Alzheimer's buddy program pairs patients, students

This sounds like a wonderful program. I hope the "buddy program" will inspire more programs of this type around the country!

The Columbus Dispatch
Mar. 4, 2014 7:17 AM ET
Alzheimer's buddy program pairs patients, students
By LINDSEY TANNER, AP Medical Writer

CHICAGO (AP) — At age 80, retired Chicago physician and educator Dan Winship is getting a bittersweet last chance to teach about medicine — only this time he's the subject. In the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, Winship is giving a young medical student a close-up look at a devastating illness affecting millions of patients worldwide.

The two are part of a "buddy" program pairing doctors-to-be with dementia patients, pioneered at Northwestern University and adopted at a handful of other medical schools.

Besides offering students a unique perspective on a disease they're likely to encounter during their careers, the programs give patients a sense of purpose and a chance to stay socially engaged before their illness eventually robs their minds.

Winship and his "buddy," first-year medical student Jared Worthington, are building a friendship — dining together, visiting museums, chatting about Winship's medical career and Worthington's plans for his own.... MORE