...and mentorship

Harvard MSIV, Nate Favini, did an excellent commentary on Dr. Pauline Chen’s NY Times article entitiled, “The Hidden Cost of Medical Student Debt”. Mr. Favini aptly added lack of economic diversity and personal motivation as key elements that affect medstudents’ desire to pursue primary care, in addition to debt. Both articles made strong cases and I suggest we add another to the list of factors contributing to med student interest in primary care -- mentorship.

Memories

I recently rediscovered some of my clinical rotation musings. Enjoy...

||||4.7.10||||

Since my last writing I've moved from no longer wanting to be a surgeon to falling in love with pediatrics. I often wonder to what extent students' specialty decisions are influenced by their rotation experience. My pediatric experience was phenomenal. The most organized rotation I have seen yet. But more than the syllabus and organization of the rotation, were the people. For the first time, I saw myself in these attendings and residents. I saw qualities that are dear to me being reflected in these individuals -- advocacy, service, compassion. I saw an environment where residents and attendings shared mutual respect, not chilling fear or measured disdain. The atmosphere was one where I was always excited to be there, where I welcomed the challenge. Had I done my rotation elsewhere, would I have felt the same way about pediatrics?

Gotta Love The Babies

Me: Okay Jonathon, the virus caused you to vomit a lot and now you're dehydrated. We need to get your fluids back up to par, so we'll have to place you on an IV drip. You'll be brave and allow me to do it right?

10 year old: (bawling, tears running down face)Nooo!It's gonna hurt! Mommy, she's gonna stick me!

(After 5 mins of successfully consoling him)

Me: OK, you're brave, you're strong, it's just a little stick, then the pain goes away.

10 year old (no longer crying): OK, I'm ready

(First attempt: he flinches. Unsuccessful)

(Second attempt: he flinches again. Unsuccessful)

(On third attempt...)

10 year old: Are you new here? How come you can't get it in yet?

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Seeing Jamaican patient and 4 year old son at Ob-Gyn clinic.

Me: Okay mom, we're going to have to draw some blood to check your blood sugar level.

Patient: Okay Doc

(I get supplies, begin advancing venipuncture needle)

Patient's son: No! Don't juk mih mommy!