Combined Inpatient and Outpatient US Clinical Experience in Cardiology in San Antonio in San Antonio

Information about this clinical experience:

During this rotation split between the inpatient and outpatient settings, you will be under the supervision of a cardiologist who has specialized training not only in cardiovascular disease but also in hypertension and clinical pharmacology. This physician believes strongly in increasing access to cardiac care for underserved patients. Part of this preceptor’s practice is devoted to the care of rural populations. The preceptor holds hospital appointments within the Methodist Healthcare System in San Antonio.

Most of the week will be spent with the preceptor. However, since the preceptor visits a few locations during the week that are far away from the main location, you will also spend several days with the physician’s colleagues learning about interventional cardiology and electrophysiology.

The inpatient component of the experience will take place in the morning before the first patient is seen in the clinic or after clinic is over. Rotators should check with the preceptor to learn when these hospital visits will occur so that they can accompany the doctor for rounds.

In the outpatient practice, you will see patients with the attending. This will give you the opportunity to see how comprehensive evaluations are performed in new patients and follow-ups are conducted in established patients. As the clinic has the capability of performing a variety of cardiac tests, rotators can observe echocardiograms, stress tests, and other procedures.

During your experience, you will learn the following U.S. medical practices under the preceptor’s supervision:

• Taking patient histories.

• Performing physical exams under the physician's supervision.

• Presenting patients.

• Writing simulated notes for review and feedback (please note that there is no EMR access).

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

• Delivering talks about important topics.

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