Thread by @WarnerMatthewA

Experiences to seek during medical training: #MedStudentTwitter

Be present during a patient’s death. Watch how a patient dies. Don’t simply order “comfort cares” and sit at your computer. Be there. Hold the patient’s hand or that of a loved one. Some day it will be your own. 1/

Spend a day with an ICU nurse. Learn what patient care means. 2/

Chat with an elderly patient about their childhood, early adult life. People have amazing stories, and these stories may very well shape how you optimally care for the patient and their family. It may also shape you care for other patients and your own family. 3/

Spend quality time with a child with cancer and their family. If possible, do this both inside and outside of the clinical environment. 4/

Embrace diversity in patients, colleagues, and work environments. Learn (through practice, reading, and observation) how to achieve empathy and communicate with those that are substantially different than you. The reward is unbelievable. 5/

Learn as much as possible about the strengths of each specialty you encounter. Do not simply make lists of likes/dislikes. Understanding collective strengths and knowing who to call for help is critical both during and after training. 6/

Scrub into as many surgeries as possible. For many of you, you will never again have this incredible opportunity to so intimately experience human anatomy. Feel a beating heart. 7/

Become facile in starting IVs and bag mask ventilation. Know how to spike IV fluids, give basic meds, and check a finger-stick glucose. Know how to administer IM epinephrine and naloxone in emergency settings. These things will save lives. 8/

This list is by no means comprehensive. Most importantly, take care of yourself, recognize that there is life outside of the hospital and embrace it. Focus on your health (all aspects). Don’t forget your hobbies or the people who helped get you to where you are today. 9/9.