We continue our series on Lee Memorial's medical education program. Whether you are having a checkup or going in for surgery chances are you might run into a medical student. Regardless of the severity of your case, it may be a bit nerve racking or it could be a rewarding experience.

Dr. Peter Lautenbach, Family Physician, says, "The patients love them, the students tend to take their time, do a more detailed history, detailed exam, and the patients really like the attention." A patient of Dr. Lautenbach's states that the students have their own ideas and suggestions, they do a wonderful job.

As a medical student Nate Polite achieved what all students strive for, the chance to put their knowledge to the test. After doing a physical exam on a healthy patient he found something that spelled trouble, Nate had discovered a rare form of cancer. He says "I found something that lead us in the direction that he might have an underlying cancer that is unknown, and he in fact did after further tests. That was a really big deal for me to realize, because hey what I'm doing actually does matter and does have an affect on peoples lives."

Nate's peer, Keith tells us while there's a lot of hard work, what's most important is the relationship you develop with the patient and their loved ones. Keith says "The patient and his wife both were very receptive of me and appreciated seeing me with them everyday talking with them over labs, things to consider."

Volunteering for a student today could very well help save a life in the future. You can talk to your doctor to find out of if he is a mentor for any upcoming medical students to see how you can help.