Last Patient History Done? Check.

So yesterday was my last patient history of the year...It's by far one of my favorite parts of medical school this year because I feel like this is something we are going to get totally boss at by the end of 4th year. Here's a little recap of mine...

We (10 MS1s total) check in at a computer station next to a closed doctor's office door. After we have all read on the screen what our "patient" is here for, the simulation center bell rings which means that we can all go in:

Me: *Knock, knock*

Patient: Come in (I can tell it's a woman, which makes me so happy since I haven't had to ask anyone about their scrotum or ejaculation yet...and I really can't say I was ready to)

Me: (in my warmest voice with a smile) Hi I'm Jasmine, I am the medical student that is going to get all of your information from you before the doctor comes in. Excuse me while I wash my hands really quick***.

(***This is the most awkward part that we all discuss among ourselves how to execute when we are waiting to go in. I know what you're thinking, it's just washing your hands, all doctors do it, but have you ever thought about WHEN they do it? If they talk while they do it? Water or antibacterial non-washing stuff? We have to analyze these things because One: you don't want to shake hands with a dirty hand - they'll think you're gross. Two: But you don't want to walk in washing them without acknowledging your patient at all, or just being like "Hi! : insert frantic but silent hand wash:" See what I mean?)

So THEN, I shook her hand, sat down, got her name, joked about all the rain we have been having, and then got down to business...

They give us 25 minutes but I never take all of the time. I think I had 11 minutes left on the clock when I was all done. I think it wen't well and I got all of the information I needed :-) It is recorded so we can go back and watch ourselves too, which is kinda cool...

After I "closed the interview", which includes telling her that the doctor would be in soon, it was a pleasure meeting her and I hope that we can get her some relief from her problem, I turned to leave and she smiles and says, "Oh, I just wanted to say I love your shoes - so cute!"

..This made my day because I feel like the past year how I look has been the last thing on my mind - except when I see any patients, of course...


LOL, nothing like getting a little patient rapport because of your fly sense of fashion...I'll take it!