Hurley Medical Center, Kettering University combine to create ne - ABC 12 – WJRT – Flint, MI

(03/08/13) - A Mid-Michigan university and hospital are combining efforts to create a first of its kind opportunity for students.

Friday, leaders from Hurley Medical Center and Kettering University outlined their "physician scribe program".

Kettering pre-med students are the future of the medical field.

To help better train them, The University and Hurley Hospital are joining forces to offer them a rare opportunity.

The "physician scribe" program gives pre-med students real world experience - working along side Hurley physicians.

"We're not aware of anybody else in the country that is doing this," said Dr. Patrick Atkinson, a Kettering professor. "You've probably heard of a physician assistant, these are more like physician helpers and their job is be at the elbow of the physician and help document what happens with the patient."

At a joint press conference Friday, student Alexandria Petit, one of the first to take part in the program, talked about her experience so far.

"This is the most clinical best preparation for med school that you could ever hope for. It's really giving you that one-on -ne with doctors, a close look at how a hospital works," she said.

Students like Petit aren't the only ones to benefit. Hurley leaders say the scribes create a better setting for patients and doctors.

"They've really owned this and brought this to a place that really, really works for Hurley," said Dr. Michael Roebuck, Chief Medical Information Office, Hurley.

"It makes the physician more efficient, the physician can give you 100 percent of their attention, they're looking at you making eye contact, so as a patient, it's better for you, it's better for health care and better for students," Dr. Atkinson.

A win-win for all involved.