UH Med Weekly
Clothes Needed, Diversity Day & Revolutionary Research!
MD Student Launches Clothing Drive for Needy Psychiatry Patients Being Released From Hospitals
During my psychiatry rotation this past fall, one of our homeless patients was going to be discharged in paper pants because his own clothing had to be disposed on admission. Nursing staff tried very hard to find clothes for him, but could only manage a shirt and shoes. As the patient was homeless, I thought about how vulnerable he--or any patient in a similar situation--would be if it were to rain, or the paper pants were to tear. With an hour left until discharge, I ran down to Goodwill to buy some pants. I just told the patient I found them in a "hospital stash." He was so relieved and happy, but more importantly, he seemed to have a renewed sense of self-worth. He squared his shoulders, got dressed, combed his hair, and for one of the few times among his many hospital stays, he left in a good mood.
I definitely would have done this for any patient, and thought it would be helpful if there was a supply of clothes that the psych service could access when a similar situation arises. With the help of the Chief Residents and Dr. Takeshita, I was able to get approval to set up collection bins in the department, and to ask for donations at JABSOM. The library is willing to keep a box for donations beginning on Wednesday, 4/24, and will clear the box every few days. The box will remain until Thursday 5/9/19.
We are collecting:
- Clean, used clothing, including tops and bottoms without major holes or tears
- Sneakers or slippers--new or used is ok, but please put in a paper or plastic bag before placing in the donation box
- NEW underwear, men's and women's
Mahalo, from MD 2020 student Keano Pavlosky.
Be sure to check out Thursday's events like the panel discussion "Game Changers for Diversity" and a free film screening of "Rise of the Wahine: Champions of Title IX," followed by a Q&A with the cast, including Former University of Hawaiʻi Women’s Volleyball Head Coach Dave Shoji. See more information at our UH Med Calendar.
JABSOM-Hawaii Pacific Health Pediatric Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Marian Melish Helps KHON2 News report on Measles and Summer Travels.
ROLL UP YOUR SLEEVES!
JABSOM Diversity Day April 25: Thought Provoking Panel
Diversity Day: "The Rise of The Wahine" Film Screening
Partnership for Social Justice Symposium May 5
Women in Medicine May 7: Seven Terrific Women Docs
The John A. Burns School of Medicine
Email: sheltont@hawaii.edu
Website: https://jabsom.hawaii.edu/news-media/uh-med-now/
Location: 651 Ilalo Street
Phone: (808) 692-0897
Facebook: facebook.com/JABSOM
Twitter: @uhmed