The Safe Transfer Workshop at the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine at Florida International University (FIU) is transforming how medical and physician assistant students are taught to safely transfer patients from wheelchairs to exam tables – an essential skill often overlooked in clinical settings.
One of the only programs of its kind in the country, the workshop is led by a multidisciplinary team of occupational, physical, and recreational therapists, alongside “patient educators” living with paralysis. Each year, approximately 160 students participate in hands-on training stations that simulate real-world scenarios. Using equipment such as slide boards and Hoyer lifts, students not only practice technical skills but also patient interaction.
The workshop, founded by Dr. Susan Solman, a clinical pharmacist and podiatrist who became paralyzed at age 39, was launched to address systemic gaps in accessible care. “Through my work with the disability community and hearing similar experiences, it became clear that these challenges were part of a widespread, systemic issue,” she explained.
Student feedback underscores the program’s impact. “Talking with people living with paralysis really helped me get past my fear of saying the wrong thing,” said PA student Ana Esclasans.
Supported by grants from the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation and the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, FIU’s model is now inspiring other institutions to launch similar programs, with many beginning to adopt the FIU Medicine training model.
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Thank you, Dr. Susan Solman and the Herbert Wertheim College, for this program. As a C5/6 quad, I really appreciate this effort and awareness. Also, teach the students about Autonomic Dysreflexia.