3. Do not ignore the advice of residents and
nurses. Their experience and judg-
ment can be very helpful in avoiding costly
errors or embarassing situations.
A number of schools offer formal training in
technical skills such as venipuncture.
Such introductory courses most frequently teach
"universal precautions," such as han-
dling needles and wearing protective gear.
Existing programs, however, vary from a
five-day intensive course to ad hoc training at
the hospital.
Fourth-year Guidelines
The fourth year represents the final stages
before assuming the responsibilities of post-
graduate education. The knowledge and experience
acquired during the first three years
will be put to use during this year of
intensive clinical training.
A number of admonitions are in order as the
student now proceeds toward the prac-
tice of medicine.
1. The principal goal in practicing medicine
should be the satisfaction gained
through service to others.
2. The essence of good medicine is to reach a
diagnosis on the basis of a carefully
secured, complete history and physical
examination, supplemented, where nec-
essary, by laboratory findings. The lab results
should not be used, however, to
negate the results of a good "workup," nor
should they serve per se as a diag-
nostic tool.
3. Patients tend to place physicians on a
pedestal. By recognizing that the majority
of illnesses are self-limiting, physicians
should realize that often the services
they render only provide reassurance and make
the patient comfortable. This
should promote an attitude of humility that can
counteract the ego-stimulating
factor inherent in the practice of
medicine.
4. While medicine is an inexact science, its
practice nevertheless requires one to
be as exact as possible. Nothing should be
taken for granted; otherwise, unfore-
seen complications can ensue.
5. It should always be recognized that it is
the patient who is ill, and that it is the
patient, not the disease, that should be
treated.
6. There is a critical need to remain up to
date by reading the current literature and
attending meetings. This will ensure quality
health care and maintenance of an
intellectually stimulating quality in the
practice of medicine.
7. Responsibility to the profession calls for
the practitioner to set the best possible
example in appearance, speech, and
behavior.
8. The goal should not be solely to gain an
education by isolating oneself from
world affairs and one's community. By remaining
alert to what is transpiring
and being as active as possible, one meets the
broader responsibilities associ-
ated with the title "Doctor."
Goals to Strive for in Medical
School
The premedical college years can, in some
cases, have a negative impact because of the
competition for a place in the entering class.
Those gaining admission are usually
achievers of high grades that have been
attained by intensive studying. This generates
an attitude where learning becomes a chore
rather than a pleasure.
The goals in medical school should be
associated with the learning process. They
should be to:
1. learn how to develop and maintain a love for
knowledge;
2. learn to develop and maintain a balanced
lifestyle incorporating work, relax-
ation, rewarding relationships, and varying
interests;
User Comments Add a comment…