My ninth rotation was family medicine at Amazing Medical Services in Jamaica, Queens. Typically, I worked 8:30 or 9 AM until 4 PM to 6 PM on weekdays and occasional Saturdays as well. The office is comprised of one physician and medical assistants. Working with only one physician allowed me to understand her working style as well as gave me the ability to be autonomous and see patients on my own. Once I became comfortable with the office and electronic medical record, eClinicalWorks, I started to see patients independently. I would triage the patient and then continue to take a history and physical, as dictated by the reason they were coming to the office. I saw a variety of patients including those for annual/well visits, hypertension or diabetes routine follow ups (typically every three months), specific complaints such as back pain/throat pain etc., department of transportation/commercial driver’s license exams, post hospital discharge visits and immunization visits. I learned a lot about managing diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia on this rotation, as well as being vigilant about screening for disorders such as depression, colon cancer, and breast cancer.

 The procedures I have been able to participate in during this rotation are very specific. I have been grateful for the large number of venipunctures I have done during this rotation. Typically, if one of the patients I am seeing needs bloodwork, I would bring the patient to the lab after we are finished and I would draw the blood myself, giving me ample opportunity to continue to work on my venipuncture skills. I have also been able to administer immunizations such as COVID-19 and influenza shots. I also did urine dipsticks when needed for DOT or CDL exams. Since I hope to work in the emergency department after I graduate, the ability to do dozens of venipunctures help me continue to develop my skills, not only with directly performing the blood draws but also distracting nervous patients or helping calm them. I was also fortunate enough to see patients and come up with my own treatment plan before discussing and confirming the correct treatment with the physician. This allowed me to think about how I would manage the patient and whether I would continue their current regimen or when I would have them return to the office.

As with my previous rotations, I had several memorable experiences while at AMZ. One of the experiences that I will remember is a 28-year-old female patient who came in feeling depressed and anxious. I was able to spend time with the patient to discuss the triggers for her current emotions and discuss the options available to her such as medication, therapy and/or a psychiatrist. Another experience was with a 39-year-old male with a history of coronary artery disease with two myocardial infarctions and three stents as well as high blood pressure and high cholesterol. The patient came in with multiple complaints and states he has not taken his medication in about a month because of an insurance issue. Unfortunately, this is not an uncommon issue for patients, which makes it difficult to manage their diagnoses when there is a lack of a medication compliance for multiple reasons. I was able to again take the time to address each of the patient’s multiple issues and discuss the importance of restarting his medication on that day once picking it up at the pharmacy. Since I was able to see dozens of patients during this rotation and dedicate time with them, I have many memorable experiences that I will continue to remember even after finishing this rotation. I am grateful for all the patients being receptive of me taking care of them and I am glad I had the opportunity to work in this office.

This rotation helped me understand how to manage patients with multiple diagnoses such as diabetes and hypertension as well as understanding when to refer a patient to a specialist. I was able to become more comfortable with remembering screening at certain ages, as well as identifying when immunizations were due. Family medicine as my final rotation helped me solidify taking care of a patient as a whole and being the primary provider that ties all aspects of medicine together for the patient. I will take the information I learned during this rotation to not only study for my PANCE but also to help me as I begin my career as a PA to provide the best care possible.