Feedback about the Clerkship Experience after Four Months
"It's difficult to know where to start when you want to review for each rotation. Try to pick a topic from a case you have witnessed that day and read more about it that night. Try to give yourself a mini-topic to do further research about every night or so. Try to know at least 2 medications from each class (ie, Beta-Blockers = Metorpolol, Bisoprolol). Know your electrolytes! Practice doing a dictation (ie a consult or discharge summary), writing a consult note, and soap notes. Ask your PA buddy from upper years to give you the format for these things so that you can better prepare yourself for clerkship."
"Overall clerkship has been amazing. I know a lot of students have been upset that we didn`t learn x, y, and z in school but there is only so much time to learn. A lot of the learning has to occur on your own and it takes time to develop the thought processes necessary for medicine. That is something you cannot teach."
"Has been a challenge! Be open to change and the more constructive criticism you can get from your preceptor - the better!"
"Clerkship is an amazing experience. Nevertheless, there are times that you will feel extremely overwhelmed. Nevertheless, as long as the preceptors feel that you are enthusiastic and willing to learn, everything will be okay! And once you start to feel comfortable with a rotation, it is time to move on to the next."
Every rotation will be difficult at the beginning and you will feel as if you know nothing. That being said, you will quickly identify the things you NEED to know inside and out and develop a wider knowledge base from there. Be warned: Some preceptors are very blunt and can be downright hurtful. Others are very compassionate, understand that you are still a student and provide constructive, non-confrontational feedback and info. Don't be discouraged by either, simply take any feedback you get and make sure you are better the next time."
"Whenever you are asked if you'd like to try something new, never say no. If it's something you've never done before just ask the person to walk you through. You will be surprised how nice even the most intimidating preceptor will be about it. Everyone has to start somewhere. If you don't jump in you may miss opportunities that may never present again."
"I'm having a lot of fun despite working very hard everyday and definitely learning new things everyday."
Clerkship Survey Infographic
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed on this website are those of the author, and they do not reflect in any way those of the institutions to which they are affiliated.