1. How to Succeed in Clinical Rotations: Putting Your Best Foot Forward Ohio Association of Physician Assistants Student Professional Development Conference Columbus, OH February 17-18, 2012

2. Presentation by: Millie Roach, PhD, PA-C Associate Professor Kettering College PA Program Kettering, OH millie.roach@kc.edu

3. Be prepared Medical equipment Tablet computer, electronic device, or smart phone, etc. to access electronic databases (up- to-date, epocrates, …) Small notebook

4. Be prepared Syllabus learning objectives patient logs procedure list Evaluation forms

5. Get preceptor feedback Mid-rotation Final evaluation – Do NOT leave rotation without it!

6. Be helpful Be prepared and willing to do small things, use idle time wisely: -Review charts -Re-check vital signs if abnormal -Re-examine patient as necessary -Call in prescriptions if needed -Make calls for patient consults/referrals - Put patient in room if staff extremely busy

7. Oral Presentations Brief Accurate Thorough Include pertinent positive and negative ROS Positive PE findings Assessment or Dx plus DDX Plan

8. Know your limits Be aware of your PA state laws Learn preceptor’s practice and protocols: -patient population -rounds -satellite offices -most common procedures performed -DO NO HARM

9. Communicate effectively With patients, families, significant others Use common terminology for most patients Patient education Instructions for follow up

10. To be or Not to be Be enthusiastic, not aggressive Be pleasant to all, not assuming Be assertive, not arrogant Be empathetic, not sickeningly sweet Be confident, not slow Be flexible, not defensive Be friendly, not too familiar

11. To be or not to be Be a team player, not selfish Be organized, but not overly so Be on time – arrive before the preceptor and Do not leave before the preceptor Be reliable – be present for all clinical rotation days

12. Take charge of your learning Know the most common disorders for each rotation Attend grand rounds, CME conferences Offer to see patients Offer to perform office labs

13. Take charge of your learning Discuss clinical topics as time allows Ask to be called in for special cases if possible (surgical, OB-Gyn, etc.) Admit if you don’t know the answer Read, read, read!

14. Inform Your preceptor of any lateness, absence Your clinical office of the following: – Any absences – Change in schedule – preceptor vacation, preceptor at conference away from office – Concerns with preceptor or staff – Personal difficulties – Other clinical issues Millie.Roach@kc.edu

15. Put your best foot forward Always do your BEST WORK: with patients, preceptors, on written assignments, end-of- rotation exams, assignments from preceptors Make time for families and loved ones Look for learning opportunities Have fun while learning Remember: Each preceptor is a potential employer!