Specialty: Internal Medicine

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MD2B Connect Physician ID # 226

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Where will the rotation take place: This outpatient US clinical experience will take place outside of New York City (Long Island). 

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Hours: Monday - Friday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

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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 outpatient experience during which you will be under the supervision of a board-certified internist. The preceptor has had extensive experience educating students in the U.S., and is a faculty member at Touro University and Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. The attending physician has hospital appointments at Long Island Jewish Valley Stream Hospital and Mt. Sinai South Nassau Hospital. 

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Over 20 plus years as an internist, this physician has developed a system to integrate students into the full spectrum of care. Students will learn how to evaluate patients under supervision, including taking histories, reviewing and reconciling medication lists, ordering and interpreting tests, prescribing medications, documenting the visit in the written chart, and calling patients to provide results. Students will also learn how team members work together to operate the clinic with an eye towards maintaining patient flow and improving efficiency. 

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The doctor will educate you on best practices in medicine with respect to medication reconciliation and reporting test results to patients. For example, errors can easily occur when test results are communicated to patients without the use of well established processes. Patient safety can also be compromised with an inadequate medication reconciliation process. Since these activities will be an important part of your work as a future resident, this clinical experience will be an excellent opportunity to develop essential skills for optimal patient care. The resources below will help you better understand how to make the most of your learning in these areas:

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Communicating Test Results to Patients

Medication Reconcilitation Process

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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.

• ​Access information in the EMR

• Writing notes in the chart (written not electronic)

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

• May have opportunities to teach other team members.

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

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Please note that this is a high-volume clinic with significant patient interaction. While the volume of patients will limit the amount of time that can be spent on teaching per patient and teaching points will be shared throughout the day, especially at quieter moments.

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Of note, the patient population is diverse and underserved. Many patients are on Medicaid or Medicare. Most have experienced economic hardship that has limited their access to healthcare or medications. A significant percentage of patients have poor understanding of their medical situation. Given how frequently you will encounter such patients as a resident in the U.S., this will be an excellent opportunity to learn how to evaluate and manage patients with significant barriers to care. 

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

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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