CL07: HOLIDAYS ARE FOR PATIENTS TOO: USING A PULPECTOMY TO SERVE PATIENTS AND ENGAGE MEDICAL STUDENTS
Praveen Sridhar, MD1, Lindsay Thomson, MBS, Joseph Cusano, BS1, Keerthivasan Vengatesan, BS1, Tracey Dechert, MD, FACS1,2; 1Boston University School of Medicine, 2Boston Medical Center Boston MA
Background: It is often difficult for patients to be in a hospital during the holidays, away from festivities with families and friends. This phenomenon is often overlooked by hospital staff who are busy providing clinical car.
Methods: We utilized the surgery interest group of BUSM to host a Halloween pulpectomy. This event provided first and second year medical students exposure to the field of surgery in a unique and creative way and also provided patients with holiday cheer. Tables were set up on the campus green to allow students and staff the opportunity to carve or paint pumpkins. Donation of painted pumpkins was an option for those attending the event.
Results: During the first annual pulpectomy, 100 pumpkins were purchased. Enough money was raised by donations given during Surgery Grand Rounds and during the event to cover the cost of pumpkins and supplies. Approximately half of the pumpkins were donated to patients on the trauma service and twenty students volunteered to distribute the pumpkins on the wards.
Conclusions: The pulpectomy was a success for students, staff and patients. Students enjoyed the opportunity to provide patients a little holiday cheer while interacting with surgeons in a fun and less formal way.