TCU's Social Work Department Chair, Nada Elias-Lambert, collaborated with the Burnett School of Medicine faculty to facilitate a comprehensive three-hour training session on Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) for third-year medical students. This crucial training, aimed at equipping future physicians with the knowledge and skills to support IPV survivors, was held in Arnold Hall on TCU’s campus and marked a significant step in educating medical students about the complexities of IPV.
A Collaborative Approach to Education
The session kicked off with a one-hour presentation, developed by Elias-Lambert, which provided students with a foundational understanding of IPV—its dynamics, warning signs, and the critical role healthcare professionals play in identifying and responding to victims. Drawing on her extensive expertise in social work, Elias-Lambert emphasized the importance of a compassionate, trauma-informed approach to patient care.
Elias-Lambert worked with Dr. Erin Nelson, Assistant Dean for Physician Communication, and Dr. Valerie Johnston, Associate Professor and Director of the Preparation for Practice course, to develop the training. The session was designed to provide students with a multifaceted understanding of IPV, its impact on health and to include a blend of experiential learning, expert discussion, and community engagement.
Following the presentation, students participated in the “In Her Shoes” simulation experience, a powerful, immersive exercise designed to help participants better understand the complex and often painful realities faced by IPV survivors. This hands-on simulation enabled students to walk in the shoes of a victim, grappling with the emotional and logistical challenges of escaping an abusive relationship.
The session concluded with a panel discussion featuring community experts. The panel included Kim Chapman, Senior Victim Assistance Specialist from the Fort Worth Police Department; Emily Kirby, Chief of the IPV Unit at the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office; Ronna Huckaby, Chief of Mission at SafeHaven; and Mary Shamblin, Director of the Partner Abuse Intervention & Prevention Program at SafeHaven. These experts shared invaluable insights into the legal, law enforcement, and support services available to IPV survivors in the community. The panel provided invaluable insights into the legal, law enforcement, and community support aspects of IPV, offering students a holistic view of the resources and systems available to survivors.
Why This Training Matters
Understanding the complexities of IPV is critical for future medical professionals, especially as intimate partner violence does not discriminate—it affects individuals across race, gender, sexuality, and socioeconomic status.
"Intimate partner violence (IPV) does not discriminate. It crosses race, gender, sexuality and class. Anyone can experience IPV," Elias-Lambert noted. "As future physicians who will work with individuals from all walks of life, it's certain these students will engage with survivors of IPV in their future medical practice. Since they dynamics of an IPV relationship are quite complicated, it's critical for physicians to understand them so they can offer effective support and connection with appropriate resources to their patients."
Trainings like this one are crucial for improving personalized patient care. By learning about the intricacies of IPV, medical students can enhance their ability to offer comprehensive care to patients who are survivors. They can also play a pivotal role in the legal process by ensuring their medical documentation is thorough and clear. In many cases, this documentation can make or break a court case for IPV survivors.
A Collaborative and Impactful Opportunity
This training is a prime example of the powerful collaboration between TCU's Social Work Department and the Burnett School of Medicine. By blending the expertise of faculty from multiple disciplines with the experience of community professionals, the session provided a holistic education on IPV that is sure to have a lasting impact on the students' future practices as healthcare providers. It’s an opportunity that highlights the importance of interdisciplinary work in preparing compassionate, informed physicians who can make a real difference in the lives of IPV survivors.
By equipping the next generation of doctors with this critical knowledge, TCU is helping to ensure that the medical field will continue to evolve, providing better care and support for those who need it most.
"Trainings like this are crucial in improving personalized patient care because the medical students can take this knowledge into their future practice, which will directly benefit the services, supports, and resources they can provide to IPV survivors," said Elias-Lambert. "Physicians have the ability to support effective intervention in IPV court cases by ensuring that their medical documentation regarding IPV relationships is clear and comprehensive. This documentation can sometimes make or break a court case for an IPV survivor."
This training exemplifies the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in healthcare education. By connecting the expertise of social work, law enforcement, and community organizations with the Burnett School of Medicine’s curriculum, Elias-Lambert and her colleagues provided future physicians with essential knowledge to support IPV survivors effectively. It was an enriching and meaningful experience for both students and faculty, marking a significant step in preparing compassionate, informed healthcare providers for the challenges ahead.
Disclaimer: If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. In Fort Worth, you can reach out to SafeHaven of Tarrant County for confidential support and resources.. For immediate assistance or in case of emergency, please call 911 . Remember, you are not alone, and there is help to keep you safe!