AAO-HNSF Primary Care Otolaryngology Handbook

INTRODUCTION TO CLINICAL ROTATION AND PHYSICAL EXAM

One of the most basic attributes a student can develop over the course of the clinical years is the ability to communicate , with both team members and patients. As opposed to the old motto of “see one, do one, teach one,” where the senior members of the team would often leave students on their own in difficult situations, the current environment is more colle- gial and assumes hands-on teaching from the attending physician and residents. It is always okay to say “I don’t know” or “I don’t know how to” when asked a question or to perform a task. Honest communication is best for both learners and patients. While there will always be excep- tions, most people are happy to help students advance their skills and knowledge and will take the time to teach. During the third year, you may have conflicting responsibilities, such as being at a lecture while needing to coordinate a test for a patient. In general, the priority should be the care of the patient. If it is a test and you cannot get someone to do it for you, you may need to miss the lecture. These situations do not actually come up very often, and if patient care is the main goal, over the long run, most people will respect these decisions. However, it is crucial that you communicate with your team in these situations. One of the great things about clinical rotations is the constant influx of knowledge students pick up every day. There is so much new material to absorb it can be overwhelming. It is extremely helpful to identify one or two go-to sources for each rotation that you can refer to when trying to learn about or understand a new condition, treatment, etc. While it is always important to get as much information as possible, large textbooks are often not the best resource as you go through the clinical rotations. Smaller reference books are extremely helpful as a quick guide to the basic understanding needed for all of the new information coming your way. Try to dedicate a specific amount of time every day to reading and always try to read about the conditions or procedures related to your patients. Even though navigating the ever-changing waters of meeting new colleagues, teammates, and patients can be difficult, a simple smile and pleasant demeanor go a long way. Introducing yourself to nurses, advanced practice providers, operating room (OR) staff, and others goes a long way. In high-stress environments, such as the OR, people can be on edge and students can be easy targets for those who want to vent or assert themselves. However, a friendly introduction often disarms those who are inclined to project their own insecurities onto you.

5

www.entnet.org