Enhancing my patient communication skills is essential for my future career as a physician, as strong interactions with patients are a key factor in my success.
By paying close attention during patient consultations.
Asking questions about how to convey information to patients and their families
Observing Dr. Conboy and the genetics counselor in action.
I am honing my approach to effective patient care. Taking detailed notes on their methods helps me better understand how to build rapport and trust with patients while delivering information compassionately and clearly.
Shadowing Dr. Conboy has provided valuable insights into effective patient communication. I've learned the importance of using clear, straightforward language when explaining concepts or processes to patients, as medical terminology can often be confusing for those without a medical background. Additionally, I've observed the necessity of avoiding assumptions and asking clarifying questions, as patients may not always fully express their medical history or symptoms. By focusing on clear communication and thorough questioning, I aim to foster better understanding and trust with patients.
Gaining deeper knowledge of genetic diseases and the diagnostic process is instrumental in helping me decide if genetics is the right specialty for my future medical career.
By studying rare genetic conditions and their diagnostic pathways, I can better understand the intricacies of this field.
Reading articles on various genetic mutations, reviewing resolved cases and their outcomes.
Observing the steps taken with each new patient at the URDC all contribute to my comprehension of how each patient tracker step brings us closer to a diagnosis.
This exposure to real-world cases enhances my learning experience and informs my potential path in genetics.
Working at the URDC while being enrolled in my genetics lecture has greatly enriched my understanding of genetic diseases. This dual exposure allows me to apply theoretical knowledge from lectures directly to real-world scenarios at the clinic, deepening my comprehension of the subject. Through this experience, I've gained a broader perspective on the complexity of genetic disorders and the nuances involved in diagnosing and managing them. It has also provided me with the opportunity to engage with a variety of cases, enhancing my ability to recognize patterns and consider diverse approaches to patient care.
Gaining insight into the workings of the Undiagnosed Rare Disease Clinic (URDC) has sparked my interest in clinical research, which I am considering as part of my future medical career.
By reading articles provided by the URDC, I am able to understand their research methodologies and the various components involved in their case work.
Shadowing the URDC team as much as possible offers me hands-on experience with their approach to each new patient, enriching my understanding of their process.
Conducting my own research afterwards helps me solidify my knowledge of the different steps and procedures involved.
This comprehensive approach allows me to explore the potential of clinical research and its impact on patient care.
As I continue to work with older URDC data, I've had the opportunity to learn more about resolved cases and the clinic's findings, which has been truly inspiring. Additionally, shadowing a genetic scientist at URDC who specializes in gene analysis has been highly educational. This experience provided me with valuable insights into the process of analyzing genome and exome sequencing exams using patients' blood samples. Observing this process firsthand deepened my understanding of the sophisticated methods and precision involved in genetic analysis at the clinic.
My career goal is to attend medical school after completing my undergraduate studies and earn my MD. I am deeply committed to this path because of my passion for helping others and making a meaningful impact in their lives. I am confident in this goal and am actively working towards it. This year, I plan to immerse myself further by shadowing more physicians and engaging in additional research to explore the areas of medicine that resonate with me most.
My college experience, including shadowing Dr. Conboy in the URDC and her other clinics, has given me a deeper understanding of medical careers. I remain confident in my career choice and am eager to continue shadowing Dr. Conboy and other physicians to further explore and learn more about the medical field.
My confidence in my communication skills has significantly improved, both orally and in writing, since I first began my journey. This newfound clarity has enhanced my interactions and allowed me to convey my thoughts more effectively. I strive to continue honing these skills for even greater impact.
I aim to improve my productivity by learning to manage my time more efficiently, which will enable me to balance my various responsibilities more effectively. My attention to detail remains a key aspect of my approach to all tasks, ensuring that my work is completed to the highest standard.
Shadowing Dr. Conboy, the MD, has provided invaluable insights into doctor-patient interactions, shaping my understanding of the importance of empathy, clear communication, and patient-centered care. This experience has offered a practical perspective that will guide me as I continue to grow in my medical career.