Comparison to Beginning Clinical Correlations I in the Summer

• What’s New?

Overall, it’s easier to go through the cases now that I am familiar with all of the physical exams that can be done. Initially, I only knew about physical exams that included the skin to the abdomen for Clinical Correlations I in the summer. I got better at demonstrating a focused physical exam and developing differential diagnoses. Also, in Clinical Correlations II there was more exposure to scenarios regarding trauma/high acuity patients. 

• What Skills I’ve Developed?

After taking Emergency Medicine, I feel like I’m more acquainted with trauma cases. Especially in regards to what’s the next best step, for example in patients that are suspected of having meningitis you give them IV antibiotics first before doing blood cultures or any workup. In that same scenario, I’m also familiar with the best order regarding imaging, which would be a CT scan and then Lumbar Puncture. 

• What Was Surprising or Challenging?

The main thing that I struggled with was cases where you can’t obtain a proper history from the patient. For instance, scenarios with pediatric patients or delirious patients. Those cases were a good reflection of how difficult it may be to obtain a good history from real-life patients.  

• Where I Need More Work During Clinical Year?

Looking forward, there will always be stuff I can improve on. I still struggle with thinking about the risks and benefits of clinical procedures, in the case of a foley catheter it may discourage a patient’s mobility and may even lead to clots. I haven’t had much experience with admission orders or discharge notes either. I could also hone my skills in developing comprehensive treatment plans.

• What resources did you find most helpful – which ones will you use going forward in the clinical year?

I mainly used different textbooks like Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment, Quick Medical Diagnosis & Treatment, and Harrison’s Internal Medicine from Access Medicine. If I needed information on how to work up a disease I would refer to UptoDate. 

• What have you learned about yourself through this class?

I learned about the areas I need to work on, which I already mentioned above. I liked working as a group and coming together to discuss the different diagnoses. While one tip given to us was to work our way from “head to toes” I definitely had moments where I would skip over “an arm or leg” but then thankfully a classmate would go back to it. 

• Have you changed your opinions/beliefs about any aspects of practice as a result of this course?

Initially, I didn’t understand what social workers did nor what a critical role they play especially with patient care. They can assist with coordinating transport for patients, acquire walkers/wheelchairs for patients, and help with post-acute care facility placement such as nursing facilities. Social workers, discharge instructions, and follow-up care are all essential to improving patient care.  

• What would you advise the students in the class behind you about this course?

Participation is the main root of this class. Don’t be afraid of saying the wrong diagnosis and it’s alright to go down the rabbit hole in regard to the scenarios.