CLINICAL HEALTHCARE EXPERIENCE
Emergency Department Registrar
Working as a registrar in the emergency department opened my eyes to the complexities of our communities and the demands of sophisticated healthcare. My responsibilities included communicating with patients, families, hospital administration, law enforcement, and clinical and EMS staff to efficiently register patients arriving by personal vehicle, ground ambulance, or Life Flight helicopter. I was trained to calm the nerves of patients and families during challenging times, particularly when their health and financial situations were less than ideal.
Medical Assistant
Working directly under Bridger Butters, PA-C, and Bryce K. Peterson, MD, ignited my passion for the medical field. Recognizing my desire to learn, they took every opportunity to teach me and allow for shadowing. I performed vital signs, vaccinations, injections, charting, various tests, and assisted in numerous procedures. I learned to ask patients open-ended questions and document their responses efficiently for medical providers. This experience deepened my familiarity with medications and diverse methods of practice in various situations.
Shadowing a Dermatologist
Shadowing a general dermatologist provided insight into a unique field of medicine I had never experienced. I observed acute attention and care from the physician to diagnose minor differences in similar skin spots. I noticed patience used in body examinations, ensuring no mistakes were made or areas missed. The safety and satisfaction of the patient were always at the forefront of the physician’s methods. This general dermatologist taught me that diligence and attentive care make up a good physician.
Shadowing an ENT
Being the younger sibling to a deaf brother, I chose to shadow an ENT. It was fascinating to learn more about hearing deficiencies, balance issues, throat pain, and more. In particular, one patient was told they had Meniere’s disease, but when presented to the ENT, his years of schooling and training were used to prove that diagnosis incorrect. An accurate diagnosis and plan of care were then made. This ENT helped me appreciate the discernment required for precise diagnoses and attentive care.
Shadowing a MOHS Surgeon
Spending time with a MOHS surgeon was an unforgettable opportunity. I watched numerous surgeries, many of which required multiple trips to the lab and time using the microscope. One patient presented with melanoma in the ear. With phenomenal skill, the surgeon excised cancer and sewed the ear back together. Another patient had much of the skin of his deltoid removed, exposing the layers of tissue beneath. We took the biopsy to the lab, and I learned about the methods used there. My respect for the training and skill of this physician deepened my passion for medicine.
Shadowing an OBGYN
The time I spent with the OBGYN gave me a greater appreciation for good
communication and a proper bedside manner. We saw many patients with concerns ranging from difficulty getting pregnant to post-partum adjustments. The questions and concerns presented were handled with gentle confidence – sympathetic, yet knowledgeable. I noticed that the physician often had to give options or ideas that were not ideal but did so in a soft and non-offensive way. Shadowing in an OBGYN clinic was a very positive experience, helping me better understand sympathetic communication in medicine.