Over
the course of the last couple of weeks, I have had the privilege of shadowing a
Physician (my former pediatrician) at Internal Medicine and Pediatrics of
Bristol, which is my home town. I have been shadowing on Friday afternoons, and
of course, over fall break. I was very excited to begin this shadowing process
because pediatric medicine is the field that I hope to enter into after medical
school. Shadowing this wonderful provider, has taught me so much about what I
am going to be doing, and have proven to me even more that this is what I want
to do with my life. I feel that one of the most important things that shadowing
shows you is what kind of provider I want to be. I don’t mean the specialty you
wish to enter into, but rather the type of provider that you want your
patients, colleagues, and future students to admire you because of. Over these
last few weeks, I have been given another prime example of the doctor that I
hope to be in the coming years.
This shadowing experience was unlike
any other that I have had previously because, as stated above, I was in a
pediatric office and shadowing small children. The particular provider that I
shadowed believes that anything that can be fixed (especially with small
children) with natural methods and the absence of medications that could
potentially cause more harm than good, should be done that way. I was able to
see him write down, from memory, a recipe and directions for how to aid a child
facing dehydration. I learned that an equal mixture of white vinegar and
rubbing alcohol can help when someone is struggling with water in their ears. I
also learned that (though this does not directly apply to children) cherry
juice and celery help in relieving gout symptoms. All of these methods were
completely unheard of to me, and I was absolutely fascinated to learn more. I
also learned some ideas for making sure that children receive the nutrients
that they need. This provider, on more than one occasion told the parents that
there are 3 things every child needs: at least 1 hour of outside time per day,
2 hours (preferably less) of screen time per day, and 5 fresh fruits or
vegetables per day. In order to help the kids remember this, he would always
tell them that they need to eat all of the colors of the rainbow every day. He
recommended smoothies with hidden ingredients and allowing the kids to help
prepare their own meals.
I was also given an immunization
schedule for when children should receive vaccinations including Pediatrix,
Hib, Prevnar, and Rotarix at 4mo all the way to Tdap, Gardisil, and
Meningococcal between 11-12 years. This was really cool to have it laid out
when vaccinations need to be given. I was also able to hear the Pediatrician defend
his opinion as to why vaccines are important and necessary, especially in this
world where so many parents are trying to prevent their children from receiving
them.
The most important thing, at least
for me personally as a student, that I saw from this provider was the fact that
he took time with his patients and made them feel as though he had nothing more
interesting in the world to be doing than to be talking with them, at least for
the small amount of time they had for the appointment. He remembered their
names and their families and stories that he had been told many months/years
before. He prayed with them and asked God to hold them and bring them peace, no
matter what it was they were facing. He shared his love with them, and that is
what I admired most.
Overall, this shadowing experience
was wonderful, and I am looking forward to shadowing this provider, and others
in his office in the coming months. I cannot wait to learn more about what it
takes to care for children in the healthcare field.
