Learn by Doing

"I had a glimmering of insight...Medicine was religion. Religion was society. Society was medicine. Even economics were mixed up in there somewhere and so was music."
-Anne Fadiman (The Spirit Catches You And You Fall Down)

Since I informed the doctors I work with of my school decision, I have noticed some change in the workplace. They are thrilled with my decision and are demonstrating their support in many ways.

One afternoon, I was getting ready to bring back a patient when the doctor asks if I would like to apply the wound vac on the next patient. Eagerly, I get the materials ready as he explains in detail how the wound vac works. Prior to this, I had observed this application twice. As the doctor talked, I was running through the steps in my head. I went in and he watched me go through each step, assisting only when a blade was necessary. I concluded and the patient (knowing I was a first-timer) happily said, "You look like a professional."

Now that I've demonstrated my capabilities, I am being given more opportunities to learn by doing. Aside from letting me have even more hands-on experiences, the doctors have looked at my future curriculum and given me some advice. Further, they have even taken an interest in the social side of health care that I'm interested in and have given me contacts that may help me carry out that interest. Work is definitely contributing to my excitement for the new journey ahead!