The month-long rotation that I have spent with Dr. Michelow and his staff at Contemporary Cosmetic Surgery, Inc, has been the highlight of my clinical year, to date. Because this was one of my elective rotations, I was thrilled from day one to have an opportunity to learn about plastic surgery. However, I never expected that I would gain so much hands-on experience.
This rotation has been unlike any of my other rotations. From day one, Dr. Michelow and his office staff made me feel like a welcome part of the team and were willing to take the time to show me anything I wanted to learn. My previous rotations had allowed me to take histories and perform physical exams; however, this rotation has allowed me to do so much more.
Rarely, did I find myself simply observing. I have gained experience with documenting SOAP notes, pulling up injections, and assisting with excisions and other office procedures.
During my first week, I had the incredible opportunity to review suturing technique in the skills lab at Southpoint Hospital. Dr. Michelow offers this additional instruction for his students and I am so grateful for the experience. I received one-on-one instruction and then was able to practice what I had learned while the instructor checked back intermittently to give me feedback and to share other helpful tips. This experience was so valuable to me because I have always been interested in surgery and I feel that it is where I would like to work in the future. The suture lesson boosted my confidence and showed me areas in which I could improve. I did not get the opportunity to practice much at all during my general surgery rotation; however, Dr. Michelow has allowed me to actively assist him on nearly every surgery.
This rotation has been unique in that it has allowed me to follow a patient’s case through the various stages of pre-op consults, surgery, and post-op office visits. Through each stage, Dr. Michelow actively taught me about the importance of recognizing the uniqueness of each patient’s case. More so than in any other rotation, I learned that patient education is vital and that what we learn from listening to patients is the most valuable tool of all. .
I have gained invaluable clinical skill experience by finally applying what I had only read about and practiced in school. I have been challenged to do more than in any other rotation,
and with that experience, I have gained more confidence in my abilities than ever before. This rotation with Dr. Michelow has been such an incredible learning experience for me because
I have been encouraged to ask questions, to think critically, and to practice new skills each and every day.
It has been an incredible month and I can’t imagine a future rotation topping this one.
Maggie Deardurff
Physician Assistant Student
University of Mount Union
Alliance, OH
1/7/13 – 1/31/13
