ABQ Times

The University of New Mexico's Department of Emergency Medicine has been running a Medical Scribe Program in its School of Medicine for three years. This initiative is designed to improve provider efficiency and offer educational opportunities to students.

Medical scribes are non-clinical team members who assist healthcare providers by documenting patient encounters in real-time using electronic medical records. They also perform various non-clinical tasks, such as calling pharmacies and interpreting lab results.

Currently, the program employs eight trained scribes working at the UNM Hospital Emergency Department and Sandoval Regional Medical Center. The program has recently expanded to include internal medicine, indicating its potential for broader application.

Christie McAuley, the program manager, explains that "medical scribes alleviate some of the administrative burdens on providers by handling real-time charting and documentation." This support allows physicians to focus more on patient care, enhancing overall workflow and satisfaction for both providers and patients.

The scribe program is also a stepping-stone for students aiming for careers in healthcare. Many current scribes are undergraduate or gap-year students with aspirations of attending medical school. The experience provides them with exposure to medical terminology and procedures beyond typical shadowing opportunities.

Training involves a five- to six-week curriculum including learning modules, shadowing experiences, and an exam under Lead Scribe Jessica Murray's guidance. Ideal candidates have prior scribing experience and familiarity with medical terminology.

Courtney Lapham Simpson, MD, oversees the program as medical director. She aims to expand scribe services across additional departments within UNM Hospital. Interested departments can collaborate with the program team for training and management support.

Students interested in becoming scribes can find future opportunities on the UNM jobs website or learn more at UNM’s annual Health Professions Symposium. Healthcare providers interested in implementing scribes into their workflow are encouraged to contact Christie McAuley at CMcAuley@salud.unm.edu.

The UNM Medical Scribe Program remains committed to enhancing provider satisfaction while offering valuable experiences to aspiring medical professionals.