(MY CLINICAL ROTATION DIARY 1)

HELLO!

I am a Debbie.

I’m a medical student studying abroad. I travelled home last summer for my clinical rotation at a prestigious hospital, and would love to share my experience with you.

In case you’re not a medic, a clinical rotation is a form of medical clerkship during which medical students are able to apply the classroom knowledge in a more practical setting-a Hospital.

Medic or not, you’re sure to find something useful here.

Let’s go!

*Please keep in mind that this is a subjective narrative.

Day one

I arrived at the hospital at about 6:45am. Please don’t ask me why. Well, I live pretty far away from the hospital, and traffic is usually heavy on my route. Moreover, the first day isn’t a good day to be late. First impression last longer, you know?

I asked everyone I could- the receptionist, security guards, cleaners, just about anyone I thought could be of help. You never know where you’d find help.  I finally found the place at about 06:50

(I walk fast *winks*), and was asked to wait for the matron who was to resume at 8:00am.

So far a number of the people I’ve met are pretty nice, but I met one with an attitude. I barely know her…say about an hour. She looks at me in the eye but ignores my greetings. I’m yet to find the right words to describe it… it’s kind of a-defence-on-intimidation look, but I think I’ll just ignore her and focus my energy on more positive things. Hopefully, this is all you’ll hear about her except something changes…for good, I guess.

I’m trying to wear a smile everywhere I go because I’m changing…asides it just makes life a lot easier I guess…I hope.

I waited in the wrong place till 09:30am when the matron finally attended to me! To be continued…

By Dr. Deborah Nwaeke