Outpatient US Clinical Experience in Internal Medicine in Phoenix

Information about this clinical experience:

During this clinical experience, you will work with a group of physician preceptors who are all primary care physicians. Several physicians, including the main preceptor, are trained in internal medicine. The main preceptor completed internal medicine residency and then had the privilege of serving as chief medical resident. The physician then completed a geriatrics fellowship. The physician holds hospital privileges at Banner Boswell Medical Center and Banner Dell E Webb Medical Center. 

Rotators will have the opportunity to work with these physicians and benefit from their varied perspectives and backgrounds. This will be an excellent opportunity to learn from preceptors that are extremely dedicated to deliver patient-centered care and teach the next generation of physicians. They have created a practice that values teamwork, collaboration, and communication. 

As several preceptors are directors of hospice and palliative care, learners can attend interdisciplinary group meetings with the preceptor, nurse, social worker, counselor, and other personnel. At this meeting, the current condition of hospice patients will be discussed. Concerns or issues will be addressed in a collaborative manner. 

The office also provides a wide variety of services, including allergy testing, biopsies, orthopedic care, bone density testing, imaging (ultrasound, echocardiogram), sleep testing, podiatry, and urodynamics. IMGs will have a wonderful opportunity to observe these procedures.

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

• Taking patient histories under supervision.

• Performing exams under the physician's supervision.

• Presenting patients.

• Reviewing patient charts in the EMR

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

• Educating patients under supervision.

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

Please note that you will also spend some time with nurse practitioners (NPs). This will allow you to develop a stronger understanding of their roles and responsibilities. As NPs are essential members of healthcare teams in residency programs, this experience will give you insight in how to best collaborate with these healthcare professionals. 

Please also 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.