Days with the Docs
So this summer I am working in a doctor's office, mostly just following them around and practicing on my physical exam skills. It is really laid back. I don't have to be there until 9 and usually get out before 5 (sometimes after lunch). Lunches are usually free because the drug reps come by and feed us to convince the docs to perscribe their mediciations. I tell you what - this is the life. And these guys are banking big bucks too. They are really nice and their patients seem to really like them and be pleased. I find they do a pretty good job of explaining things to their patients. The only three things I would change are 1) do more prevention (talk to at risk patients about diet, exercise, or more natural remidies before drugs) and 2) do more in office proceedures like EKGs, well woman visits, bloodwork, urine analysis, etc. and 3) spend more time just getting to know my patients. Since their practice is located in a hospial, pretty much every little proceedure is refferred to the hospital rather than done in house. I guess that is a major difference beteween rural and urban medicine.
I've seen some pretty cool things thus far: some ear infections, heard a few different heart murmers, seen some goiters, shingles, and weird rashes. I've heard a wide variety of complaints - from hurting extremeties or joints to aching muscles to dizzyness and fatigue. I've seen enough diabetes and high blood pressure to last for a while.
I've always said I wanted to do family medicine because I wanted to work in a small town and know my patients. I still think that is at the top of my list, but other things are creeping their way to the top as well, such as cardiology or endocrineology. I LOVE physiology and those are two areas that use phys everyday. Plus, with something like cardiology, I think I would feel like I could actually DO alot to help my patients. There are so many different ways besides drugs to keep your heart helathy!!! But I digress... I'll probably change my mind 30 more times before 4th year!
I've seen some pretty cool things thus far: some ear infections, heard a few different heart murmers, seen some goiters, shingles, and weird rashes. I've heard a wide variety of complaints - from hurting extremeties or joints to aching muscles to dizzyness and fatigue. I've seen enough diabetes and high blood pressure to last for a while.
I've always said I wanted to do family medicine because I wanted to work in a small town and know my patients. I still think that is at the top of my list, but other things are creeping their way to the top as well, such as cardiology or endocrineology. I LOVE physiology and those are two areas that use phys everyday. Plus, with something like cardiology, I think I would feel like I could actually DO alot to help my patients. There are so many different ways besides drugs to keep your heart helathy!!! But I digress... I'll probably change my mind 30 more times before 4th year!