A medical student's perspective on education about domestic violence
Congdon, T.W.
Academic Medicine Journal of the Association of American Medical Colleges 72(1 Suppl): S7-S9
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 1040-2446 PMID: 9008582 Document Number: 282577
Comprehensive, integrated education on domestic violence during all 4 years of medical school is essential if physicians are to play a role in the prevention and detection of intimate partner violence. However, it is not uncommon for women to present to US hospitals multiple times over a period of years with injuries such as broken bones and stab wounds and not be questioned about the possibility of partner violence. Questions about partner violence should be included in every patient history. Unfortunately, physicians have not been taught what questions to ask and how to ask them with sensitivity. The use of survivors of domestic violence in small group seminars is especially effective for offering medical students the opportunity to overcome biases and practice interviewing skills. Finally, it is essential that residents and attending physicians who work with medical students model a commitment to domestic violence prevention and intervention.