Specialty: Family Medicine

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MD2B Connect Physician ID # 134

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Where will this rotation take place: This outpatient US clinical experience will take place in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Hours: Monday through Tuesday 9 AM to 5 PM; Thursday 1 to 5 PM; Friday 10 AM to 3 PM

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​Hours have been provided by the preceptor. Hours are subject to change at the preceptor’s discretion, but the minimum total hours will remain approximately the same.

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What you will do: You will be under the supervision of a highly experienced family physician known for the relationships he builds with his patients. He has educated international medical graduates from all over the world and is dedicated to helping learners grow through experiences in his practice. Recognizing that learners are at different stages in their education, he encourages them to share what they hope to get from their clinical experience. He feels that this is an important conversation to ensure that he is able to meet the needs of each learner. Of note, this preceptor is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Family Medicine at Morehouse School of Medicine. 

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In his family medicine office, you will see a largely adult population presenting with acute disease and chronic illness. Although most of your time will be in his office, you will also visit a mental health center once a week to provide primary care to patients with psychiatric problems, including depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and ADHD. Since most patients with psychiatric disease will initially present to their primary care physician, he believes that this is an important part of his rotation. 

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Managing Behavioral Health Issues in Primary Care: Six Five-Minute Tools

Depression in the Primary Care Setting

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This preceptor is also involved in the care of foster children. There may be opportunities to visit foster care centers during the rotation to provide health care to a group that often lacks it. This will be an excellent opportunity to understand the health challenges these patients face due to their backgrounds. An excellent resource to expand your knowledge in this area includes the following:

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Health Care Issues for Children and Adolescents in Foster Care

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You may also have the opportunity to visit the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia where the preceptor serves as Medical Director. This will give you a better understanding of how family medicine physicians can impact organizations in the community. Students may also learn how to perform hemoglobin electrophoresis in the foundation's lab. 

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Please note that your Friday responsibilities will vary depending upon the needs of the preceptor and your own specific interests, and may include such things as taking part in didactics and quizzes, reviewing modules, clinical trials, or community service such as COVID testing. We encourage you to share your interests with the preceptor early in the rotation so that you can define your Friday activities.

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After a few days of observation, you will take on an increasing role in patient encounters and learn the following under the preceptor’s supervision:​

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• Taking patient histories. 

• Performing physical exams under the physician's supervision.

• Presenting patients.

• Writing or entering notes. 

• Researching the literature to answer clinical questions at the point of care.

• Educating patients.

• Spending time with other healthcare professionals to understand their roles and responsibilities. ​

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Please note that you will also be asked to give a presentation at the end of the rotation. 

 

Who should consider this rotation: International medical graduates (IMGs) and students seeking US clinical experience in family medicine. 

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How to obtain a letter of recommendation: The rotator should ask the preceptor for a LOR near the conclusion of the rotation. Dr. Desai has provided the physician with guidelines about best practices in letter writing that meet residency program requirements. In some cases, the preceptor may ask the rotator to write a letter of recommendation draft. 

 

​During the rotation: Our team will be checking in periodically with you to ensure that you are having an optimal experience. We encourage you to contact us if you have any questions during the rotation.