burst week of surgery and psychiatry, as well as my one day of OB/GYN a week, I have had comparable experiences to my colleagues. My experiences are also integrated throughout the year, which for me helps to remember better. I can see a patient in the OB/GYN office and then be present for a surgery they are scheduled for weeks later. I can see someone in a specialty appointment for an acute complaint and work with them to establish a primary care physician and be there for their initial visit.
This program does require a certain organization that I didn’t have a grasp on until several weeks into the curriculum. It took time to feel like I had a handle of how to track and follow patients appropriately without violating their privacy. Another challenge I’ve had is trying to quickly pick up different provider’s procedures in the short immersive weeks in a specialty. This can be draining and take a little time to get used to. Also due to the pandemic, our psychiatry week was done through Zoom. It was unique as it allowed us to do interprofessional work while appropriately distancing ourselves, but it also meant less one on one interaction with patients. Additionally, scheduling can be overwhelming. However, as with everything, time and good communication helps to ease transitions, and there are coordinators and contacts in place throughout Northern Light and the primary clinics to help ease these burdens on students. I have my fellow students in the program to rely on for advice and support. Overall, I am happy to be in this program and have the opportunity to train in an area I could see myself working in the future. <>