I am pleased to say that I loved this rotation and am very sad that it has come to an end. The end of this rotation has already had a bitter sweet moment for me as my preceptor left for vacation before my last week. As we were in the middle of our last ACL reconstruction together, our last rotator cuff repair, and even just last knee arthoscopy, I felt a genuine saddness realizing that I may never work with him again--I realized that although unanticipated, I really enjoyed orthopedics, especially with him and his PA.
The last week I was able to do some different things in orthopedics including work with his PA one-on-one. She was very much "to the point" but an extremely intelligent preceptor. As my friend said, who had her for this rotation as well, "she is only making me a better PA." I could not agree with her more! There are times when preceptors would be tough for no reason, (or even mean for no reason), but then there are preceptors like this orthopedic PA, who is one of the best preceptors I have had because of her ability to bring out the best in us as students. Most of the time I feel pressured and stressed because she asks tough questions that we SHOULD know the answers to--and she knows that. All in all, in a strange way, I look up to her because of the way she explains procedures to the patients, validates their concerns, but remains efficient and productive at the same time.
During the last week, I spent two days with another orthopedic PA who works with doctors who specialize in hands (and other upper extremities). This was a different experience that allowed me to see all new types of conditions, injuries, and follow-up's from surgeries. The PA was a fantastic teacher, she spent extra time with me to explain new concepts and conditions. There were so many conditions I have never even heard of before! I guess when you are working with a specialist, you see all the zebras! She as well as the other providers helped grow my fascination in orthopedics.
The last week I was able to do some different things in orthopedics including work with his PA one-on-one. She was very much "to the point" but an extremely intelligent preceptor. As my friend said, who had her for this rotation as well, "she is only making me a better PA." I could not agree with her more! There are times when preceptors would be tough for no reason, (or even mean for no reason), but then there are preceptors like this orthopedic PA, who is one of the best preceptors I have had because of her ability to bring out the best in us as students. Most of the time I feel pressured and stressed because she asks tough questions that we SHOULD know the answers to--and she knows that. All in all, in a strange way, I look up to her because of the way she explains procedures to the patients, validates their concerns, but remains efficient and productive at the same time.
During the last week, I spent two days with another orthopedic PA who works with doctors who specialize in hands (and other upper extremities). This was a different experience that allowed me to see all new types of conditions, injuries, and follow-up's from surgeries. The PA was a fantastic teacher, she spent extra time with me to explain new concepts and conditions. There were so many conditions I have never even heard of before! I guess when you are working with a specialist, you see all the zebras! She as well as the other providers helped grow my fascination in orthopedics.