ASU program helps students interact with Banner MD Anderson cancer patients

Arizona State University pre-med students are entering into the emergency department to learn the best ways to communicate with patients at  Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center. Students through the Pre-Health Internship Program  register for the course, BIO 390, and complete clinical hours at the hospital. While the program has been available at other Banner hospital emergency departments, this is the first time Banner Gateway has accepted student interns. The program also partners with Banner University and Banner Desert Medical Center. 

Ten students began serving as “lay navigators” at Banner Gateway Medical Center this Spring. Throughout the semester, they spend time developing their skills interacting with patients while under guidance of medical professionals. For example, students will help in updating patients on wait times for treatment, assessing their comfort needs, and communicating their needs or concerns to appropriate staff members. Students also learn about the patient-focused culture of Banner Health, with a firsthand look at how the nonprofit organization’s values are demonstrated through the actions of its employees.

“This is a great opportunity for us to partner with future physicians in communication and interactions with patients and share the role of nursing in the coordination of care,” said Julie Segovia, clinical administrative director at Banner MD Anderson and Banner Gateway. Interns will spend eight hours each week at the hospital. Success of the program will be determined by factors such as patient satisfaction and effective communication. 

Student James Hosobe, 25, said the chance to learn in the emergency department at Banner Gateway especially resonates with him. One of his close family members was treated there for heart complications and has fully recovered. Hosobe said the internship will help him develop core values, such as compassion, which he’ll use throughout his future medical career.

“Already, I’ve had experiences that range the full spectrum with patients. Some don’t want to talk at all, because they’re in pain, and others just want an ear to listen,” Hosobe said. “It’s very important to learn the best ways to communicate with patients when they need help the most.”

For more information about ASU's Pre-Health Internship Program, visit https://clinicalpartnerships.asu.edu/phip.