I had the incredible opportunity to attend Stanford’s Clinical Summer Internship program, where I explored a wide range of topics in the medical field. From learning how to suture to understanding the anatomy of the heart, and even spending a day in the life of an orthopedic surgeon, the experience was both challenging and rewarding.
I gained insight into what it means to be a physician-scientist. One of the key skills I developed was how to take detailed notes on patient cases and present them to a group of medical professionals, which was an invaluable experience in understanding the critical thinking required in the field.
Throughout the program, we covered various topics in our lectures, including:
- Diabetes
- Emergency medicine
- Brain anatomy and function
- Radiology
- Kidney anatomy and function
- Heart anatomy and function
One of the most memorable aspects of the program was the hands-on experience of dissecting a pig kidney, a sheep brain, and a pig heart. This practical approach allowed me to apply what I learned in lectures to real-world scenarios.
I also gained a deeper understanding of the role of Physician Assistants (PAs) by participating in clinical scenarios. In one exercise, I had to diagnose a “patient,” played by a PA, by asking the right questions—a task that taught me the importance of communication and attention to detail in medicine.
Overall, this internship not only expanded my knowledge of the medical field but also solidified my passion for pursuing a career in medicine. This has been my favorite experience of the summer of 2024!