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washington dc neurology
OUTPATIENT EXternship
IN neurology
Specialty: Neurology
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MD2B Connect Physician ID # 131
​Where will the rotation take place: This hands-on rotation will take place in Washington, DC, Alexandria, VA, and Woodbridge, VA. Please note that transportation will be required as this physician preceptor has mutliple offices. This rotation is also available as a tele-rotation or telemedicine rotation. For more information, please visit our tele-rotation page.
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Hours: Monday - Friday 9 AM to 5 PM (Thursday start time at 7:45 for Grand Rounds at George Washington University Hospital).
​What you will do: This is an outpatient experience during which you will be under the supervision of a highly regarded physician educator who is board certified in Neurology. He holds the following faculty appointments:
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Clinical Professor of Neurology at George Washington University
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Clinical Assistant Professor at Michigan State University
He has been involved in the education of residents from the George Washington University School of Medicine. He holds hospital appointments at George Washington Hospital, Bridgepoint Hospital, Inova Fairfax, Inova Mount Vernon, Sentara Hospital, and Pineview Future Care. You may have the opportunity to attend Epilepsy Grand Rounds which takes place weekly at George Washington University.
This clinical experience will expose you to a wide range of neurological problems. These include but are not limited to the following:
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Epilepsy
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Multiple sclerosis
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Parkinson's disease
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Myasthenia Gravis
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Malignancy
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Stroke
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Alzheimer's disease
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Headache
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After a few days of observation, you will take on an increasing role in patient care (please note that this is not a shadowing observership; you will be actively involved in patient care). This includes the following:​​
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You will take patient histories.
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You will perform physical exams under the physician's supervision.
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You will present patients.
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You will write or enter clinic progress notes.
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You will have opportunities to research the literature to answer clinical questions at the point of care.
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You will be involved in patient education.
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You will teach other team members.
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You will spend time with other healthcare professionals to understand their roles and responsibilities.
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You will receive regular feedback on your performance.
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Since this preceptor has been active in research, there may be opportunities to participate in a project. However, the availability of the project will be at the discretion of the preceptor and is not guaranteed. Students who have an interest in taking part in a project should discuss their interest with the preceptor.
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Please note that during peak periods there may be up to ten learners at a time.
Who should consider this rotation: International medical graduates (IMGs) and students seeking hands-on patient care experience in Neurology. IMGs unable to take part in the hands-on rotation should consider this experience as it is also available as a telemedicine rotation.
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​Will a letter of recommendation be offered: Yes, assuming that the IMG meets the expectations of the rotation. Dr. Desai will provide the physician with guidelines which will improve the quality of the letter. 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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Wondering how to do well during your neurology rotation? Read Dr. Desai's Article - How To Succeed in Your Neurology Rotation
"The doctor is very nice attending, who is willing to introduce patients to student and let the student participate history taking, discussion of management, and basic knowledge introducing. I learn management of Migraine, Trauma headache, Epilepsy, Peripheral neuropathy, Sleep apnea, insomnia, Guillain–Barré syndrome, nerve conductive and EMG. The most fun things is how the doctor ake care of patient and to find what is their diagnosis...This is a very nice and good at teaching attending, who is kind and easy going as helpful for you to get yourself involved in America culture. He is very supportive to you not only in studying neurology, but also for future residency and research opportunities."