Today was my first real clinical experience at one of the famous UCD student run clinics. I was definitely a little nervous going into it, because I really don't have much experience at all, and we haven't learned physical exams or patient histories in Doctoring yet. It was an awesome day though! Everyone made me feel so comfortable, and I was even pushed a little out of my comfort zone, but in a good way. The preceptor (doctor in charge) had me and another MS1 take on our own patient, even though we had absolutely no idea what we were doing. We came up with a plan of how to interview him, asked him all our questions, and then presented to the preceptor. While waiting to present, the other MS1 and I were really nervous because we figured we did a terrible job, but she said we did a really good job, and I'm glad she challenged us!
I really enjoyed getting to interact with real patients and watching the preceptor and MS2s do their thing. Something I really enjoyed was how pleasant and appreciative the patients were. They seemed to be very appreciative and patient (since we are learning, we are really slow). It was great working with them!
The only bad part of my day at clinic was a little embarrassing moment... We were watching an MS2 draw blood on a patient. The patient was very scared, nervous, and was basically on the verge of tears. To make things worse, she barely spoke English (so it was hard to comfort her) and she had very small veins, so the MS2 had to poke her twice. Also, on the second poke, the MS2 had to wiggle the needle around a bit, and said out loud, "oh, there's a bubble... that's not good!" I think seeing the patient in distress just really got to me and I started to see stars a bit. I realized what was happening, so I tried to talk myself out of it. Then, by the time I realized I wasn't going to be able to control it, all I managed to utter out was, "I think I need some orange juice". Next thing I know, I am half-conscious, being held up by my fellow MS1 (who caught me thankfully). I remember them escorting me out of the room and to lay down next door, but it was very hazy and I was very confused. Once I was laying down, I was fine, but covered in sweat and extremely embarrassed! What kind of med student passes out during a boring old blood draw?! I think the reason it bothered me so much, is that stuff like that usually doesn't bother me. I was really embarrassed by it all day, but after talking to fellow med students, it happens to a lot of people, and you definitely get over it eventually.
At least I will always remember my first day at clinic!!!!
"i think i need some orange juice!"...hilarious. keep it up!
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