Thus far Summer Institute is proving to be a very satisfying and exciting experience. In the first two days I've heard three thought-provoking lectures from seasoned faculty, participated in a poverty simulation and performed appreciative inquiries of three community service agencies. Most importantly it has allowed me to work with the many students and faculty representing a multitude of disciplines at OU. It's amazing that in two full days of work, I've seen, heard, read and experienced as much as I have. And I'm learning not only from faculty but from medical, nursing, social work and physician-assistant students that I'm sitting alongside. They bring creativity, energy and idealism that can sometimes get lost along the road. Before the institute, I thought I was a fairly empathetic and informed physician when it came to understanding the challenges and issues faced by my patients. I can see now that the scope of the problems in which indigent and disadvantaged patients find themselves is much larger and complex. It has stirred to me to re-evaluate how I view and interact with patients and how socioeconomics and early development experiences impact their lives. It has also set the wheels of my mind in motion in trying to find ways I can help improve the lives of not only my patients but their families, neighborhoods and communities. It's clear that the problem is large and can easily overwhelm if not intimidate. But then that's the purpose of the insitute: To collectively pool our knowledge, ideas and experiences towards finding new and innovative ways to improving the health of Tulsans and Oklahomans.
Robert Guevara, MD
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