My site evaluation was a constructive opportunity to reflect on my learning journey alongside two classmates. One of the highlights of the meeting was presenting a journal article on Mycoplasma genitalium, a topic I wasn’t very familiar with prior to my research. This experience was particularly enriching, as it allowed me to deepen my understanding of this pathogen and its implications in clinical practice. The research process involved reviewing current literature, understanding diagnostic challenges, and exploring treatment options for Mycoplasma genitalium infections. The discussion with PA Sadat and my peers was engaging and informative, allowing us to exchange insights and clarify complex aspects of the cases and the journal topic. This meeting not only reinforced my clinical knowledge but also emphasized the importance of staying current with emerging medical research. Overall, the session was a valuable part of my rotation, contributing to both my professional development and my confidence in handling clinical presentations.
All posts by Emily Lancia
R9 Typhon Log
R8 Typhon Log
R7 Typhon Log
R6 Typhon Log
R9 Rotation Reflection
Psychiatry Rotation Reflection
My psychiatry rotation on an adult inpatient unit at Elmhurst Hospital was an enriching and eye-opening experience. Working under the guidance of Dr. Dar and alongside a team of resident doctors and medical students fostered collaborative and dynamic learning environment. Our daily discussions were both engaging and informative, providing me deeper insight into the complexities and nuances of psychiatric care. I particularly appreciated the residents’ unique perspectives, as they provided practical, patient-centered strategies that bridged the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application. Through daily rounds, I became more confident in contributing to the team and valued the opportunity to learn from my peers.
Throughout the rotation, I encountered a broad spectrum of psychiatric conditions, including major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and substance use disorders. Observing the various ways these conditions manifest in patients emphasized the importance of personalized care. I became familiar with commonly prescribed medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics, and gained insight into their mechanisms of action, indications, and potential side effects. This rotation also underscored the significance of patient interviews in psychiatry, teaching me how to approach patients with empathy, patience, and cultural sensitivity while gathering a thorough psychiatric history. Overall, this experience reinforced my interest in holistic, patient-centered care and sharpened my skills in clinical reasoning, therapeutic communication, and teamwork.
R8 Rotation Reflection
During my emergency medicine rotation, I gained valuable insight into the unique challenges and nuances of working in a fast-paced, high-acuity environment. This rotation allowed me to work alongside a variety of knowledgeable preceptors who were enthusiastic to show me their unique approach to managing acute conditions. Their varied styles and expertise helped me refine my clinical judgment, especially in the face of the unpredictable situations that occur in a community emergency department.
In addition to my preceptors, one of the most rewarding aspects of this experience was working interprofessionally with the dedicated nurses, administrative staff, and social workers who make up the emergency department team. I came to appreciate how essential collaboration is in emergency medicine, particularly when treating vulnerable populations. A highlight of this rotation was learning about the role of the engagement team, which provides tailored support for unhoused patients, addressing not only their immediate medical needs but also connecting them with long-term resources and care.
Additionally, I was fortunate to spend two weeks in the trauma/critical care department, where I had hands-on opportunities to perform a range of procedures. This experience not only strengthened my technical skills but also taught me the importance of clear communication and composure when working with critically ill patients. This reinforced the need to balance swift, effective intervention with compassion for patients and their families.
Overall, this rotation deepened my understanding of emergency medicine and the skills required to provide comprehensive care in challenging circumstances. I am grateful for the opportunity to have learned so much from a dedicated team and to have been part of such meaningful work.
R7 Rotation Reflection
My recent family medicine rotation with Dr. Berkowitz was an incredibly enriching experience. Dr. Berkowitz is a knowledgeable internist who has been seeing some of the same patients since the 1980s. He taught me not only about clinical medicine, but also about the art of patient care. His approach to patients—using kindness, humor, and grace, especially when dealing with disgruntled individuals—was something I deeply admired and hope to emulate in my own practice.
One area in which I grew significantly during this rotation was understanding and interpreting labs, which has always been a weakness of mine. Dr. Berkowitz’s extensive knowledge in this area helped me build confidence in reading routine lab results and also knowing when to order more specialized tests. This skill will undoubtedly serve me well in my future practice, as lab interpretation is such a critical component of patient care.
Overall, this rotation not only expanded my clinical knowledge, especially in terms of lab work, but also reinforced the importance of maintaining a compassionate, patient-centered approach to care. Seeing Dr. Berkowitz’s long-standing relationships with his patients highlighted the value of continuity and trust in family medicine, making this rotation both an educational and inspirational experience.
R6 Rotation Reflection
R5 Rotation Reflection
My Internal Medicine rotation was an enlightening and diverse experience that significantly enhanced my clinical skills and knowledge. Throughout the rotation, I encountered a wide range of medical conditions and patient presentations, which provided a comprehensive overview of adult patient care.
One of the highlights of my rotation was the week I spent on the Stroke Team. During this time, I was involved in managing acute stroke cases, including the administration of thrombolytic therapy for ischemic strokes and the complex care of hemorrhagic stroke patients. This week was particularly memorable due to the multidisciplinary team’s rapid and coordinated response to emergencies, emphasizing the critical nature of timely intervention in stroke care. Additionally, I contributed to discussions on secondary prevention and patient rehabilitation, which reinforced the importance of holistic and patient-centered care in neurology. Having studied neuroscience as my Bachelor’s Degree and also coming from a background in EMS, I felt particularly suited for this experience.
Beyond my time on the Stroke Team, I engaged with a variety of cases in general internal medicine. I managed patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart failure, learning to balance multiple comorbidities and tailor treatment plans to individual needs. One notable case involved a patient with advanced heart failure, where we had to carefully manage fluid status and optimize medication regimens, highlighting the intricacies of personalized care.
