The Health Coaches Study is a revision of the Patient-Doctor course. This innovative approach to medical education blends clinical, research, and educational programs as students work directly with patients to effect health behavior change. Pairs of first year students are assigned to a patient with diabetes.
Students work with patients for approximately nine months.
They meet patients to identify behavioral issues that may impact control of blood sugar. Together they develop a behavioral change plan in either Healthy Eating, Exercise, or Smoking Cessation. During the office visit they observe interactions of the patient with their primary care physician. Patients are assessed pre and post intervention as to their attitudes and behaviors regarding healthy lifestyles, medications, and periodic health exams. Blood sugar control is assessed by chart audits of HbA1C levels pre and post intervention.