” Here at Better Samaritan Institute, we want to call current and future medical professionals and students who have the same desires and stories as I do and improve patient outcomes globally. ”

“A prayer for comfort. A hand to hold. In medicine, it is not always the didactic academics and clinical lab results that can lead to healing; often, it can be the ability to comfort a patient. I remember when I was in Vietnam for a medical mission trip, there were often many patients who needed help but we lacked the supplies and surgeons. I saw the most bluest boy to a patient with severe scoliosis that she was unable to walk. As frustrated I was then, I realized that it was not the medicine or clinical knowledge that heal this patients, it was hope and compassion. Compassion gave the people in Vietnam hope to come back and let us treat them, continuously improving their conditions. 

“As a Better Samaritan Intern, the theme of compassion and strive for better patient safety is integrated within the course and training. Every time I learn more about reducing medical errors and improving patient-doctor relationships, I am reminded of my time in Vietnam and my strive to serve. Here at Better Samaritan Institute, we want to call current and future medical professionals and students who have the same desires and stories as I do and improve patient outcomes globally. “

An Bui, Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine ’22