CBHA has a long history of allowing, actually encouraging, students to
come to CBHA to observe medical and dental providers in action.
Let’s say you are the patient. You come in for your appointment.
A nurse settles you into a room, takes your vital signs and documents
your symptoms. The provider then comes into the room followed by another
person. You are told the second person is a medical student and asks if
you will allow the student to observe your examination. You give your
consent and the exam proceeds.
“We are most grateful when you give your consent to be observed,”
Dulcye Field, CBHA's Chief Clinical Officer, said. “It gives
the student an opportunity to gain diagnostic experience. CBHA is affiliated
with many universities, schools of medicine and other medical and dental
training facilities in many parts of the country – both in and out
of the state of Washington. The student first must complete required training
in their field and a certain amount of clinical work prior to their rotation
at CBHA. They are also expected to maintain full confidentiality regarding
your care, as are all of our staff.”
Hundreds of people have served in this program over the years. A plus of
the program is that the student also has an opportunity to observe the
clinic, staff and town while they are here resulting in many of them settling
here when their studies have concluded.
“Once a student works with our patients, in our wonderful communities
and has an opportunity to work in our state of the art facilities they
are more likely to become a permanent part of our team,” Dulcye
concluded.
Dr. Nichole Tomblin, Dentist, started out as a dental student here at CBHA.