This past week at HMS MedScience Clinical has been one of the most exciting and meaningful learning experiences of my life. Each day challenged me to think like a doctor, not just in terms of medical knowledge but also teamwork, empathy, and handling pressure. Here is what I experienced:
Day 1: Not the First Time in Scrubs
On the first day, I was placed in a group of ten and introduced to Stop the Bleed training. We then moved into two patient simulations, including one with asthma, where we had to divide up roles, communicate clearly, and keep track of everything on the whiteboard.
I learned the difference between treatment and intervention and was surprised to find out that inhalers use a man made version of adrenaline. Later, I attempted intubation and out of five students I was the first to get it right on the very first try. That moment gave me a huge boost of confidence.
We also studied the normal ranges for vital signs including oxygen saturation, blood pressure, respiratory rate, temperature, and heart rate. Wearing scrubs the entire day made me feel proud, like I was truly stepping into the role of a future doctor.
Day 2: Trauma Under Pressure
Day two started with learning how to place IVs in both small and large veins. The highlight though was the trauma patient simulation. The patient was yelling in pain, oxygen levels were dropping, and everyone froze under the pressure. Even though I was only supposed to be the scribe, I stepped in by asking where it hurt, guiding the team, and calling for oxygen.
That is when I realized I love trauma care. The urgency did not scare me, it made me sharper. I also learned that with trauma patients stabilization always comes first. Questions can wait, bleeding cannot.
Later, I performed an intraosseous procedure. When the instructor checked it, he told me I had done an excellent job and that it was stable. He also told me I had excellent bedside manner, pointing out how I reassured a patient who had called himself “70 years young.” He said, “Knowledge and bedside manner, many people have one, but not the other. You have both.” Hearing that made me feel proud, because I know how rare that balance can be in medicine.
Day 3: Growing Confidence
On the third day, we trained in CPR and AED use on both adult and infant dummies. We also worked through a case of diabetic ketoacidosis.
I got more practice with suturing, which was not my first time but gave me the chance to refine my skills and even help two other students. At lunch, while I was quietly zoning out over my sandwich, one of my group members suddenly said, “You look like you could be a doctor.” That simple comment warmed my heart because that is exactly my dream.
Day 4: The Emotional Side of Medicine
Day four showed me just how much emotion is part of medicine. A guest speaker reminded us that there are many different paths into the field, even becoming an anesthesiology tech during undergrad.
In simulations, we treated a patient with gallstones and learned how diet changes can contribute to them, and then moved into a labor and delivery case. The most impactful moment came with a patient who had an ectopic pregnancy. She came in with a stomach ache, and after tests we discovered the pregnancy was in the fallopian tube. For her health, it had to be terminated. Delivering that kind of news showed me how medicine is not just about science, it is about compassion and honesty in the hardest moments.
Day 5: Lessons in Empathy
On the final day, we faced a patient with an opioid overdose. He was difficult, refusing to answer questions and acting arrogant. Instead of my usual approach, I asked very specific and targeted questions to limit frustration for both of us. I realized something important. Patients often come to the hospital at their worst, and as a doctor, you have to be at your best.
In the middle of our huddle, the patient grabbed medication from the cart and his vitals crashed. We had to perform CPR, provide breaths, and give meds until he stabilized. Later, I learned that our compressions had not been deep enough. I also had to help calm a teammate who was frustrated and ready to lash out.
What struck me most was understanding, chemically and emotionally, what addiction does to people. It gave me more empathy for patients struggling with substance use. It is not as simple as just telling someone to stop. Knowledge, I realized, builds empathy.
We also learned how to triage patients, not just by severity but by mortality rates and ethics. I found it fascinating that two doctors might triage the same group differently and both could justify their choices. That day, I also practiced backboarding and earned four certificates, including an “Empath Award” for being the most empathetic in my group. Hearing that I had excellent bedside manner was the perfect way to end the week. The other certificates included – Stop the Bleed, CPR/AED, and one for successfully completing the program
Looking Back
In just five days, I learned how to intubate, place IVs, suture, perform CPR, run trauma simulations, and even handle delicate conversations. But more than the technical skills, I learned that medicine is about teamwork, compassion, and the ability to stay calm when others freeze.
This week at HMS MedScience Clinical reminded me why I want to be a doctor and gave me a glimpse of the kind of doctor I hope to become.
