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.