My time in family medicine was truly memorable as there was so much I learned about this specialty. In ways like watching Dr. Persaud navigate patient interactions with such skill not only boosted my confidence but also provided me invaluable insights into effective medical practice. Through hands-on experience, I gained proficiency in more hands-on procedures like phlebotomy, urinalysis, and throat culture collections which was different from my internal medicine rotation. I also learned about the importance of screening tests like mammograms, pap smears, colonoscopies and DEXA scans that were not asked with such importance in my previous rotation as well.

One of the things that struck me the most was the prevalence of depression among the patients I saw and the importance of addressing mental health issues within primary care. Dr. Persaud’s compassionate approach to managing depression, which encompassed treatments ranging from conversations to therapy or medications, left an impression on me on how to tackle a very sensitive topic. Also working alongside Dr. Persaud, I had the privilege of refining my physical examination skills and enhancing my ability to accurately document findings in charts. I am also aware that there’s always room for improvement, particularly in formulating comprehensive treatment plans tailored to individual patients.

As I reflect on this experience, I’m filled with gratitude for the opportunity to learn and grow in such a supportive environment with friendly staff and nice patients. Moving forward, I am committed to continually seeking guidance and working on my skills to provide the best possible care for my future patients.