Clinical rotations are an important part of the academic medical journey. The clinical rotation in the medical school can be one of the best aspects of an MD program when rightly executed. A well-designed MD program of the medical school integrates the learning of basic science and clinical medicine program over a four-year duration. Students learn through classroom lectures, textbooks, and laboratory experiments during the basic science course. The basic science course typically undertakes the study of biochemistry, anatomy, pathology, microbiology, etc. However, these are only one part of the MD program.
But to thrive as medical professionals, students are sent for clinical rotations during the clinical medicine program, where they are exposed to real-life clinical situations in a hospital setting. Moreover, clinical rotations offer a much more advanced practical learning experience in dealing with real patients under the supervision of expert and experienced medical professionals.
Here are the seven tips to know before starting clinical rotations to make the most out of the insightful opportunity:
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Embrace Professionalism
Clinical rotations are when students are encouraged to behave like doctors; thus, professional behavior during this time can help you stand out. A health care team is a group of professionals who communicate well, respecting the principles of honesty, confidentiality, and responsibility for their actions.
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Get in touch with 4th-year peers
Medicine is a dynamic field with complex technologies and health systems that constantly change or upgrade. Hence, asking questions from seniors just out of clinical rotations can help students learn from their experiences. Conversing with peers keeps prospective students informed about the essential new health technologies, work hour requirements, clinical skills, and procedures students should practice during their training period.
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Choose your rotations wisely
Clinical rotations are opportunities to learn about the specialties first-hand, which can help them decide what to practice. The students can evaluate their strengths and determine what residencies are best for them.
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Interact with attending in that specialty
Clinical rotations can allow you to interact with attending physicians, ask questions, and observe how they offer care to patients. This can help students understand any specialty of their interest.
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Enjoy the exciting process of exploring the medical field
There is a lot to do during your academic medical journey, starting from acing the USMLE to preparing for the semester examinations and clinical rotations. It’s natural for students to stay under the pressure of a deadline while also targeting to achieve their goals. However, as a medical student, you must not let these responsibilities lessen the excitement of your white coat experience during the clinical rotations.
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Work on skills you’ll apply across the clinical setting
Clinical rotations indeed teach medical students many practical skills, but practicing skills they already can offer an additional advantage. Students must also focus on having a strong foundation of medical theories that can help them grasp the practical aspects quickly.
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- Ask Questions
As a fresher who just entered the real world of medicine after learning the detailed medical theories, it’s natural to have questions in their minds. Asking questions can allow you to learn a lot while getting hands-on experience.
Doing clinical rotations in reputed teaching hospitals can provide an excellent experience and the best exposure to top medical practices. Prospective medical students can invest in a well-design MD program in the accredited Caribbean medical school partnered with top teaching hospitals in the United States. Enroll Now!
