Combined Inpatient/Outpatient US Clinical Experience in Pediatric Pulmonology in Tampa

Information about this clinical experience:

You will be under the supervision of a board-certified pediatric pulmonologist. The physician is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of South Florida School of Medicine. The preceptor is also Clinical Associate Professor at the Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine and Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. The physician has been heavily involved in the education of medical students, nurse practitioner students, and international medical graduates. Of note, as the practice is also a teaching site for pediatric residents, rotators may have the chance to work with residents. 

The doctor completed residency training in pediatrics in the Midwest and served as Chief Resident. For excellence as a resident, the doctor received the Outstanding Pediatric Resident Award. Following a fellowship in pediatric pulmonology and critical care, the doctor moved to Tampa and has now been in practice for nearly 30 years. The doctor is widely regarded for excellence in patient care, having been named Best Pediatric Pulmonologist in America.

Once per week, you will accompany the attending for hospital rounds. You will visit inpatients on the pediatric wards or intensive care unit with a range of pulmonary problems, including cystic fibrosis, asthma, pneumonia, and congenital pulmonary conditions. This will allow you to gain knowledge and experience in the inpatient evaluation and management of these conditions. Equally important is the opportunity to observe how an experienced attending speaks with patients and their families, obtains relevant information, and explains the condition and the available treatments in a sensitive and respectful manner. As the care of pediatric inpatients requires a team-based approach, you will also see how the physician works collaborative with other providers. 

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

• Taking patient histories.

• Performing exams under the physician's supervision.

• Presenting patients.

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

• Entering clinic progress notes into the EMR (Intergy)

• Educating patients.

• Teaching other team members. Since he has many premedical students working in his office, there are many opportunities to teach.

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

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