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CLINICAL ROTATIONS IN A MEDICAL SCHOOL

It is common for medical students to start a clinical rotation knowing that is not the area of specialty they will pursue long-term. Do not let this stop you from performing to the work and learning as much as you can. That commitment is the key to success in clinical rotations!

The secret to succeeding in a clinical rotation in medical school is to completely immerse yourself in the rotation as though you planned to specialize in the rotation’s discipline. If nothing else, you will obtain cross-functional knowledge that applies to your future daily practice, or even valuable context for handling a variety of emergencies.

Even if you feel like you know which area of study you will pursue, your clinical rotation may open your eyes to an aspect of another field that excites you. This experience offers a great opportunity to evaluate potential areas of study and specialization for your career.

Careers in medicine and deciding on a specialty isn’t so easy. In fact, it can be quite the endeavor for medical students to narrow down their options. Choosing a specialty is a lengthy, complex, and sometimes insistent process that involves a computerized application system, broad travel and interviews, and a nationwide match pairing residency programs and applicants.

Do not blow off your family practice rotation just because you are convinced you are going to be a neurosurgeon. Not only will you leave a bad impression with every attending physician and resident on your rotation, but you will also miss out on many important learning opportunities that could help you grow into a better physician. And who knows? Perhaps you will discover family practice is your true calling!

Once you get in sync with the rhythm of life as a doctor, your time with individual patients can be limited. Take this chance to learn from them in as many ways as possible. Rarely again in your career will you have as much time to spend with individual patients. Getting to know them can be mutually beneficial. You might even ask them what abilities they value in a doctor. Patients have more to teach you than anyone else. It is very important to embrace the role of the student during clinical rotations. Your responsibilities as a medical student are relatively minor compared to a resident or an attending physician. Your main job is to learn as much as you can.

Clinical rotations can be stressful. But their main objective is to help you learn. Focus on honing your skills and gaining knowledge, rather than professional networking or competing with other medical students. Even though clinical rotations happen outside of the classroom, the tests continue. The only difference is these tests typically come in the form of hands-on work that impacts real patients. You need to be ready for what comes your way. It all boils down to preparation. Whether it's having your lab work or x-rays easily available, or studying up on a case, just be prepared.

Reliability: This may seem clear, but it is worth emphasizing. Remember that your professionalism and general competency in the field is being evaluated. It seems small but having good habits like being punctual can make a big difference in how you are seen. Always be on time, especially for rounds. Your resident or attending might not say anything to you for being late, but there will be this underlying doubt regarding your interest and accessibility.

The intensity of academia for medical students typically involves years devoted to lecture halls, essays, and exams, all of which limit the amount of time they can spend developing professional habits necessary for the clinical setting.

The start of clinical rotations often marks the first time young medical students must show up on time for the job, dressed and groomed in a professional manner! This can take some getting used to, but it is best to adjust to this quickly. Even in your third year of medical school, falling short on basic expectations such as grooming, using appropriate language, handling criticism, and exercising teamwork can create a reputation that can be hard to shake.

You may have made it through the most academically intensive part of medical school, but your time in clinical rotations will still involve tests of knowledge. The most clinical rotations are concluded with an exam which can contribute significantly to your final evaluation.

It is not easy balancing clinical duties, learning the day-to-day skills required for each rotation, and preparing for exams. Learning to juggle these many tasks early on will be extremely beneficial. Do not procrastinate and wait until the end of a rotation to start learning material for the exam. Use downtime at the hospital or clinic to study whenever possible. Even though medical students are aware of the stressful nature of life as a physician, clinical rotations can still end up being a rude awakening.

But there are ways to help manage that anxiety. Start by concentrating on your patients. Developing interactions with them can help you overcome some of the other stress you are dealing with. A smile or a positive word from your patient on rounds can go a long way! And you will be honing your bedside manner to boot!

As a doctor, you will be handing out advice left and right about personal health and well-being, but you may struggle taking your own advice. This piece is critical to thriving during clinical rotations. Make time to exercise, sleep when you can, and eat three meals a day. You have to prioritize self-care, or it won’t happen. Stat your healthy habits in medical school and continued them throughout your entire career.

Learn to meditate and taking time away from medicine overall on your days off. Go to a movie, go on a hike, or visit with friends who are not in medical school. That time off can be rejuvenating and help you make of the most of your time during rotations. Like any other challenge you have overcome, the feelings were temporary. Fortunately, clinical rotations do not last forever. You spend a few months in a certain discipline and get to move on. When you get caught up in the stress of the situation, just remember why you are doing it.

Understand that rotations will not last indefinitely. If you do not like one, the next one will usually be better. Clinical rotations can feel like an uphill battle, but many doctors before you have managed to make it through. There is no reason you cannot, too. By focus on your patients, concentrating on learning, and taking care of yourself along the way, you will not just survive your clinical rotations – you will thrive! Now that you have a little insight into the reality of clinical rotations, hear what the doctors have to say about the actual career itself.