REFLECTIONS ON MY EXPERIENCES SHADOWING IN AN INTERNAL MEDICINE RESIDENT CLINIC

Abstract

Since matriculating in the Master of Medical Science in Biomedical Sciences program I have gained a vast array of knowledge both in the clinic and in the classroom. In my graduate classes I have learned a lot about the procedures and techniques that go into conducting research and how to properly write a grant application. Additionally, I have become much more confident in my ability to present both research of my own and research performed by other scientists in front of a group. Furthermore, I improved my technological literacy of different programs, such as PyMol, commonly used in all areas of research. I have gained considerable insight into physician residency training and the demands of medical school from shadowing different residents in the clinic. I have also been exposed to a variety of unique careers including, but not limited to, the practice of primary healthcare. I have shadowed physicians, nurses, physician assistants, and pharmacists and learned a great deal about the different careers available to me upon graduation. Shadowing different physicians has eased my worries about the difficulty of attending medical school. It also shown me that medicine is an art and more than just the regurgitation of what has been learned in the classroom. It takes strong interpersonal and communication skills to become an effective healthcare provider.