During January 2009, I had the privilege of shadowing Dr. Stringer in the gynecologic oncology department. Dr. Stringer is the Chief of Gynecology at Baylor Medical Hospital of Dallas and has been practicing medicine for over 40 years. He is well known around the state of Texas and loved by many patients.
At first I was very nervous to be following around such a prestigious doctor. I was scared to ask questions in case I sounded stupid. I picked Dr. Stringer because I am very interested in oncology as well as gynecology. I thought maybe putting my two interests together would be an exciting twist. The first surgery that I attended, I scrubbed in. I was nervous that I would faint, but I ended up being perfectly fine. The entire OR team was very supportive in explaining all the procedures that must occur with an intensive surgery. Overall I witnessed about 20 surgeries. These included total abdominal hysterectomyÕs bilateral salpingo-oophorectomies, vulvectomies and a few laparoscopic surgeries. The types of cancer I saw were ovarian, endometrial, uterine, cervical, and vulvar.
Dr. Stringer let me attend other doctorÕs surgeries and they would often times quiz me about the anatomy of the human body. I learned a lot about the womenÕs region of the body. I would sometimes draw pictures for ladies who did not understand where their cancer was located. It felt good to know that I was helping someone along their scary journey dealing with cancer.
I was also able to hang out with the residents a lot. It was really cool seeing them in the process of learning how to be a doctor. When we went into surgery, it often times was a residentÕs first time to cut into a human. I felt that I was vicariously living through the doctorÕs first real surgery. The residents were from all over the country so I was able to hear about their unique process of becoming a physician. I realized that I do not have to go to medical school Òon timeÓ and in fact the residents who took a year off of school were much happier than the ones who rushed straight to medical school.
I also attended tumor board lectures with physicians and residents. Since I am a psychology major, I was excited to attended a guest speakerÕs research report on the psychology behind post partum depression.
I thought this experience overall was very enjoyable. I would have never done something like this if it wasnÕt for Earth Life and Time. I loved talking to people about my practicum at the Scholars fair. I had several people tell me that they could tell I am truly passionate about medicine. I would like to continue learning more about both areas of oncology and gynecology. I feel that a lot of people fear going to the doctor and I would like to be the person that makes them feel more comfortable and safe.
My observational internship at Baylor Medical center has inspired me to take up more internships to explore other areas of the medical field. I am very interested in oncology so I would love another internship in this field. This summer I am planning on becoming an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). This opportunity will give me experience in the emergency aspect of medicine.