posts.
I feel like there have been so many events lately (NYC, wedding in Florida, my birthday) and I put this on the back burner, but since tomorrow is my last day at this rotation, I thought it was time to give a little recap.
Would I just be treating diabetes and hypertension all.day.long? Would I just be
managing and refilling prescriptions? After finishing my first day, I knew it was much much more. Some people would say that primary care providers are kind of like a
“Jack of all trades.” They know a little about a lot, versus a specialist
who knows a lot about a little.
The PCP should be the first point of contact for a patient. If you fall and break your leg, sure- go to an ER. When do you not go to the ER? When you’ve had back pain for 3 weeks. Happens all the time, people. And then people complain about the waiting times. I digress. The family medicine provider is trained to treat and manage numerous medical conditions and if they can’t figure it out or the problem can’t be controlled, they can always refer you to a specialist… if needed.
I have got to see a wide variety of things at this rotation and that’s one of my favorite things about it. Whether it’s an ear infection, chronic uncontrolled diabetes, or a funky rash (my favorite!), I’ve learned how to diagnose and treat tons of stuff. Another super important thing we do is annual physicals. Please, please don’t be that person that’s like “well, I feel fine so I must be healthy.” If you have insurance, then your yearly exam is always covered at 100% because preventative medicine is the best medicine. Everyone should get checked over once a year and have blood drawn to make sure your health is in tip top shape!
Another great thing about the family practice is… the free food! So many drug reps come by this office and we had lunches 3-4 times a week. Oh, and let’s not forget the breakfast and cupcake snacks. If I worked here I’d definitely have to step up my workout game. I feel like I’ve learned a lot about new medicine. While older drugs may be “tried and true”, we as PAs still have to stay up to date on healthcare as it changes.
the spot. She will ask me questions in the room in front of the patient and
gets me to really think about things. Of course you don’t want to be wrong, but
if you are, the chances of you remembering the right answer are even greater! She has helped make this rotation to be one of my favorite ones and I truly don’t want to leave. Let’s hope that I can get a job with this hospital system in the near future… fingers crossed!
Linking with Annie, Natalie, & Joey.
I have several friends that are SO happy in family medicine! Glad you found your niche!
I'm sure you've been eating like a queen with all the drug reps coming in to feed you!!! I'm so bad and don't even remember the last time I saw my PCP!! oops…xo, Biana – BlovedBoston
Family med isn't really "my thing". I have my heart set on Women's Health so family med has seemed a little boring/frustrating. I have quickly learned that family med in Eastern NC is all about trying to get A1C's down from 13% and jugging BP and hyperlipidemia meds… not my thing. I am really looking forward to my pediatrics rotations because I have a feeling I'm going to love it. So happy you are loving yours though!!
Fingers crossed you get hired there!!!! I love hearing about your experiences! And the fact that weird freaky rashes are your favorite just made me like you even more, you little weirdo 🙂
I always thought FP would be interesting with different things coming in the door…..I totally enjoyed your post. Best of luck!
I love going to the dr…I think mine thinks I am crazy! I always have a long list of random questions to ask.
I rarely go to the doctor, but ever since my company started doing the BMI incentive, I've gotten my physical every year because if you pass all three tests, they give you a credit on your paycheck to go towards your medical insurance. Definitely a bonus for me! Glad you enjoyed this rotation!
Love that this is a great fit for you! And I can't tell you how many people I urge to go get their annual physical! It's included in our insurance, go dooooo it 😛
I felt the same way about family medicine! free coffee & free lunches aren't too shabby either 😉
I'm in community health and I'm always shocked to hear my friends say, "I havent gone to the doctors' in years!!" Good luck girl. Enjoy!
It does seem like you'd get a little bit of everything in family medicine. The only PAs I've ever run into have been in the ER!