Over the past two semesters of clinical correlations I have had the opportunity to look at clinical cases with my professors and classmates. During this time I have learned the importance and value in taking a thorough history. I have also learned what to focus on when performing a physical exam. During clinical correlations we spent time working out our differentials. I learned to keep the most acute serious and life-threatening differentials on top, followed by the most likely diagnoses. We also discussed counseling patients and developing treatment plans. My treatment plans are now more patient focused rather than clinician focused. Although we spent time practicing relaying bad news to patients, I can still use practice in this area. Breaking bad news is never easy, but practicing doing it and learning new tips can make the experience better for both the patient and the clinician. My collaboration skills improved, as we had to work on our cases as a group. The presentation assignments gave me the opportunity to improve my researching skills. It is now easier for me to research a topic and present the relevant clinical information.

During the clinical year I aim to improve my skills in formulating a differential diagnoses. I hope to improve my skills in ordering clinical tests. I would like to order the relevant tests without wasting time and resources ordering extra tests. I also hope to improve my skills reading and interpreting tests.