This summer I took part in the Gilstrap Program at McGovern Medical School in Houston Texas. This program involved shadowing various health professionals within the OB/GYN field. Within this immersive learning environment, I gained a deeper understanding of both the field of OB/GYN and the field of medicine more broadly. In previous shadowing experiences, I acted more as a passive observer than an active learner. This internship demanded more from me. As a result, I gained skills that will be invaluable when I am in medical school going through rounds. These include active listening, effective communication, and the knowledge of how to deal with difficult topics.
Additionally, I got to observe many advanced medical technologies and procedures in action. These included surgeries utilizing the four armed da Vinci robot and surgeries performed in utero while the fetus was still developing. Outside of being very cool to witness, these procedures also demonstrated how medicine is an ever evolving field. All the medical professionals I worked with were constantly continuing their learning to ensure that patients were always receiving the highest standard of care.
Through talking with many residents and medical students as well as witnessing firsthand their responsibilities, the road that lay ahead of me became clearer. Instead of viewing medical
school and residency as vague stepping stones to becoming a doctor, I understand what each step involves, how I should approach them, and what lessons I should take away. I can better appreciate the vital role that each phase of the medical journey plays in shaping me to become a good physician. Through gaining a better understanding what lies ahead, I am more secure in my goal to become a doctor and can better plan for each step.
I would like to thank Dr. Scott Rathgaber who started the Gilstrap program and Dr. Sunbola Ashimi who coordinated all of our rotations and made sure that the experience ran smoothly for all the Gilstrap students. Finally, I would like to thank Jill Rogers and Dr. Wetzel for organizing the GHI summer internships and for providing me with this opportunity.
