I just completed my pediatrics rotation at Premier Pediatrics on Staten Island. It was a nice change to have a PA education experience so close to home. This private practice was quite different from the hospital experience, offering a more intimate and personalized learning environment. I am so grateful to the staff who made me feel at home and really catered to my learning experience.
During the first week at the office, I worked with a new physician assistant, and I was impressed by how seasoned she was in her practice. She taught me how to calculate dosages for pediatric patients, which took me some time because I needed to write them out, whereas the providers at the office would just use their calculators or do the calculations in their heads. Additionally, she involved me in patient consultations, allowing me to observe and then gradually participate in taking patient histories and conducting physical exams.
After working with the physician assistant, I then worked with the full-time doctor from the office, who was very nice and taught me a lot. One of the most common complaints we saw was ear infections, both otitis externa and otitis media. Despite it being summer, many children were sick with Strep A infected pharyngitis. I was able to assist in diagnosing these conditions, observing the signs and symptoms, and learning about the various treatment protocols.
The biggest learning experience of this rotation was understanding antibiotics. Drugs like amoxicillin, cefdinir, and topical mupirocin were prescribed daily, and I became familiar with their clinical applications. I learned about the importance of choosing the right antibiotic, considering factors like the patient’s age, weight, allergy history, and the specific pathogen causing the infection.
One challenge I faced was applying my physical diagnosis skills with pediatric patients, as many children were scared of being examined and often did not cooperate. However, I learned various techniques to help ease their anxiety, such as using playful distraction methods and involving parents in the process. I also practiced my skills in diagnosing other common pediatric issues, such as viral exanthems.
Although pediatrics is a wonderful branch of medicine, it can be difficult to practice for the reasons stated. Despite the challenges, I had a good experience, and I feel like this rotation helped me solidify the medical concepts I’ve learned throughout PA school so far. Furthermore, I gained slittle more confidence in my ability to interact with young patients and their families, which is crucial for any healthcare provider working in pediatrics.
