A Clinical & Communication Workshop

A Preparatory Workshop for new Medical Interns 
In collaboration with Israel’s five faculties of medicine, the National Internship Committee, the Ministry of Health and MSR, a preparatory workshop was created that is mandatory for all medical interns in Israel, whether graduates of medical schools in Israel or overseas.  
The workshop takes place over four days, during which the interns are exposed to challenging clinical and human scenarios, intended to deepen their theoretical knowledge, improve their ability to provide treatment, improve their interpersonal communication skills, and reduce the occurrence of human errors. The instruction is based on practical training using task trainers to train procedural skills, advanced simulators to train clinical skills and trained actors for communication skills. The workshop has been conducted at MSR for over ten years, and some 20 workshops are held each year. Access to a website for mandatory independent study is also included as part of the workshop, including supplemental materials, medical treatment protocols, presentations, videos and more. 
 

The workshop covers a broad and varied range of topics, including:

• Practice of clinical skills including basic resuscitation (for adults, children and infants), operation of automatic and manual defibrillators, drug interactions, central line catheters, insertion of feeding tubes and catheters, operating respirator equipment, basic suturing skills, and more.
• Practice in advanced simulation scenarios, including cardiac emergencies according to ACLS guidelines, treating respiratory emergencies using invasive and non-invasive approaches, transporting patients in critical condition, transporting infants, and more. In these simulations, the interns practice management of emergency situations according to treatment protocols of the American Heart Association; they practice teamwork, team management, and efficient inter-personal communication skills. They gain practical skills to improve the safety of the patient and prevent medical errors. The simulations are videotaped for use in the evaluation process. The participants and the observers of the simulations switch roles so that everyone takes part. At the end of each simulation there is a structured evaluation process based on personal reflection, where the participants also reach their own insights. 
• Practice of doctor-patient communications skills: trained actors serve as patients and their families, enabling participants to train in various medical scenarios. Communication experts evaluate the scenarios, and the participants take turns observing and raising points for discussion. At the end of each scenario, the participants receive feedback from the actors, the evaluators and their colleagues. 

The workshop includes theoretical and practical examinations according to ACLS guidelines, in compliance with the American Heart Association. Those who successfully pass the exam receive a certificate on behalf of the AHA, valid for two years. 

Active participation in the workshop, including successful completion of the ACLS course, are requirements of the Ministry of Health and the Committee of Deans of Faculties of Medicine.