Outpatient US Clinical Experience in Internal Medicine in Dallas

Information about this clinical experience:

You will be under the supervision of a board-certified internal medicine physician who has an extensive background in teaching internal medicine residents and medical students. The physician is part of a multi-physician outpatient group. The preceptor is on staff at the Texas Health Presbyterian System.

Prior to joining this multi-physician group, the preceptor was actively involved in the education and supervision of residents in the inpatient setting at the Methodist Dallas Internal Medicine Residency Program. At that time, the physician was also in charge of preparing residents to take the internal medicine board certification exam. Of note, the preceptor has a background in developing multiple-choice questions for USMLE Step 1, 2, and 3 through a prior position as physician author for UWorld.

The preceptor is known for having a wonderful bedside manner and is well regarded for the amount of time spent with patients. Patients praise this physician for being kind and attentive, a great listener, and making them feel heard and supported. The doctor is also appreciated for having a calm and approachable demeanor and explaining things in ways that make sense. The physician will be an excellent role model for rotators seeking to refine their skills in delivering patient-centered care.

In the outpatient clinic, rotators will encounter a range of patients with acute complaints and chronic conditions. Rotators will have the chance to exercise their problem-solving skills to make differential diagnoses, formulate assessments, and develop treatment plans. Refining important critical thinking skills for the practice of medicine will be a priority in this experience. Of note, 14-18 patients are seen on a typical day.

The practice also has on-site capabilities for stress testing, echocardiography, ultrasonography, and x-rays. In addition, the practice has a gym that patients can frequent along with access to personal trainers and nutritionists. Rotators can see how physicians in practice can promote comprehensive and holistic care for their patients.

After one week 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 under supervision.

• Performing exams under the physician's supervision.

• Presenting patients.

• Navigating EMR (although you will not enter notes, you will have the opportunity to review patient charts in the EMR [eClinicalWorks])

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

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