Syracuse (WSYR-TV) -- More doctors than ever before need to be prepared to help service men and women cope with post traumatic stress disorder, commonly known as PTSD. That’s why Upstate University is hopping on board a new national program.
The school is one of 130 across the country that will take part in an initiative called “Joining Forces.” It’s a pledge to train new doctors to meet the unique needs of military families, including better treatment and diagnosis of PTSD.
Students at Upstate Medical University learn about every inch of the human body. Now, they’ll learn more about the human mind, as the university joins the national push to better understand and treat PTSD.
“Sometimes the effects have been long lasting and profound. We owe it to people to support them through that, not just as physicians, but as citizens,” Dr. David Duggan said. “People may come in contact with patients with PTSD in any arena -- in the emergency room to the surgical ward -- so it's something people need to be aware of as a common mental health problem.”
Dr. Duggan is reworking the medical school curriculum to include more PTSD training.
“This problem with PTSD and making sure communities are prepared to welcome home our veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan is extremely important. So I'm so delighted that our local hospital has taken this initiative,” Representative Ann Marie Buerkle said.
Medical students say the more they learn now, the better.
Second year Upstate Medical University student Nadia Orosz told NewsChannel 9, “From my own personal experience, it’s a good idea to at least teach us about PTSD.”
“I think it’s great. As a medical student I’m interested in all aspects of medicine and this is something I don’t really know much about, so it’s a great opportunity to learn about it and maybe help some people in the future,” medical student Andrey Moyko said.
Upstate Medical University has been partners with the VA Hospital for over 60 years. Students will have to walk just across the street to see and work with patients and likewise. Veterans can also walk over to tell their stories to a class or for a seminar. Professors we spoke with said it’s something both students and veterans are looking forward to.
