Joe Frye ’14 reports on his clinical summer internship experience.
This past summer was one of the most enriching experiences I have ever partaken in. I was able to spend more time shadowing doctors than ever before and I gained much-needed experience as I begin applying to medical schools.
My time with Dr. Demarco was mostly spent in clinical where I interacted directly with his patients. I was the only student with him thus I had his undivided attention while he explained his procedures to me. This allowed me to get a better understanding of what he was showing me. Towards the end of my time with him, I was even able to accurately diagnose his patients with relative success when he “quizzed” me after recording their symptoms prior to making his official diagnosis. I also got to sit in on a surgery for the first time while with Dr. Demarco. I observed four surgeries during my time with him. It was a completely different experience than I was expecting and I am certainly glad I had the opportunity to watch them.
I then spent time shadowing Dr. Patrick and observed him diagnose patients using X-rays, MRIs, Ultrasounds, and CT scans. I gained a better understanding of the entire imaging process and got to sit in on his procedures, primarily biopsies, and catheter insertions/removals.
The time I spent with both doctors provided me with invaluable experience that I will be able to draw on during my future medical career. I gained two mentors in the medical world and I will be able to contact them anytime in the future for additional help. It furthered my interest in the field of medicine and reaffirmed my desire to become a doctor. I am truly grateful for the funding provided by the MxAA. Without the assistance made available by the program, I would not have been able to take advantage of this opportunity.