Bronx, NY — NYC Health + Hospitals/North Central Bronx and Lehman College are teaming up to help more students enter the healthcare field. Their new initiative, the Emergency Department (ED) Ambassador program, offers students real-life experience in the bustling emergency department. This program has already welcomed nearly a dozen students since it began two years ago, and new ones continue to join each semester.
As ED Ambassadors, students get hands-on training in patient care. They support patients by offering comfort, such as bringing blankets or snacks, and they alert medical teams to any urgent needs. These students also help improve patient experiences by assisting with technology like the MyChart portal.
“We aim to enhance healthcare representation from our Bronx community,” says Dr. Frederick Nagel, Chief of Emergency Services. “This program not only helps students grow but also elevates the quality of care we provide.”
Dr. Chinyere Anyaogu, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, echoes this, emphasizing the initiative’s role in shaping future healthcare leaders. “It’s about investing in our community’s health and the diverse future of medicine.”
Adding to this perspective, Dr. Lyda Williams, Pre-Health Advisor at Lehman, notes that early experiential learning increases the likelihood of students pursuing healthcare careers. “We want our students to experience the dynamic nature of emergency medicine firsthand,” she says.
One former ED Ambassador, Aleena Mathew, now a medical student, reflects on her experience. “Being an ambassador helped me see both the patient and provider sides. I learned to adapt quickly in a fast-paced environment, which reinforced my passion for healthcare.”
The program not only benefits students but also improves patient care. With Ambassadors focusing on non-clinical needs, medical staff can concentrate on urgent care, leading to better patient satisfaction and reduced wait times.
Healthcare diversity is critical; currently, only about 10% of medical school entrants in the U.S. are Black or African American, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges. This initiative is a vital step toward improving representation in the medical field.
“Our goal is to elevate patient care while educating students about healthcare delivery,” says Dr. Nagel. Many Ambassadors go on to shadow providers, gaining deeper insights into medical practices and decision-making.
This collaborative effort highlights the importance of community-focused programs that not only inspire future healthcare professionals but also elevate the overall healthcare experience for all. It’s a win-win for students and patients alike.
