Connecticut Scholar Builds Clinical Research Skills at UChicago Hospitals

Connecticut College Scholar Noah Ortiz gained firsthand experience in hospital-based research as a clinical assistant volunteer with the Hospitalist Project at the University of Chicago Hospitals. The initiative studies ways to improve patients’ care and well-being during hospital stays.

Working at patients’ bedsides, Noah conducted interviews about their health, medical histories and experiences of care. The role required him to gather accurate information while following health care privacy requirements and approaching each conversation with patience and respect.

For Noah, one of the most important lessons was that a productive clinical interaction begins before the first question is asked. Introducing himself respectfully helped patients feel seen and made them more comfortable sharing personal information.

The experience also gave Noah early exposure to the population he hopes to serve as a geriatrician. Speaking directly with patients strengthened his interest in medicine while showing him that technical knowledge is only one part of caring for people. Listening closely, communicating clearly and protecting each person’s dignity were equally important to the work.

Noah hopes to pursue another clinical internship or program next summer, hoping to deepen his understanding of patient treatment and care. As he considers that next step, he is carrying forward the lesson that trust must be earned.