Reflection Paper

CONTEXT

My General Surgery clerkship at Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) was my very first clinical rotation as a clerk. General Surgery is a medical specialty that deals with the diagnosis, preoperative, operative, and postoperative management of diseases that may require surgical treatment, commonly involving the abdomen, breast, skin/soft tissues, trauma, and endocrine organs. Naturally, it came with a lot of uncertainty and adjustment, especially since everything felt new, from the hospital workflow and patient endorsements to ward responsibilities and operating room protocols. At the same time, it became one of the most memorable learning experiences I have had so far. General Surgery exposed me to a wide variety of surgical conditions, many of which I had only encountered in textbooks before. From common surgical emergencies to rare and complex cases, every day presented a new opportunity to learn. The fast-paced environment challenged me to think critically, work efficiently, and remain composed under pressure. More importantly, it taught me that surgery is not only about technical procedures but also about sound clinical judgment, teamwork, and responsibility. Through this rotation, the following program outcomes were demonstrated: clinical competence (PO1), collaboration within the healthcare team (PO5), and continuing personal and professional development (PO7).

EXPERIENCE

Since this was my very first clerkship rotation, everything initially felt overwhelming. I remember trying to adjust to the fast pace, learning hospital routines, making histories and physical examinations, endorsing patients, and simply figuring out how to function as a clerk. During the first few days, I often questioned whether I was doing enough or if I could keep up. However, as the days passed, I gradually became more comfortable with the responsibilities. Before I knew it, one month had already passed.

Throughout the month, the daily responsibilities and patient encounters reinforced these program outcomes. For PO1, every endorsement, ward round, and operating room exposure strengthened my clinical competence. I learned how to take more focused surgical histories, perform more systematic physical examinations, and formulate appropriate differential diagnoses and management plans. I also encountered a wide range of unique surgical cases, from breast and hepatobiliary diseases to trauma and colorectal conditions, which challenged me to constantly review and apply what I had learned. Seeing these conditions firsthand made the lessons much more meaningful than simply reading them in a textbook. For PO5, this rotation reminded me that surgery is truly a team effort. Every patient encounter involved coordination among consultants, residents, nurses, fellow clerks, interns, and other healthcare professionals. Whether we were preparing patients for surgery, endorsing new admissions, or assisting in the operating room, everyone had a role to play. As someone entering clerkship for the first time, I appreciated how much I learned by observing and working alongside the people around me. I realized that patient care becomes much more efficient when everyone communicates well and supports one another. Lastly, for PO7, this rotation emphasized the importance of continuous learning. Almost every day, I encountered something I had never seen before or was asked a question I could not immediately answer. Instead of getting discouraged, I found myself becoming more motivated to read after duty, review cases, and better prepare for the next day. The constant exposure to real patients reminded me that learning in medicine does not stop after lectures or examinations; it continues with every patient we meet.

REFLECTION

First, I realized that clinical competence is developed through consistent exposure and practice. No amount of reading can fully replace seeing actual patients, following their progress, and participating in their management. Every patient became an opportunity to connect theoretical knowledge with real clinical situations. Second, I appreciated how supportive teamwork can make even the busiest duties more manageable. There were long hours, sleepless duties, and challenging days, but having co-clerks, interns, residents, and nurses who worked together made the workload feel lighter. This rotation reminded me that medicine is never practiced alone. Learning how to communicate, help others, and ask for help when needed is just as important as developing medical knowledge. Lastly, this month taught me to embrace discomfort as part of growth. There were many moments when I felt challenged, whether during endorsements, case discussions, or while scrubbing into surgeries. Instead of seeing these experiences as failures, I gradually began viewing them as opportunities to improve. I realized that clerkship is not about already knowing everything; it is about being willing to learn every single day.

ACTION

First, I plan to continue reviewing every patient I encounter and reading more consistently after duty, especially about conditions I have personally seen. I also want to improve my surgical history taking and physical examination skills so I can become more confident during endorsements and case discussions. Second, I want to continue building good working relationships with my future healthcare teams by communicating more effectively, offering help whenever possible, and remaining open to feedback. I also hope to become someone that teammates can rely on during busy clinical duties. Lastly, I plan to maintain the habit of reflecting after every rotation. I want to identify both my strengths and areas for improvement so I can continue growing with each new clinical experience. 

EVALUATION

Overall, I believe I approached my first clerkship with genuine effort, openness, and a willingness to learn. Although the adjustment period was difficult and there were moments when I felt overwhelmed, I never lost my desire to improve. Looking back, I can confidently say that I learned far more than I expected in just one month. The long duties, countless endorsements, unique surgical cases, and experiences inside the operating room made this rotation both challenging and rewarding. General Surgery at VSMMC pushed me outside my comfort zone, but it also gave me a stronger foundation as I begin the rest of my clerkship year. It reminded me that growth often happens during the busiest and most demanding moments, and I will always be grateful that my very first rotation gave me that opportunity.