Learning from learners: How students in the PHSRC Observership Program are transforming healthcare
By Siri Schroeder, Chloe Thao, Myles Folta, Manasuma Kamara, and Lara Tandon
Many students explore health careers by shadowing health professionals, benefiting from the exposure to healthcare settings and the day-to-day work of clinicians. Generally, shadowing is both passive and unidirectionally beneficial: the student who is shadowing learns, yet their learning relies on clinicians dedicating additional time and energy to provide a valuable shadowing experience.
What if shadowing were reimagined to benefit not only pre-health students, but also clinicians–and in turn, patients and the healthcare system broadly? The PHSRC Observership Program was born from this concept, under leadership from former PHSRC Director Tricia Todd, Vice Provost for Academic Health Sciences Dr. Brian Sick, and Associate Director of Clinical Hospital Medicine at M Health Fairview Dr. Brian Hilliard.
The PHSRC Observership Program transforms healthcare shadowing in a couple of ways. First, the program requires that students receive formal preparation on what to observe, and in the case of the PHSRC Observership Program, students are trained to specifically observe healthcare teamwork and communication. This preparation was built into the program’s required 2-credit prerequisite course, called AHS 3101: Teamwork and Interprofessional Collaboration in Healthcare.
Second, the program gives students an active role as they shadow. Instead of passively observing, as is traditionally the case for shadowers, students document their teamwork and communication-focused observations, generating quantitative and qualitative data. This data is later brought back to the healthcare teams shadowed, yielding valuable feedback for clinicians on their practice, and from there, benefiting patients and the health system at large.
The PHSRC Observership Program is currently taking place in the M Health Fairview East Bank Hospital. Keep reading to hear about students’ experiences in the program!
As an undergraduate student who hasn’t yet started a health professional program like medical school, PA school, etc., why are your observations of patient and care team interactions unique and particularly valuable?
Lara: As an undergraduate student who has not yet received formal training in the health sciences, my observations of patient and care team interactions offer a unique and valuable perspective. Without the influence of advanced medical knowledge or clinical training, I approach these experiences with an unbiased lens. This allows me to focus less on diagnoses, lab results, and treatments, and more on the human aspects of care. I pay close attention to how patients are greeted and spoken to, how providers listen and communicate with patients and their families, and how respect, empathy, and compassion are demonstrated throughout each interaction.
A key part of my perspective is that I naturally evaluate interactions by asking, “How would I want my loved one or myself to be treated?” This mindset helps me recognize when care feels truly patient-centered, supportive, and compassionate. Since I am not yet immersed in the clinical environment as a trained healthcare professional, I am especially attuned to the patient’s emotional experience as well as the dynamics within the care team.
During my observation experiences, I often asked providers why certain interactions occur the way they do, how different healthcare professionals collaborate, and how they balance patient autonomy with safety. This curiosity helped me understand how providers communicate complex medical information in a clear and accessible way, address concerns, and guide patients through next steps. I also observed how responsibilities are shared within the care team, from leading conversations to consulting other healthcare professionals and making referrals. I observed how the expertise of each healthcare professional involved was used to create a patient-centered treatment plan.
These experiences also highlighted the importance of small but meaningful actions, such as introducing oneself, maintaining eye contact, using open body language, and taking extra time to explain information. Some of the most impactful moments were when providers connected with patients on a personal level, demonstrating genuine empathy and building trust. I also observed the impact of the health providers’ empathy and compassion on the patient, which highlighted the human aspect of medicine. Lastly, I observed the gratitude and appreciation shown to the healthcare professionals when the patients received the joyful news of being ready for discharge.
Ultimately, my role as an undergraduate observer allows me to contribute a perspective grounded in empathy, curiosity, and attentiveness, emphasizing the lasting impact of human connection in patient-centered care.
What’s an example/brief story of healthcare teamwork you observed during rounds that stood out?
Myles: From what I observed while rounding in the observership program, there is constant communication and exchange of ideas among healthcare professionals. Patient presentations, phone calls, and discussions about treatment plans are just a few examples of teamwork that are common in the hospital, and it is relatively easy to recognize their importance.
However, one aspect of teamwork that I did not expect to observe was how intentionally the team builds trust with one another. Trust, as described in The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni, is one of the most vital, yet often overlooked, elements of effective teamwork. During one of the shifts, the attending physician began the morning by “huddling” with the team before rounds. The team consisted of the attending and two residents for most of the day. During this huddle, the attending asked everyone to introduce themselves, including myself, and began by giving autonomy and reassurance to the senior resident.
Following this, the attending shared a brief reflection on their own strengths and weaknesses, noting that at times they might come across as overly involved or “too helpful.” They encouraged the team to be mindful of this as the day progressed. The attending also asked the residents to identify a personal goal for the week, emphasizing that everyone should gain something meaningful from the experience.
What’s an example/brief story of healthcare team communication you observed during rounds that stood out?
Manasuma: Before entering one patient’s room, the physician checked in with the nurse to get the latest updates on the patient’s condition. This exchange ensured that everyone was aligned and prepared for what was to come. As we stepped inside, the physician immediately sensed the mood of the room, demonstrating a strong awareness of the patient’s emotional state. They crouched down to the patient’s level, gently held their hand, and offered reassuring words, creating an atmosphere of trust and calm.
Before discussing the care plan, the physician took a moment to center the conversation around the patient by inviting them to share their “wins” of the day, small victories that brought comfort. This simple gesture shifted the tone of the interaction, allowing the patient to be seen beyond their condition. Once the room had settled, the physician clearly and thoughtfully explained updates to both the nurse and patient, ensuring both the patient and nurse understood the next steps in care.
Afterward, the physician and nurse collaborated on ways to maintain the patient’s positivity throughout the day. This interaction was a powerful example of how compassion and attentiveness can transform such encounters. It stands in contrast to a common tendency of being task-oriented in healthcare, where providers may unintentionally lose sight of the fact that they are caring for human beings and not simply completing duties.
By participating in the PHSRC Observership program, what impact do you hope to make?
Chloe: By being a part of the PHSRC Observership Program, I aim to make meaningful and lasting impacts by developing into a more intentional and patient-centered healthcare provider in the future. While I am still early in my pre-health journey, this experience has already started shaping my view of patient care not just as treatments, but as communication, connection, and trust. One of the biggest impacts I hope to make is improving the way patients experience healthcare.
Through my observations, I’ve been able to see how even small and intentional actions like actively listening, taking the time to explain care clearly, and maintaining open body language can significantly affect how supported and respected a patient may feel. These moments have shown me that patient-centered care is not just a concept, but it’s something that is built through everyday interactions. I plan to carry these behaviors into my future role as a physician assistant and utilize them to create a welcoming environment where patients feel seen/heard, valued, and empowered in their health care.
I’m also committed to making an impact through patient education and preventative care. I believe that helping patients to really understand their health before concerns arise is just as important as treating their conditions. By prioritizing education and open communication, I hope to support patients in making the best-informed decisions for themselves and taking an active role in their care.
This program has also strengthened my understanding of how essential teamwork is in healthcare. Observing interdisciplinary teams and watching them interact with one another has shown me that effective patient care starts and relies on collaboration, mutual respect, and clear communication across roles. I hope to contribute to teams of providers that not only work efficiently but also prioritize shared responsibility and compassion in the best interest of patients.
Overall, the impacts I hope to make start now by learning how to communicate, listen, and care for others with intention. This observation program is not only preparing me for a future in healthcare, but it’s also shaping me to become the kind of provider who strives to be part of meaningful change and support every patient in purposeful ways.