All first year U of S students have to complete multiple hours within the self-directed clinical learning module. This is a really fun and educational opportunity to get your “hands dirty” by shadowing various health professionals on the job. Within the mandate of clinical learning targeted towards care for older adults, the LEPS program offers students the opportunity to spent time with older adults at a local assisted-care centre. The official description from the coordinator can be found below, but from my peers I know that this program has led to amazing friendships, and amazing clinical experiences.
A new Option for SDCL: Longitudinal Elderly Person Shadowing
This project is an optional inter-professional learning project in which groups of health sciences students work with a senior citizen living in the community. Students meet with the senior over time to learn more about the challenges and rewards of aging. Students meet together to complete group projects that address issues of commonly faced by seniors living in the community. Participating in this voluntary project will provide approximately 15 hr of your SDCL hours.
I’m really glad that the LEPS project is being highlighted on this website, as I really see it as a worthy project to partake in. I was one of the participants last year and really had an amazing experience, thanks to the pairing between myself, a nutrition student, and an inspiring senior from the community. I at first worried that it was going to be a big time commitment, but found that I looked forward to the times that the three of us got together to talk about our life experiences. I learned a lot from the senior partner, and know that the advice and stories that the senior shared with us, will stick with me long into my medical career. The senior partner really opened up my eyes to a new perspective on life, as well as really peaked my interest in alternative medicine.
Needless to say, I feel very fortunate to have met my senior partner and to have spent the time that I did with her. I would absolutely, with out a doubt, recommend this to other health science students.
what a great program. the elderly get a great feeling knowing they others still take a valid interest in them and are still continuing to try and better their lives.