My experience was very positive and it allowed me to see and plan into my future a bit more. I’m the type of person who has a ten year plan. While shadowing, my plan has been reinforced because I continue to be incredibly interested in dermatology. Volunteering at the UHI clinic introduced me to many people who have been in the same place that I am now and who are in a place I am working to be in a year or two. Both experiences have showed me how much I value patient-physician contact/communication. I was able to see how physicians were able to connect with patients and improve their lives even in small ways. I felt very happy when I saw patients receiving the care they deserve and I hope to one day be the physician that provides that care.
On a larger scale, my experiences has showed me that there needs to be a change in the healthcare system. Much of healthcare and medical system is run by insurance companies and their requirements. Because of this, I was able to see how medicine can be a business rather than a service. The US does not have a great medical system in comparison to other advanced nations and there should be a change.
HSF House Blogs 