Starting My Last and Final Didactic Term

At the beginning of each term our class meets with one of our teachers to go over our thoughts on the previous term.  Our class discusses as a group our likes, dislikes, what we would like changed, and what we would like to stay the same in our program.  I have always liked this because I really do feel that our thoughts are heard and our changes considered.  It is a very non-judgmental process.  It is also interesting to see if your own thoughts are on par with others in the class.  It is nice because our teacher always ends with telling us that we are just where we need to be in this program.  He instills confidence that we ARE ready to move on to the next stage in the program: clinical rotations.  It is always nice to be praised after each term.  Sometimes you get so wrapped up in “GO” mode that it is nice for once to relax and take it all in.  Confidence is something that comes in this program but gradually.  I am sure when we get to clinicals we will think that we don’t know anything, when in reality we know more than we think.

This term’s meeting felt different than all the others.  Our teacher started out by talking to us about the advice he received before going on clinical rotations.  I found the advice helpful and thought I would share it to all of you.  He told us to enter every rotation by introducing yourself to your preceptor, nurses, PAs, and anyone you will be working with even if its not a medical professional.  He said that not only will you seem friendly but also this is something these individuals will remember about you.  This will make you stand out.  It shows that you care who you are working with.  I thought this was really good advice and one that I will take with me when I go on rotations.  I know it is simple but if you think about it, how many people actually do this?  My guess is not as many as there should be.

I will leave you all with a quote that our teacher also left us with.  I loved it so much that I had to actually get from him later.  It is from Ambroise Paré who was a French royal surgeon and a pathologist in the 1500s.  He said, “Guérir quelquefois, soulager souvent, consoler tougours,” which means, “Cure occasionally, relieve often, comfort always.”