Bridging Medicine and Empathy through Equine-Assisted Learning in TouroCOM Montana
How Horses are Shaping Future Physicians' Communication, Teamwork, and Empathy Skills
The EMPACT (Eagle Mount, Possibilities, Acceptance, Community, Teamwork) program is held at the Eagle Mount Equestrian Center in Great Falls. The program is led by Deb Sivumaki, Heather Martin, Joe Stalzer, and Certified Equine-Assisted learning facilitator Morgan King from Eagle Mount Great Falls. The program bridges the gap between medical school training and equine-assisted learning. Students engage in activities that enhance communication, empathy, and teamwork skills.
The EMPACT program leverages horses' intuitive nature to teach students valuable lessons in nonverbal communication. "We're always looking for ways to enhance the educational experience for our students," said Dr. Stephanie Zeszutek, Assistant Clinical Dean and Associate Professor at TouroCOM. “Working with horses offers a unique opportunity to build leadership skills and refine nonverbal and verbal communication skills crucial when interacting with patients, particularly during practical examinations, clinical rotations, residency, and beyond."
"In the classroom, students learn the technical aspects of medicine," Dr. Zeszutek explained. "But here, they connect with their classmates and interact with animals. This helps students foster personal awareness and growth, and how they convey empathy—critical components in building patient trust and gathering accurate medical histories."
First-year student Patrick Wauben, from Troy, NY, who holds a Bachelor of Science in Cell and Molecular Biology from California State University Northridge, reflected on his experience with the EMPACT program. He noted how the program emphasized teamwork and collaboration. "I've been away from the farm for about 15 years, so it was great to be around horses again," Patrick said. "These horses were much calmer and gentler than the draft horses I used to work with, which gave me a new perspective. Working with them showed me different ways to communicate and approach situations, and I think those lessons are useful for being a physician."
Every first-year student participated in the EMPACT program as part of the TouroCOM curriculum. Before the sessions, each student set specific goals, which they reviewed afterward to assess their progress and achievements.
First-year student Japhe Jelks is from Chicago, IL, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University and a Master of Science - Interdisciplinary Studies in Biological and Physical Sciences from Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, Harlem. “I loved that it was early in the semester and allowed me to see not only my strengths as a team player but also my weaknesses. EMPACT also taught me the value of being able to adjust to your patients in different ways and at different times. For example, my group had made a horse a little anxious at one point, so we immediately had to revise a plan for the activity, but in return, it allowed the horse to calm down and readjust. EMPACT also tapped into nonverbal skills, which, as a physician, will be important to have and be able to understand as some patients may not be able to articulate their symptoms or even show you their symptoms, and that is where we will need to step up to the plate and advocate for our patients.”
The lessons from the EMPACT program extend well beyond the barn. Recent sessions highlighted how transparent communication is crucial in healthcare. Just as guiding a horse requires trust, patience, and empathy, so does guiding patients through their healthcare journeys. Students are developing essential communication and empathy skills by stepping out of the classroom and into the world of horses. This hands-on experience provides invaluable insights that will benefit them as compassionate and effective physicians in their future careers.
