Shift in Perspective: Fostering Empathy Through Medical Student Immersion in Emergency Nursing Role

Alison Bryant MD, MaineHealth
Lauren Wendell MD, MaineHealth
Anne Huyler MD, MaineHealth
Sara Nelson MD, MaineHealth
Sadie Robinson MD
Heather Currier RN, MaineHealth
Nicole Robillard RN, MaineHealth

Presented at the 2026 Costas T. Lambrew Research Retreat

Abstract

Medical Education Experience Designed to Improve the Nurse-Doctor Relationship

● Expose medical students to skillset and knowledge base of the emergency department nurse

● Acquisition of a small subset of nursing skills

● Increase empathy and respect for the emergency department nurse

● Improve interprofessional communication