Inside the ER: EMRAP Round 2 (Changing Perspectives)

As we were walking into the Administration Building for class today, I said to Christina, “you know I always look forward to Fridays because it means I get to see all of you from EMRAP and just have an easy day.” My view of EMRAP and its benefits have completely changed. During the summer, I worked morning shifts that meant minimal cases of patients I could consent. There were times I felt that I wasn’t learning anything nor that I had a task to do. However, during this fall term, my shifts have changed to Friday and Saturday afternoons. I see more cases now, and I am able to practice my consenting abilities for my research job. There are more audits to do because there are more patients around in the Lean Track. Also, there have been more trauma cases to see during my shifts, which has helped me see more medical interventions. For instance, I watched the doctors insert chest tubes into a patient to save the patient’s life after a motor vehicle accident. It was very intense, but I was able to see the intensity and concentration that doctors applied during traumatic cases such as that one. My shift time change has given me a new perspective of EMRAP; I am learning more from the events that I encounter, and I am gaining more desire to be a doctor.

Also, EMRAP has brought in more speakers from the medical field, which has taught me about the different types of medicine. For instance, Dr. Gaf-Pap came in and talked to us about Environmental Medicine. I learned that you can do a fellowship right after medical school to specialize in something that you would like. Other doctors have also talked about their fellowships as well and what they did during those times; one doctor in particular loved skydiving, and so he skydived off a bridge in a city where his fellowship was taking place. Another doctor came to talk to us about radiology; I learned that this field requires tons of computer work and also allows for a person to have a family due to a set time schedule. The speakers have been amazing, and I now have more knowledge regarding the different parts of medicine.

Moroever, EMRAP has given me new friends that I know I can count on! Several of the EMRAPers have supported me during my events, and I also try to support them! They also made my birthday extremely enjoyable during our bowling outing on November 7. I love EMRAP, and I cannot believe that it halfway over! I hope to continue learning more!

Alina "whipping" my drink
(I came to support her pre-med club fundraiser)

Haitham came to my Adobo Night Fundraiser

Hiba and Alina came to my Philippine Culture Night!