We're a Teaching Hospital
St. Paul's, where the Heart Centre is located, is a teaching hospital. This means that many different students and trainees come to learn how to take care of patients here. What does that mean for you?
You will likely encounter a medical student or resident (a doctor that has finished medical school, but is gaining more experience with patients), or a nursing student, while you are a patient in the Heart Centre. There could also be physiotherapy, respiratory therapy, or pharmacy students, to name a few. They may ask a few extra questions, or take a bit longer to do some routine procedures.
But please understand - exposure to "real" patients, under the close supervision of experienced health care professionals is so important. It allows them to learn how to take care of patients on their own. By allowing students to take part in your care, you are contributing to the future of health care too! If you have any questions or comments about students, ask your nurse or doctor.