Exposure to new techniques or treatment strategies – how did that go?

• This rotation, I was fortunately able to do much more than during my first rotation. During my first week on GYN call, I performed my very first pelvic exam at two o’ clock in the morning in the ED, which is not something I would have imagined. However, it went really well. I was grateful that my preceptor trusted me to be able to perform the exam and then help write the note afterwards. I also was able to see patients on my own in the ED or on the floor and present to my preceptor when I was done taking the history. During my second week on call for OB, I was able to experience two vaginal deliveries, observe one C-section, and scrub into one C-section – all experiences I am very grateful to have been a part of. I am very interested in procedures so I was happy to both observe and assist. I was also able to see patients in triage, where I took their histories and presented to and worked with the midwives on call. Lastly, during my last two weeks in GYN clinic, I was able to perform many pelvic [speculum and bimanual] and breast exams, allowing me the opportunity to improve each time, as it is not always easy to find a patient’s cervix. I was also able to perform an IUD removal in clinic without any problem, which I found to be really cool because not every student gets the chance to do so. Being able to measure fundal height and use the fetal doppler to note the fetal heart rate were also great experiences I feel fortunate to have gained. Overall, I feel as though I was able to do a lot this rotation and did my best to maximize my time in L&D, in the ED, and on the floor on call as well as in clinic.

How your perspective may have changed as a result of this rotation (e.g. elderly patients, kids, IV drug users, etc).

• As a result of this rotation, perspective has once again broadened. However, it has been in the way that I have gained first-hand experience with patients who come from very different situations and thus present with very different complaints and/or worries – some of which I cannot understand or relate to – though I must try while maintaining an open mind. For instance, some patients have experienced great difficulty becoming and staying pregnant while others, who do not have any issue with fertilization, do not wish to keep their pregnancies no matter how many times they have been able to conceive without even trying. The difference in the spectrum of patients, such as mentioned, can come with personal moral feelings but has informed my understanding of the need to remain non-judgmental of a patient’s situation and provide care that is unbiased and compassionate at all times. While it may be difficult to understand sometimes, I am aware of the fact that it is important to always respect patients’ wishes when providing their care.

How was the way I did my work different from how other people did theirs?

• One way in which how I did my work differed from how other people did theirs was in the way that I really fought to stay awake during on call shifts so that I did not miss anything that could have come up. Conversely, others slept for the majority, if not the whole night, and came to rounds in the morning. However, I realize that my work ethic can be both a good and bad thing. It was good in the way that I was motivated to learn and get the most out of my experience as I possibly could. However, it was bad in the way that I neglected my need for rest. Though, towards the end of my two-week long on call shifts, I was able to find a better balance and still learn and experience as much as I could while giving myself time and permission to rest.

What one thing would you want the preceptor or other colleagues to notice about your work in this rotation?

• One thing I want the preceptor or other colleagues to notice about my work in this rotation was actually communicated to me by one PA I was fortunate enough to work with. During the second day I worked with her, she offered me long-term advice, about career and life in general, and said that she was only doing so because I am humble, I pay attention, and I listen, and not every student is like that. I felt very seen in that moment and expressed my gratitude because it is not always easy for people to learn those things about you in just a few hours. In fact, I find it actually pretty rare. However, simple things such as those do matter, and I am happy that they were noticed and will hopefully be remembered.

What did you learn about yourself during this 4-week rotation?

• During this rotation, I have learned, or rather re-learned, that I am very capable of rising to challenges/expectations others have for me more confidently than in the past. I have definitely noticed my confidence build and feel that it is also due to the fact that the providers I have worked with have trusted me to carry out certain tasks on my own. Therefore, I have  also learned that the element of trust is important in my learning and ultimate growth throughout my rotations – trust not just from colleagues or providers but also trust in myself.