Specialty: Rheumatology

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MD2B Connect Physician ID # 60

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Where will the rotation take place: This inpatient and outpatient US clinical experience will take place at two offices: one is 30 minutes north of downtown Houston and the other is 30 minutes northwest of downtown Houston. The inpatient component will take place at several hospitals in north Houston; please note this will typically be once per week as rheumatology consults are infrequently ordered in the inpatient setting. The rotator is responsible for their own transportation. 

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Hours: Monday - Thursday 8:30 AM to 5 PM; Friday 8:30 AM to Noon

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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: This is an inpatient and outpatient experience during which you will be under the supervision of a  board certified rheumatologist. He is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB). He has been recognized for his teaching and service by UTMB. He holds hospital appointments at Houston Northwest Medical Center, Tomball Regional Hospital, and Houston Methodist Willowbrook. 

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Those rotating through this practice will see a wide spectrum of rheumatologic disease, and learn about the latest treatments in the specialty including DMARDs, biologics, and IV infusion. 

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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 progress notes. 

• Have opportunities to research the literature to answer clinical questions at the point of care.

• Being involved in patient education.

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

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The activities above will mostly take place in the outpatient setting. As a result of hospital policies, inpatient activities will be more observational.

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You will receive regular feedback on your performance. 

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You will be able to attend a weekly CME lecture at Houston Northwest Medical Center on Tuesdays from 12:30 to 1:30 PM. 

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There may be opportunities to participate in projects to improve the practice. Examples include creation of patient education materials and assisting the practice with securing online testimonials. Please note that the availability of the project is at the discretion of the preceptor. 

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

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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. 

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​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.

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See Where Our Students Applying to Internal Medicine Have Received Interviews or Matched

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Read Dr. Desai's Interview with Dr. Roy Ziegelstein (Vice Dean for Education at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Former Program Director of the Internal Medicine Residency Program at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center) about How to Match Successfully in Internal Medicine