Clinical Rotations: 10 Expectations VS. Reality

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Clinical Rotation

Clinical rotations play a vital role in shaping your medical career. They are essential steps to make a smooth transition from the classroom routine to the practical application of the knowledge gained over the years of study. Their primary goal is to enable medical graduates to make informed decisions regarding patient care practices. These practices majorly include patient examination under expert guidance, patient interviews, lab data reviews, observing senior health professionals and practitioners, and lastly team discussions. All in all, clinical rotations bridge the gap in your medical journey from being a medical aspirant to becoming a doctor. To learn more about Clinical Rotations, head on to “Guide – All You Need to Know About Clinical Rotations”

Since clinical rotations are a compulsory part of medical school requirements, most medical students wonder how to land an optimal clinical experience. Working in clinics and hospitals to gain hands-on experience brings with it a lot of pressure and apprehensions related to the process. Each clinical rotation is specialty-focused and it is always better to be prepared for the ins and outs of the clinical rotation in order to learn the most out of the experience. We have put together a number of expectations that medical graduates bring in while starting their U.S. Clinical Experience. Expectations are what we think will happen and the reality is how it unfolds. Let us break down a few common expectations regarding the application process and working in the U.S. medical environment, in the words of a newbie medical student!

Clinical Rotations Expectations VS. Reality

1.   Expectation: There will be tough competition there and I don’t really know much about it.

Reality: There sure is a sense of competition among the newbies who have just stepped into the professional environment but their goals are all the same. Remember that gaining hands-on experience to treat patients ethically and with care always goes beyond any personal egos or competitiveness.

2.     Expectation: The hierarchy in the hospitals would make me unnoticeable as a med student.

Reality: Being new to all of this as a medical student, it is normal to be the one among the medical staff who knows the least. The doctors, being in their prime duty to attend to the patient, cannot afford to lose focus. The responsibility majorly falls upon the medical students to be curious, and attentive and to be recognized among the staff as helpful and humble.

3.     Expectation: Shifts will be long and boring.

Reality: Clinical rotation shifts can be long at times but just remember that these are the best times to learn and grow your professional network. The best way to make the shifts exciting is to think of them as an opportunity to expand your knowledge and experience life in an actual clinical setting. Immersing yourself in the experience is the best way to grow professionally.

4.     Expectation: Odd-hour shifts will be tiring and I won’t be able to make it through.

Reality: The shifts at times may start way too early in the morning and students under training might have to stay till late at night. Punctuality is vital in almost all professions but doctors and medical graduates especially cannot afford to be late for their clinicals; in fact, always be early!  It is really important to take care of your own health and well-being. Keeping a check of the caffeine consumption and taking power naps in the student call room is vital, when appropriate. We at USDoctors ensure that our students get to work at world-class facilities under the supervision of the best in service mentors.

5.     Expectation: I would love to wear scrubs all day.

Reality: In the beginning, students are excited about wearing scrubs due to their appeal. As time passes and attending clinical rotations becomes routine, wearing scrubs each day becomes a privilege as it frees medical professionals from wasting their time deciding what to wear and helps in maintaining sanitation standards in clinical settings. All in all, students must ensure personal hygiene when it comes to their professional wear while on duty in healthcare settings. Pro-Tip: Wearing something comfortable under your scrubs will help!

6.     Expectation: Residents will be really mean.

Reality: One cannot be a qualified healthcare professional without having the ability to empathize with colleagues and their patients. Moreover, building a strong network with the seniors can be the doorway toward scoring credible LORs later on. Remember that saving lives is serious, so be a curious student and a useful helper and you’ll fit right in.

7.     Expectation: I wouldn’t really learn a lot from the rotations that do not align with my future goals.

Reality: By the time students become graduates, they have gained clarity on the specialty that they will pursue for their U.S. Residency. Core rotations include gaining basic hands-on experience in specialties such as Family Medicine, Pediatrics, OBGYN, psychiatry, and surgery to give the students a better idea of their interests and foster skills for their careers. During clinical rotations, every day is an opportunity to learn something new and inform your choice of what specialties speak to your purpose in a practical way.

8.     Expectation: I will be too confused/worried/scared in the surgery room.

Reality: As a medical student, it is okay to be confused over unfamiliar procedures. Make sure to prepare before the rotation, and carefully listen to senior students and the Physician, who can help you get acclimatized to it all. At the end of the day, being a good doctor is not just about being a know-it-all but an opportunity to relieve the pain of others; having a listening ear is key.

9.     Expectation: Applying for the right U.S. Clinical Experience would be a hassle and the approval will take a long time.

Reality: USDoctors platform is known for its hassle-free, 5-step application process that takes less than 5 minutes to apply. Once your profile is complete and the application has been submitted, the application will be reviewed by the panel and the applicant is then contacted directly. Our team makes sure that the applicant stays up-to-date and that all of the queries are answered in a timely manner. For more guidance on how to find and apply for the right U.S. Clinical Experience read our blog on Step-by-Step Guide to Find a U.S. Based Clinical Experience.

10.   Expectation: I won’t be able to get in touch with the mentor directly.

Reality: At USDoctors, we make sure that our students are directly in touch with their mentors as soon as their application is approved and their payment is submitted. All the details regarding their schedule and any other queries can be answered by phone and email. It is advised for students to be prepared to take notes on what they learn or any questions that arise while attending to a patient in rotations. Questions can be asked from the doctor or any seniors once the patient has been attended to; this is a great clue to the physician that you are engaged and there to learn! 

To make the most out of your clinical experience, one needs to be a good listener, have focus, and have a curious mind. Patience and commitment are required for the purpose of serving your community and practicing medicine well. While it may take significant effort from healthcare professionals, the reward is seeing the positive results and recovery of their patients. In the words of Theodore Roosevelt, 26th U.S. President, “Nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care”.Have more questions? Our team is here to guide you on your journey! Reach out to us at info@usdoctors.co or visit us at USDoctors.co.

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