CHSU-COM Students Elevated their Motivational Interviewing Skills through Jedi-Level Training

Written by Andrew Insco, CHSU-COM Medical Student

The California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine (CHSU-COM) Overdose Prevention Task Force (OPTF) organized an interactive discussion led by Jonathan Terry, DO, Assistant Dean of Community Clinical Education and Associate Professor, Specialty Medicine on the benefits of motivational interviewing.

The event took place on August 28, 2024, and provided attendees with a valuable opportunity to deepen their understanding of patient-centered communication, particularly in dealing with complex and sensitive issues.

Throughout the session, participants practiced and refined their motivational interviewing skills, with a strong emphasis on real-world application. Dr. Terry guided the group through a series of mock interview scenarios, where attendees simulated patient interactions and received feedback. These scenarios focused on effectively engaging patients struggling with difficult issues including substance, opioid, and alcohol abuse; challenging topics often difficult to address during a standard 15-minute patient interview.

By working through these mock interviews, attendees gained hands-on experience in conducting empathetic and supportive conversations. Attendees learned how to navigate these complex discussions with greater confidence and skill, ultimately enhancing their ability to provide patient-centered care in real clinical settings.

Lucia Liu, second-year medical student at CHSU-COM, shared her thoughts on the experience: “The Motivational Interviewing Seminar was great. I think it’s something that all medical students (DO/MD) should learn and practice. Medical students need to learn the different ways to communicate with patients from different backgrounds, and I think that coming to this seminar was really helpful in learning that.”

Echoing this sentiment, Jadd Bahaaldin, second-year medical students at CHSU-COM, remarked, “It was a fun event where we learned to listen to the patient and let them take charge.”

Overall, the seminar successfully equipped future healthcare professionals with essential communication tools, emphasizing the importance of listening and empowering patients in their care journeys. Events like these continue to play a crucial role in preparing medical students to handle the diverse and complex needs of their future patients effectively.