Five Hamilton College students interested in health careers recently spent a week shadowing physicians in the St. Elizabeth Family Medicine Residency Program. This is the eighth consecutive year for the program entitled, “A Week in the Life of a Family Medicine Resident.” Students participating were Tiffany Andrade, Emma Geduldig, Robert Hawkins, Megan Lander and Akritee Shrestha.
The students’ days began at 7 a.m. with a morning meeting, during which residents and medical students watched presentations on a variety of medical conditions and case studies. From 8 a.m. until late afternoon, they shadowed residents in Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Surgery, OB/GYN, and Pediatrics at St. Elizabeth and Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare, or one of several satellite offices nearby.
“It was hectic getting into the routine, but this has been a very positive experience,” said Robert Hawkins, a senior student. “The week has given me insight into the job rather than textbook work. I saw one child with a fever at the Children’s Health Center and understand there are different protocols for different age groups.”
“The students are very enthusiatic,” said Molly Schug, D.O., a third-year resident and one of two Chief Residents. “Residency involves long hours with patients of all ages. This has been a positive experience for the Family Medicine Residents, as well.”
“I was able to see a delivery on my first day,” said Akritee Shrestha, a pre-med student. “The experience gives you a way to test the waters and interact with different patients.”
Residency is a critical, three-to-seven-year period (depending on the specialty) of medical education during which recent medical school graduates begin to officially practice medicine on their own.
 |
| Dr. Prity Rawal & Akritee Shrestha |