My Experience of Cooperation with Primary Care Physicians: Analysis

Reflection

Upon learning that we would be working alongside primary care physicians, I had conflicting emotions. I was disappointed that we did not have a say in where we would be placed, but I was also ecstatic that I would finally get experience with patient interactions and knowing “ins and outs” of being a doctor. I was motivated to do my best and start my first session with a wave of confidence and medical knowledge. However, my first session did not go nearly as planned.

I imagined that I would be mostly shadowing my preceptor on the first day and just answer any medical related things about the patient that she expected me to know. However, my preceptor was confident that I would be able to do a complete physical, take a complete history of the patient, and do a complete ROS. My nerves got the best of me in my first interaction with a patient that day. I had no idea what questions I should ask even though we have practiced them in several POM classes. My preceptor eventually took over, as she knew that I did not know what I was doing. I felt embarrassed and stupid. I did not even know how to the ROS. My preceptor suggested that I come to the next session more prepared and have an outline to guide the type of questions that I will be asking my patients.

Over time, I felt like I was able to do everything on my own. My preceptor realized that I did things very slowly, but at least I was doing it correctly. With more experience and routine, I can see being able to talk to patients and taking on the duties of a good doctor becoming second nature to me. My preceptor was very knowledgeable and was able to personally connect with her patients. I was not surprised when she told me that she was a Sophie Davis alumnus. She always showed empathy and it was evident that her patients and the patients’ families loved her. That is one important take away that I got from this LCE experience. Almost every time that patient walked into the room with their families, the patient would hug her and the family members were very happy to see her. There was even one moment where a patient’s mom requested to see her instead of their normal primary care doctor who is typically in another room. The mother stated that she liked her more even though she was only with her once, even though the mom was had been with another doctor for most of her child’s life.

Seeing this made me excited for the future. I am eager to sincerely care about my patients and hope that they realize that. The greatest feeling is when someone needs you and would rather have you than someone else. I honestly can’t wait to be loved by my patients and take care of them in a sincere and meaningful way. My preceptor really showed me what a good doctor is. This includes not only being knowledgeable about medical information, but also knowledge in empathy, honest caring, and sincere concern for patients. I hope through my further experiences in Sophie, I will get better in all of these topics.

Overall these LCE sessions were a good experience. I learned how to become a great doctor, and that I would need a lot of practice in order to become one. One thing I may add however is that I learned that I would definitely not go into pediatrics after being in this department for site. The community they have at my site is great, but I know no that it is not for me.