So, I’m half way through my Pediatric Emergency Medicine (PEM) rotation and I am enjoying every bit of it.

First, let’s discuss my initial anxiety. I was nervous at first because my first rotation would be a visiting rotation at another institution. 😳

I also had anxiety with being a career HBCU student and being in an environment where I might be the only person of color in the room. Which is a reality that I would have to face eventually with going into a career in medicine. I assumed my imposter syndrome would be on 10.

I felt increased pressure to perform well because I would be the only medical student representing myself as a Black Woman and also my HBCU medical school. 

I was nervous about giving my patient presentations… sometimes I include too much-> What to exclude? What to not forget? Then the plan…should I give the basics then get specific? Ugh.

I was nervous about my personality, I’m extroverted…on the far end of the spectrum. It could be good initially when getting to know everyone but then again it can be annoying to some people. 🤷🏾‍♀️

I was nervous about my hair, I have a ombre pony tail with blonde tips. I was literally contemplating changing my hair style up until 3 hours before my first shift.

Ultimately, I had to just make the decision. Should I tone it down or just be myself? Well, I couldn’t deal with all the anxiety….couldn’t make it to the hair store in time to change my pony tail to all black (1B)….and trying not to be myself made me feel and come off awkward as hell. So, I decided to be my extroverted, ombre pony tail wearing self. I had hoped that I would be seen for my vibrant personality, clinical and procedural skill set and my eagerness to learn and pursue a career in Pediatric Emergency Medicine.

 

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Two weeks later…. I’m ready to go into every shift, ready to work and see just about any and every thing. It’s a good flow of a variety of cases. I’ve seen plenty of fractures, superficial skin infections and a few traumas.

Some of the cases I’ve seen: Conjunctivitis, Transverse fracture of Radius and Ulna x2, Pain crises, MVC, Cellulitis, Leg Abscess, GSW to the thigh, Distal tibial fracture, Vasovagal syncope, anal fissures, ankle sprain x2.

I feel like I’m getting better and much more confident with my patient presentations and physical exam findings. Peds has a lot of dermatology and I struggle with explaining skin findings at times but I’m working on it. 🥴

I love the learning environment. I have a student objective sheet that must be completed by the end of the rotation. The majority can be completed by simply having a conversation with an attending, peds resident or PEM fellow which is how I learn best.

I can remember what someone told me more so than something I read.

I’m the only medical student on the treatment team but I work with Peds, EM and Family Medicine residents, PEM fellows as well as Nurse Practitioner’s and my Peds attending. We teach each other and learn procedures together. This upcoming week I’m going to work with the respiratory specialist and nurses to learn how to place leads, program the IV pump, set up nebulizers, apply nasal cannulas and FMO2 and identify age/size appropriate BVMs for pediatric patients.

I have the opportunity to either observe or assist in the majority of procedures going on in the ED. My facial lac repair was the first time I had touched a needle driver in a year.

I was so nervous to make my first dig that my hand was shaking. Of course, this looks horrible in front of the entire family staring at you while their child is laying there with a medical student hovering over them…shaking. SMH. My attending noticed and asked me if I wanted him to do the first suture then I finish the rest. I was so relieved. After he did the first suture, I was ready to finish placing simple interrupted sutures. His little brother tried to post me on his insta…lol. After I finished his mom and dad said they looked great…it was like…what laceration? It was a chin lac repair so hopefully it’ll heal well and barely be noticeable once he grows in a little goatee or something.

Overall, I feel so comfortable and I am really enjoying my rotation. I’m surrounded by residents and fellows that love to teach. I wasn’t the only black woman in the room most of the time. 🙋🏾‍♀️ There is a good amount of diversity among my attendings, residents and fellows. But even when I am, I don’t put pressure on myself to perform above and beyond. I just remain myself and work hard to challenge myself, the way I always do.  There is never a dull moment…the stories we hear are so wild they just can’t be made up.

Had a short vacay but I’m looking forward to the randomness that’s to come this week….

-Until next time, future Doctor Jones ❤