IM/ICU/Pulmonology Hands-On Inpatient/Outpatient Rotation in San Antonio, Texas
Attending Introduction
Graduated from the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio where he was a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) medical honor society. Went on to complete internal Medicine residency at UTHSCSA, followed by a fellowship in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine. Is currently board-certified in Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Medicine, Sleep Medicine, and Critical Care Medicine. Professional interests focus on COPD, pulmonary hypertension, sleep disorders, and critical care medicine.
You will be able to have hands-on experience in the outpatient setting, including interacting with patients, taking medical histories, performing basic physical exams and observing diagnosis and treatment conditions. You will also have inpatient exposure if/when patients are admitted.
The attending has been hosting rotations for FMG Portal students for over 12 years and is always eager to schedule new next rotations.
Rotation Description
An Internal Medicine/Critical Care/Pulmonology clinical rotation for medical students focuses on the evaluation, diagnosis, and management of patients with general and respiratory conditions. Here’s an overview of the typical activities and procedures that students may encounter.
Additionally, your performance during this rotation will lead to obtaining a US LOR, which is essential for your upcoming residency program applications.
Daily Activities:
- Patient Histories and Physical Exams:
- Students take comprehensive patient histories, focusing on respiratory symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest pain.
- Conduct focused physical exams, paying attention to lung sounds, respiratory effort, and signs of respiratory distress.
- Observation and Participation in Patient Care:
- Shadow pulmonologists during patient consultations to observe diagnosis and treatment planning.
- Assist in discussing symptoms, potential diagnoses, and management options with patients under supervision.
- Diagnostic Testing:
- Gain exposure to ordering and interpreting various diagnostic tests, including:
- Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs): Understand how to assess lung function and the interpretation of spirometry, lung volumes, and diffusing capacity.
- Chest X-rays and CT Scans: Learn to recognize common pulmonary conditions like pneumonia, pleural effusions, and lung nodules.
- Arterial Blood Gas (ABG): Understand the role of ABG in assessing gas exchange and interpreting pH, oxygen, and carbon dioxide levels.
- Gain exposure to ordering and interpreting various diagnostic tests, including:
- Outpatient Procedures:
- Observe or assist in procedures commonly performed in the outpatient setting, including:
- Bronchoscopy: Viewing airway anatomy and biopsies for suspected lung diseases.
- Thoracentesis: Assisting in removing fluid from the pleural space for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.
- Observe or assist in procedures commonly performed in the outpatient setting, including:
- Management of Chronic Respiratory Diseases:
- Exposure to the management of conditions such as asthma, COPD, interstitial lung disease, and pulmonary fibrosis.
- Observe the use of inhalers, nebulizers, and oxygen therapy in outpatient care.
- Learn about disease education, lifestyle modifications, and pharmacological therapies.
- Multidisciplinary Care:
- Collaborate with respiratory therapists, nurses, and other specialists to develop and implement patient care plans.
- Participate in patient education on smoking cessation, inhaler techniques, and disease management.
Clinical Skills:
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Patient History and Physical Examination:Conducting comprehensive and focused patient interviews to gather detailed medical histories.
Performing thorough and focused physical examinations tailored to the patient’s presenting complaints.
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Diagnostic and Management Skills:Ordering and interpreting appropriate laboratory tests, imaging studies, and other diagnostic procedures.Developing differential diagnoses and formulating evidence-based management plans for a wide range of conditions.
Monitoring and adjusting treatments for chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and asthma.
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Preventive Care and Health Maintenance:Emphasizing preventive medicine through vaccinations, screenings (e.g., mammograms, colonoscopies), and lifestyle counseling. Educating patients about diet, exercise, smoking cessation, and other lifestyle modifications to promote health and prevent disease.
Learning Objectives:
- Develop a thorough understanding of common pulmonary conditions and their management.
- Enhance communication skills with patients, particularly in delivering diagnostic results and explaining treatment plans.
- Gain familiarity with outpatient diagnostic procedures and therapeutic interventions.
Typical Activities/Procedures
- Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) – Spirometry, lung volumes, and diffusing capacity.
- Bronchoscopy – Visualization of the airways and biopsy of lung tissue.
- Thoracentesis – Removal of pleural fluid for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.
- Chest X-ray and CT Interpretation – Reading imaging for pulmonary conditions.
- Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Analysis – Assessing gas exchange and acid-base status.
- Pleural Biopsy – Obtaining pleural tissue samples for diagnosis.
- Oxygen Therapy Management – Adjusting and monitoring oxygen levels for patients.
Conducting initial and follow-up appointments, managing acute and chronic conditions, and performing routine health maintenance.
Letter of Recommendation
LORs are on the hospital letterhead.
Location & Schedule
*Exact address provided once signed up.
*Rotation is a minimum of 20 hours/week.
*Personal transportation highly recommended.
