Students Work to Increase Physician Awareness of Human Trafficking
As the Super Bowl approaches and South Florida is overrun with visitors, a group of University of Miami Miller School of Medicine students is working hard to increase awareness of human trafficking – and possibly save some victims.
“There has been an increase in trafficking in whatever city hosts the Super Bowl,” said Brett Colbert, a second-year M.D./Ph.D. student. “We went about figuring out how to make a difference. As physicians and health care professionals, we are uniquely positioned to do something.”
Research has shown that two-thirds of trafficking victims come in contact with a physician or other medical professional in an emergency room or clinic. One of the challenges is that many physicians are not experienced in identifying these victims and making sure they receive the help they need. If they can learn to recognize the signs of human trafficking, understand how to interact with a survivor, and be confident in providing next steps, they can have a significant impact.
The Miller School students, partnering with Florida International University and Nova Southeastern University, have worked with medical school leadership to encourage physicians to complete the Department of Health and Human Services’ CME training in human trafficking identification and prevention. The state of Florida has mandated that all physicians complete the training by 2021, but now is potentially the most useful time to do it. The training is available here.
The students have also produced awareness posters for physicians and other medical staff in emergency rooms. Earlier this month they placed posters all over Wynwood to educate the community about the likely influx of trafficking victims.
The Miller School of Medicine has long taken a leadership role in helping victims of human trafficking, which is a serious issue in South Florida all the time, not just during a Super Bowl. The UM THRIVE (Trafficking Healthcare Resources and Intra-Disciplinary Victim Services and Education) clinic provides everything from primary and gynecological care to specialty and behavioral health services to victims and survivors.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Miami-Dade County State Attorney’s Office refer victims to the clinic.
The leadership team of second-year Miller students also includes Isabella Ferre, Jessica Le and Jazlyn Merida. “By bringing a bit of awareness to our medical community, we can directly improve this disheartening public health dilemma in our community,” Ferre said.
Tags: human trafficking, Miller School of Medicine, Super Bowl, UM THRIVE Clinic