Humanism in the Care of Patients with Cancer

Catalog description

The purpose of this elective is for medical students to understand the effects of cancer on patients and their families from the distinct perspective of the patient. In addition, students will have the opportunity to shadow the various physicians involved in the care of the patient to learn the medicine behind treating a patient with cancer. As cancer becomes more prevalent, it is imperative that medical students should learn not only how to treat patients with cancer, but also the impact it imparts on the patient physically, mentally, and emotionally. This elective was created to afford students the opportunity to learn about this chronic disease beyond the scope of modern medicine. This knowledge will ultimately equip medical students with the empathy and compassion to successfully treat an individual with cancer. It is our hope that cancer will serve as a model for all chronic diseases and lessons gained from this.