demo involved EpiPens, emergency treatment for individuals with severe allergies. Do you know how to use an EpiPen? It turns out, i

A Grey’s Take on To Err is Human
Hi, my name is Eva and I watch Grey’s Anatomy. I started about three years ago with the hotly anticipated Season 2 Finale and have been addicted ever since. I have tried to stop and had hoped that a change in environment (back in school and no TV) would stop this unhealthy habit. But, I have been unsuccessful. In fact, I believe I have reached a new level of addiction. At the end of every episode I watch, I have been able to extract a lesson to justify my time spent following the lives of the characters at Seattle Grace Hospi

Join us at the IHI National Forum in December!
Check out these student-centered events!Apply for a student or faculty scholarship (50-75% scholarships). Apply for a Student Travel Stipend ($250).Follow the Student Track to choose your sessions.Submit one

An Economics Lesson: Local Solutions
Because I now have less time to read things that don't look like textbooks and lecture notes, I've become a frequent podcast listener. Some of my favorite podcasts are This American Life, NPR's Fresh Air, IHI's podcast, and The 10th Wonder. I have about an eight minute walk to class, so a week of walking takes me through about two hour long podcasts!