Reflections of a PA Student

More Than a Medical School

Timothy Loerke — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:20:00 GMT

Last week I attended a meeting in which students discussed how our school, the University of Northern Texas Health Science Center, is perceived in the community. I sat with a few student leaders from other campus programs. We all realized how many components...(read more)

Finding Time for Community Service

Timothy Loerke — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:09:00 GMT

Students in PA school encounter many opportunities to participate in community outreach events. Participation varies due to perceived or actual time constraints (see my previous post ). Last week I spoke with a medical student who is highly involved in...(read more)

You Can 'Have A Life' in PA School

Timothy Loerke — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:32:00 GMT

One of my roles at school is to be a student ambassador. I team up with a couple of my classmates to host prospective students on their interview day. We take them out to lunch and lead them on a tour across campus. Along the way, they ask me questions...(read more)

Dealing With Conflict

Timothy Loerke — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:41:00 GMT

PA school provides many opportunities for students to test their character and develop a sense of what it means to be a professional. Recently, I have observed how conflict can be a refining fire for us. There seem to be two general methods of dealing...(read more)

Evidence-Based Medicine: It Just Makes Sense

Timothy Loerke — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 15:08:00 GMT

In clinical practice, we will work with health care professionals who confidently make a treatment decision based on their own experience. On the other hand, we will work with health care professionals who move forward with treatment on the basis of proven...(read more)

Always A Patient

Timothy Loerke — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:38:00 GMT

What does it feel like to wait nearly an hour in a cold room with only a thin cloth separating your private parts from the outside world? More than likely, we have all had some uncomfortable incident where we were the patient. Now, the dominant perspective...(read more)

The Learning Process: Were You Robbed?

Timothy Loerke — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 13:49:00 GMT

Many would assume that people who pursue post-undergraduate education must love to learn. Why subject yourself to Socratic methods and difficult testing? Does that not make you incredibly uncomfortable? Absolutely! When it comes down to it, students love...(read more)

A Patient Is Not A Number

Timothy Loerke — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:53:00 GMT

When PA students are exposed to the clinical environment, dilemmas are sure to arise, namely between how we imagine we'll practice as PAs and the reality of the clinical atmosphere. In the clinic, you are bound to encounter patients who provide information...(read more)

The Student's Demands

Timothy Loerke — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 18:18:00 GMT

It has become apparent to me how particular PA students can be about their academic experience, and I am no exception. Our increased expectations for the academic experience may have something to do with our limited amount of time in the program and the...(read more)

Spinning Plates While Walking the Tightrope

Timothy Loerke — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 18:12:00 GMT

Not everyone has experienced a “block” schedule before. This is where you have two to three classes at a time for three to four weeks. So, when you come to PA school, this type of setup might present some challenges. Every program is different, but most...(read more)

The Harsh Environment: Who’s To Blame?

Timothy Loerke — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 13:01:00 GMT

Have you ever wondered why things are the way they are? One of my readers brought up a great point about reaping the benefits—or in her case, the detriments—from past students on rotations. Could it be that some negative opposition during rotations may...(read more)

Outside the Norm

Timothy Loerke — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 12:43:00 GMT

Prior to clinical exposure, PA students become accustomed to the normalcy of the physical exam. We can identify the S1 heart sound, palpate the typical abdomen, visualize the tympanic membrane and even examine a healthy retina. Lectures provide systemic...(read more)

Working With Nurses

Timothy Loerke — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 14:18:00 GMT

The hospital can be a hostile environment if you are not aware of whose house it really is. Right now, I am taking a class called Supervised Practice where we spend one day per week in a clinical setting. The other day I performed rounds in the hospital...(read more)

Gentle Communication: An Elusive Skill

Timothy Loerke — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 14:59:00 GMT

Authentic patient interactions have a different feel from those in the practice room. The reality of verbal intimacy is precarious to say the least. Over the past couple of weeks, we have spent time in the clinic as sort of a pre-rotation, if you will....(read more)

Mea Culpa: Following Our Own Advice

Timothy Loerke — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 13:48:00 GMT

How many readers have sat in a class that made you feel a little uncomfortable? And I am not talking about OBGYN lectures. A couple of weeks ago, we had our first dermatology scolding. The physician emphasized strongly the importance of sunscreen and...(read more)