Feeling Like A Doctor For The First Time

6Feb/084

Feeling Like A Doctor For The First Time

I know most of my classmates have already had this experience (Roommate, I'm looking at you), but a few days ago on my internal medicine rotation - which, by the way, I'm loving - I really, really felt like a doc for the first time ever.

It was one of those basic, simple moments; I interviewed a patient, took a full history and physical, presented to my attending, and told him what my assessment and plan were. He nodded, and asked if I had my prescription pad with me; he's the first doc I've worked with who insists that all med students carry around prescriptions.

I pulled out my prescription pad, wrote out 3 drugs, and watched as he signed them and handed them back to me. I went back in the room and explained what they were for. Patient thanked me (referring to me as "Doctor Zac" in the process... more on that bizarre phenomenon in a later post).

So, there you go... I felt like I legitimately worked someone up and treated them. Small, but significant.

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Rach
February 7th, 2008 - 06:34

Just started reading your blog recently… It’s great.

Great anecdote – I’m sure it was a great feeling. Good job “doctor zac”.

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frylime
February 7th, 2008 - 06:55

yay!

i’m still getting used to wearing the short white coat…i feel like i’m playing dress up or something.

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The Unlikely Heroine
February 7th, 2008 - 18:55

So, uh… Doctor Zac… I’m, like, hurting REAL bad, all over. What’s that? No, I can’t take anything over-the-counter, ’cause, like… I’m allergic to it. All of it. What’s that stuff that starts with a ‘p’? Purple-cet? Yeah. Gimme some of that.

Hey – I’m just helping round out the experience, one med student at a time.

Love the blog!

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brocasarea
March 22nd, 2008 - 22:32

yeah…thts really is a good feeling..am in 4th year and dying to do my internship!!

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