Case Study Day

Good Morning!

Today is Wednesday and that means it's Case Study Day for us third years.

Let me start first by explaining what a case study is here at PCOM. Almost every week throughout both our second and third years we meet with our advisee groups (groups of students who share the same adviser) and are given a patient case to review. We then, as a group, form a care plan for that patient.

In second year, when the cases are first presented they are fairly simple. The patient may only have one or two things that need to be corrected. This all changes as the year progresses and by the time third year has begun the cases can be very complicated with many things to consider.

During a case study we are first tasked to identify the patient's problems. That involves reviewing labs, past medical conditions and current complaints. We then must come up with a plan to treat the patient. The plan will include medications (with doses and scheduling), monitoring (labs and adverse effects) and goals for the patient. It seems like a lot of work but its actually a lot of fun.

Here is my group focused and working hard:

And again, having a little bit of fun this time:

Katie

A Busy School Year

Hey guys,

Life as a third year has been crazy busy! Working two jobs on top of classes has been difficult for me this term but I'm feeling great because we have a lot of exciting things in store in the coming year. One of the most exciting things coming up has to be our rotations. In fourth year all students go on eight five-week rotations at various places. There are several required rotations like Community and Community Management, Ambulatory Care, and Clinical Pharmacy. We also get to do three elective rotations (!!!). I have been busy picking out my top choices all year. I love pediatrics and it's what I want to do after I graduate so that's what I've been focusing on. Next year we should have both Pediatrics and Neonatology rotations and I'm hoping I can do one of those. It would be a great learning experience and would really help me with my residency plans.

And, of course, there are also lots of other exciting rotations that I can't help but spend time considering even if it not in my direct line of interest.

Some of the coolest ones have to be Poison Control, Infectious Disease and Critical Care.

Speaking of pediatrics, I wanted to share with you some photos of an event I did in my undergrad with a local elementary school. I worked with Future Healthcare Professions of America and we set up a booth where we tried to show kids that going to the doctor or dentist isn't scary.

I loved working the event and we got a great response. I look forward to getting a chance to work with pediatric patients in the future!

Katie