Project Medical Education (PME) at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center is an interactive 1 1/2-day program designed to educate policy makers and leaders about the role of a teaching hospital.
Our goal is to enhance participants' understanding of the complex system of medical education and the mission of a teaching hospital in training health care providers, conducting research, providing patient care, and meeting the needs of underserved populations.
PME is adapted from a program created by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). Similar programs are offered by academic medical centers across the country.
Who participates
The program is designed to enhance the knowledge of leaders in New Hampshire and Vermont who need good information in order to make insightful decisions on health care issues.
Participants include state legislators and regulators, congressional staffers, insurance executives, business leaders, health care advocates and hospital trustees. The program is also open to members of the news media.
What to expect
On your first day at Project Medical Education, you'll become a "medical student" at Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth.
You’ll meet with faculty and other med students and find out what you’re expected to learn. When you “graduate,” you’ll get your student loan debt and be matched with a residency program at a teaching hospital. (Surprise: it happens to be Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center!)
The core of the PME program is the "clinical rotation" on Day 2. You'll spend four hours on an actual patient care team, shadowing a resident as he or she cares for patients, responds to codes, completes paperwork, and interacts with other physicians, nurses, caregivers, and family members. Some participants may observe surgery, be in a delivery room or the ER. There's no script, so anything could happen.
You’ll learn about ground-breaking research and have an opportunity to practice your clinical skills in our state-of-the-art Patient Safety & Training Center. Participants will also have a chance to ask questions and share insights with Senior Leaders.
Details and agenda
Before you participate in PME, we strongly recommend that you review the following materials:
- Example Agenda (PDF)
- PME Authorized Observer Policy (PDF)
- Glossary of Terms (PDF)
- Project Medical Education participant survey
Logistics
- PME takes place at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center and at the Hilton Garden Inn in Lebanon, New Hampshire. The program runs from noon on Day 1 to 3:00 pm on Day 2. See the example agenda above.
- We will make hotel reservations at the Hilton Garden Inn. We will cover the cost of hotel accommodations and provide meals. If a participant may not accept coverage of accommodations or meals, we can arrange for charges to be billed directly to the participant.
- We do not cover travel expenses.
- A letter detailing the educational program, along with a disclosure of all costs, will be provided upon request.
- Directions to the Hilton Garden Inn
- Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center Directions, Maps and Parking
Testimonials
Here's what former participants have to say about PME:
- "What a fantastic way to see the health care industry from the inside. A great experience." - Jim Roche, President, Business & Industry Association of New Hampshire
- "Thank you for including me in the PME program. I thought it was terrific, informative and uplifting." - Bob Odell, New Hampshire State Senator
- "Excellent program. Faculty and students were outstanding." - Roger Sevigny, Commissioner, New Hampshire Department of Insurance
- "When I was asked to participate in Project Medical Education, I thought that I couldn't justify the time commitment. I'm glad I reconsidered. I walked away with a greater understanding of the front lines of medical care." - Vincent Illuzzi, Vermont State Senator
- "Thoroughly enjoyed being a 'guest resident' on rounds. The best part of the entire program!" - Gregg Mandsager, City Manager, Lebanon, New Hampshire
- "What an amazing program! I can't say enough about it. Thank you so much!" - Vanessa Santarelli, Director of NH Public Policy, Bi-State Primary Care Association
Frequently asked questions
I have other commitments. Can I attend just part of the PME program?
PME is designed as a comprehensive educational program. In order to benefit from the experience, participants are strongly urged to complete the entire 1-1/2-day program. If you can't attend the full program at this time, we'll defer your participation to a future event.
What should I wear?
Attire is business casual. Comfortable shoes for the clinical rotation are a must!
Are there confidentiality requirements?
Yes. Confidentiality of patient-specific information is critically important. Since you will be granted "Temporary Observation Privileges" by the Medical Staff Office, you will be required to sign a Code of Ethics form (PDF) at the beginning of the program.
Will I go into patient rooms and clinical areas?
Yes.
Will patients be OK with me entering their room?
In general, yes. Our patients are informed that it is a teaching hospital and are aware that they will interact with patient care teams. You will be a part of a patient care team. You will be required to sign a confidentiality agreement and keep all patient-specific information completely confidential.
Is it a problem if I'm squeamish at the sight of blood or needles?
Not at all. If you're sensitive to certain situations, please let us know in advance. We'll take that into account when arranging your clinical rotation.
What if I encounter someone I know who is a patient at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center?
This happens from time to time. If you see a patient you know, we encourage you to step away from the area and not participate in that particular interaction. You should keep any patient specific information, including someone's presence at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, strictly confidential.
Will I be lobbied during the program?
Absolutely not. Project Medical Education is an educational program.