MedPrep II, a course offered to undergraduate students, provides a unique opportunity to shadow physicians in the Emergency Medical Department at Barnes Jewish Hospital.
With increasing barriers in opportunities for students to shadow in healthcare, MedPrep II “serves as a gateway” to overcome the gap between opportunity and interest, says director James Li.
Dr. James Li completed his undergraduate studies at Emory University and attended Drexel Medical School in Philadelphia before joining WashU three years ago. Among his many roles at WashU, he serves as the Fellowship Program Director for EMS, Medical Director for multiple St. Louis districts, and Assistant Professor at WashU’s medical school. His immense experience in the field coupled with his passion for mentoring students and medical education solidifies MedPrep II’s objectives. “It can potentially help you decide ‘why medicine?’ or ‘why not?’ early on in your undergraduate years,” Li explains.
MedPrep II is offered during all three semesters: fall, spring and summer. “Due to space limitations, I do want to highlight that summer is an option as well - especially if you are going to be around for research or other work,” Li emphasizes. The class is flexible with scheduling shadowing hours, and complements students’ schedules well. The registration for the course is now available through open enrollment in Workday, making it easier for students to register, standardizing enrollment.
Student still need to complete HIPAA training and TB testing requirements within 30 days in order to stay enrolled in the course.
The course combines classroom learning with shadowing experiences. This structure allows students to holistically understand the healthcare system, reflect on their learning, and think critically about their experiences in the ER. It gives students a closer look into the intricate collaboration required among healthcare workers as well as departments in the hospital for the healthcare system to work as a well-oiled machine. Additionally, students witness firsthand the larger inefficiencies in the current system, including inequitable access to healthcare, and begin to understand why certain barriers exist the way they do. “Serving in this role and having these discussions makes me a better physician,” states Li, in appreciation of the fresh perspective undergraduates bring to well-established ER practices and procedures.
A program that began with Dr. Greg Polites, over 20 years ago, has helped students at WashU explore their interest in the field of medicine, learn the training process for medical students and residents, understand a hospital ER’s impact on the larger community, and get an unfiltered behind-the-scenes view of clinical medicine. Learn more about the program, through the official website: https://medprep.wustl.edu/.
