After graduating with a Biology Bachelor's of Science degree from IUPUI, I plan on going to Physician Assistant (PA) school, preferably in Indiana. After graduating PA school, I would like to practice as a PA specializing in obstetrics. I recently switched from Pre-Med to Pre-PA, because I like to lateral mobility that PA provides between specialties, as well as the work-life balance. This year I plan on shadowing some PAs and Doctors in different specialties. I feel like this will help me narrow down specialties, as well as confirm if my professional and academic goals are right for me.
March Update
Something I really enjoy in this internship role, is how hands on it is. When I am conducting eligibility screenings, I am personally talking to a patient. When I am recruiting individuals for our study, I am physically present in a hospital and directly interacting with patients. This experience has really confirmed my career goals for me. I love being in a hospital setting and getting to know participants and patients. I feel really self-assured in my career choice in the medical field, mostly because of the medical environment experience this internship has granted me.
To gain confidence in using scientific language in work environments.
This goal will prepare me for the future because I am planning on going to PA school. I need to be comfortable using scientific language not only in PA school, but during my time as a Physician’s Assistant as well.
Tasks that will help me reach this goal:
1. Enter information into excel spreadsheets
2. Continuously go over the IRB’s
3. Take eligibility screenings for patients
March Update:
I have greatly improved my proficiency in using scientific language in the Perinatal Trauma Stress Lab. As I have continued in this role, conducting eligibility screens on potential participants has become my responsibility. Asking specific questions using scientific language has greatly boosted my confidence. I now feel extremely comfortable talking to patients and explaining the various eligibility criteria for our study.
To learn how to effectively use empathetic listening skills.
As a future medical professional, I will have to hear some sad news and possible even give it out. Empathetic listening is so important to make sure the patient feels comfortable with you.
Tasks that will help me reach this goal:
1. Listening to eligibility screenings and their responses
2. Talking to patients about their experiences during recruitment
3. Decompressing about hard conversations with my supervisor to further my coping skills
March Update:
Particularly during eligibility screenings, I have acquired the skill of posing challenging questions in a manner that is more approachable for the patients I am assessing. By employing a softer approach in my questioning, I believe I have facilitated the practice of empathetic listening skills for myself. By demonstrating empathy in my approach to sensitive topics, patients recognize me as a trusted individual with whom they can confide. I have truly progressed in this regard, and it is the achievement of which I am most proud.
To strengthen my communication and teamwork skills in work environments.
In the past I have been very independent during work. I know that to be successful I must be open to the feedback a team provides. I know that communication is a very important transferrable skill.
Tasks that will help me reach this goal:
1. Weekly zoom meeting calls on Monday mornings
2. Working with the team recruiting in person weekly
3. Consistent checkups with my supervisor and her assistant
March Update:
During this new semester, my school workload has been notably overwhelming. Consequently, effective communication with my supervisors has become crucial. Fortunately, my internship site acknowledges that I am a student first, and demonstrates great understanding when I need to reduce my workload. Learning to effectively communicate this need has presented a learning curve for me. However, through attending weekly check-in meetings every Monday and exchanging 4-5 emails per week with my supervisors, I have significantly improved my communication skills.