First-Year Medical Students Learn Lesson on Empathy from Burn Survivor

FORT WORTH – Keeping the patient at the center of everything you do as physician requires a high level of empathy.  

New medical students at Anne Burnett Marion School of Medicine at Texas Christian University began the Empathetic Scholar® curriculum with their first content framing session featuring retired Phoenix Police Officer and Author Jason Schechterle. 

As a rookie police officer in 2001, a car crashed into Schechterle’s patrol car causing it to burst into flames, trapping him inside. He suffered severe burns to more than 40 percent of his body, which drastically altered his appearance.  

He credits his survival to first responders and physicians who acted within the first few minutes and hours of his patrol car bursting into flames. 

“These students will have their own adversity in life like everyone does but they will also be taking on other people’s adversity,” Schechterle said. 

As Schechterle showed images of himself on the operating table following the accident, students reacted in shock. 

Jenna Williamson, MS-1 at Burnett School of Medicine, gasped and wiped tears from her eyes. 

“I’ve never been in a situation like his but I can empathize with him,” Williamson said. “I appreciated that he was willing to go so deep it made it so much more real.” 

Schechterle has undergone more than 50 surgeries just to have the ability to accomplish simple daily tasks most people take for granted. His story was eye-opening to Bjorn Bjornsson, MS-1 at Burnett School of Medicine at TCU. 

“That was one of the most impactful speaking engagements that I’ve ever been too,” Bjornsson said. “It’s definitely not something that I think I’ll ever forget.” 

During their first year, the students will begin each week with a content framing session. A patient will share their story about a disease or medical complication that is related to their learning objectives for the week, according to Erin Nelson, PsyD, Assistant Dean of Physician Communication at Burnett School of Medicine.  

“We pick the patients very intentionally,” Dr. Nelson said. “The idea is when you’re trying to memorize these complicated things you can think back and say I met someone on Monday and they told me what it felt like.” 

Schechterle returned to the police force 18 months after his accident and went on to become a homicide detective. He turned his tragedy into a positive force for others with a similar experience.  

He carried the Olympic Torch in the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Games. His book, ‘Burning Shield,’ has given him the opportunity to speak to audiences around the world.  

To talk with medical students at the beginning of their medical school journey is rewarding to Schechterle: “To talk to them when they’re so eager to begin is fun for me.”