A lot has transpired since the last time I was here. Well, maybe not a lot, but definitely some important things. A few weeks ago we had that unforgettable ceremony—the white coat ceremony. I also joined the class executive board and had my first few clinical experiences with my white coat. I have actually been dying to tell you about these clinical experiences! Lets start with the white coat ceremony though.
Now, some would argue that orientation means you are officially in medical school. However, I would argue that the white coat per see has a way of really reminding you that you are now a medical student (besides when you receive that first email saying how much you have in subsidized/unsubsidized loans from medical school….Uhmm, can we take away a zero please!!!). Back to the topic at hand, the white coat imbues a HUGE sense of responsibility and serves as a great reminder of the sobriety of the path that we have decided to take. Our white coat ceremony was held on a Friday and included our friends and family. My family, as I presaged, cried their eyes out for about 75% of the program, which resulted in what I like to call the “did you just get finished crying face???” (insert that awkward pause here). Moving along, that program quickly came and went and pretty much left me thinking, “ok, what next?” Since, I had been anticipating “using” the white coat for so long, I actually scheduled my first clinical experience for the ensuing weekend.
My weekend experience took place at a student run clinic in an underserved neighborhood. Ironically, half of the patients that I was able to see with the fourth year medical student were not even from the city. Of course as a first year, you do not know much, and people do not expect you too. However, there is a sense of “although you do not know this, you need to know this, so learn it now” going on in clinics. This was very different from previous years of experience that I had as a premedical student. In fact, I remember that during my old shadowing days the physician would ask if it were ok for me to be in the room, but now I was introduced as Student Doctor Glawson, who would be observing you also. And to think that all it took was a white coat with my name on it???? (I am certain other people may have had different experiences). I was able to do some hands-on work including documenting patient information and vital signs. I saw an array of cases including a patient who was possibly manic-depressive (interesting) and someone STILL smoking, with cancer and breathing problem (even more interesting). It was truly a rewarding opportunity, and it left me excited about the next time.
The next clinical experience was a part of one of my classes. Initially I was extremely apprehensive because it was the OB/GYN clinic and EVERYONE close to me (although some insist that I may end up being one just for that) knows that it is the one specialty that I would rather do without because I just dread being awakened at random times in the am to deliver a baby. Who would want to do that?!?! It’s borderline insanity to me! However, for the three hours I was at the OB/GYN clinic, I had a VERY enjoyable experience. In fact, I had never seen a pap smear until that day!! (but I guess unless you are an OB/GYN, you really wouldn’t either huh?) For some odd reason, I guess it was just National Pap Smear day because most of the women got one. This reminds me, if you are a female of fertile age (which probably definitely includes you) make sure you get your pap and all your friends too!! To make it easy on you, just ask during your next outing with your girlfriends, “Hey, do you want to come get a pap with me?” (It’s ok to insert another awkward pause here). lol
Now, it’s back to the regular reality of the first two years of medical school—preparing for the next exam!
With utmost appreciation,
Best wishes in your endeavors,
Student Dr. Glawson!
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