Lawrence Schecter, MD, FACS, Associate Dean of Clinical Education for the new Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine Everett Campus assisted by Kari Mikesell, was our speaker on January 26, 2018. Dr. Schecter trained in General Surgery in the Veteran's Administration and the UCLA Health system. His affiliation with UCLA Health System lasted throughout his medical career as both a teacher and administration. Dr. Schecter has practiced General Surgery in Santa Monica for 30 years and later served as the Chief Medical Officer for Providence Regional Medical Center. The combination of teacher, mentor, innovator and humanist made his transition into coaching and consulting a natural evolution.
The mission, vision and goals at WSU for the Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine is to inspire people to solve problems in a challenging health care environment. Training for success in health care involves leaders, entrepreneurs and collaborators on health care teams. Understanding population health, being proficient in "tele-presence", understanding the economics of health care, being adept in personalized medicine and the values include resourceful, agile, inventive and generous are all part of the mission.
Washington State's focus is on approved Washington residency requirements that meet legal status. Several factors are involved in the interview process for candidates from the state. Attract students who are interested in talking care of patients in challenging health care environments including rural areas and vulnerable populations. The INAUGURAL CLASS included all 60 students being from Washington with an average age of 26. Those 60 students represent 57% female, 17% grew up in rural counties, 18% first generation college students and 33% from a low socioeconomic status but with a mean GPA of 3.6.
The Everett Class consist of 15 students dedicated to the Everett campus. Of those, 73% are female, with 9 from Snohomish and 4 from King County. The Pipeline involved in the ESFCOM is to develop educational pathways that facilitate access to medicine as a professional for local and regional residents. The Pipeline is Grade School to High School. Case-centered curriculum developed with Certification in Leadership and interprofessional education, longitudinal integrated clerkships, assessment framework with scholarship plan for four years with a faculty development plan.
There are a number of steps involving "Where they will Be" from year 1 and 2 through year 3 & 4. The first visit to the Everett campus was September 5-8, 2017. WSU and the ESFCOM is committed to growing the entire medical education pipeline. There is an active search for Associate Dean for GME and a community-based parnership model as well. When the students are in Everett they stay with host families. If anyone is interested in being a host for future students contact ESFCOM for more information.
Thinking outside the box, seems to be the theme of this wonderful new school of medicine. Thank you Dr. Schecter for a very informative and exciting program.