Regular readers might remember that in an anti-internal medicine furor, I signed up to do a clinical connections activity in Emergency Medicine a few weeks back.
Because I've already completed all my core rotations AND I've done a medicine sub-i, the course director decided that it would be appropriate for me to see patients on my own and report directly to an attending during this experience.
(Normally they shield the attendings from the incompetent medical students by making them report to a resident.)
Pro: No shadowing! I will actually probably figure out if I like this field.
Con: My incompetence will be revealed.
Let's consider the facts.
Fact: I haven't spoken to a patient in the past 18 months.
Fact: I haven't thought about the workup for a gyn complaint in the past 2 years.
Fact: I think my Medview password expired about a year ago. But I don't really know since I haven't tried to use it in even longer than that.
Fact: I'm not sure I even know where my stethoscope is.
I am terrified.
It's going to be awesome.
Fortunately, tomorrow is only orientation. So hopefully I won't actually have to remember anything by then. Eeek!
And for those of you who are thinking, "Wait, I thought OMDG wanted to be a neurologist?" Never fear. I will be doing a clinical connections activity in the Neuro-ICU after this one is over in 4-6 months. At that point, I will have to refresh my memory on the joys of the neuro exam. And buy a new reflex hammer.
Yippee!
9 Pearls of Wisdom:
My husband adores the ER, when he did his rotations he got to do so much more right off the bat than any other specialty. Now he's a first year resident/intern and he's still loving it. The ER attracts pretty laid back people. The biggest problem he's had is the fact that several attending practice CYA medicine and order lots of unnecessary tests.
I love neuro. Has been fascinating to see all the technology companies make these days: brain stim, etc.
Jealous. Of course! :D
You'll be surprised how much you remember once you start using it; just take your time, and don't freak out... I'm sure there are a few residents there who will give you a pointer or two if you get stuck.
Good luck!
I prefer the Queen's Square reflex hammer, and use it in my office.
But to save space when carrying my tool bag around, I use a Tromner reflex hammer on rounds.
For heaven's sake, don't buy the cheesy little Tomahawk things. They're worthless.
(isn't it sad? I've became a reflex-hammer-snob).
Good luck! I found that ED was the rotation where I had to use my brain and learned the most, because you actually have to try and figure out what's wrong with the patient from scratch. I think you'll be completely fine :)
Good luck!!
I heart my retractable Babinski. Also, it is engraved with my name. I lost it at a Code in May and one of the cardiologists gave it back to me a few weeks ago which made me very happy. (After 4 years I was rather attached to it).
Not to discredit all of the hammer-talk above, but you can use the end of your stethoscope (once you find it) to elicit reflexes, you know. And then you don't have to carry any more things in the ER, especially things (like hammers) that are likely to fall out of your pockets.
(Since you're not wearing your white coat. ER! Is amazing.)
G -- I did know that. Alas, steth as reflex hammer won't get you very far on a neuro rotation.
Also, I am totally planning on avoiding the white-coat of shame, as you suggested, if at all possible. Yay!
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