Make sure you see Karen in the
Medicine
office to get your code for signing notes; this is key, as attending
expect you to sign your notes
and list them as the co-signer. You pretty much can't do much without
this.
How was the driving and parking?
Parking's not so good - there
is a lot with lots
of spaces, but you have to cross two streets and an alley to get to the
VA. If you're there after
hours, park closer!
How bad were the on call hours?
Not bad. Call was every 4th
night, with home
call til 9pm. Not much action most of the time, but the days were always
busy.
ok at films. Clinic days are randomly assigned, but usually 2-3/week.
Lectures are 2-3 x/week,
not bad.
What were your weekend hours?
Come in later and write notes on
your patient.
Present to the resident. Go home.
What should we know about the attendings and residents?
Dr. Cruz
is a great
guy. Very friendly and teaches a lot on MRI reading. Laid back and will
help you out if you ask
questions.
Did you learn any new procedures or skills?
Got to do an LP.
There are a lot
of them which happen at the VA, and the residents are cool about letting
you try them.
What books were useful for the shelf exam?
Neuro Pre-test is a
must. Don't
recommend the suggested book - waste of time.
How was your shelf exam?
4/10
Did you have enough time to study for it?
They just told us we
had a shelf 3
weeks into the rotation. Not really enough time, but I wouldn't have used
it anyway.
What pearls of wisdom should an incoming student ABSOLUTELY know?
Be really really nice to the ladies/guys at the CT desk (have name,
number, and when the test was
performed on hand). Clinic with Dr. Thomas - expect to be grilled and to
stay there 4 times as
long as any other physician expects you to be with a patient. Fill out his
extensive H&P form on
the computer before paging him to come in. Let the patient know you're
sorry, but there going to
be there a while!
Otherwise, enjoy the laid-back setting of the VA and don't let the
slowness get to you.
How would you rate the stress level?
mellow
Are you now more or less interested in this specialty as a career?
More
Any other comments?
The shelf really didn't have much peds
except for seizures,
which you get pretty good lectures on. The VA is great for seeing
pathology and bad disease,
recommend going there for the Neuro rotation - you'll see and do a lot,
without over-loading on
patient's - it's a steady stream, but they try to keep the service light.
