The Chaotic World of Pediatrics
This past week, I have learned and improved on numerous things such as gathering ISM supplies, calling professionals to schedule interviews, emailing professionals in a proper manner, adding more contacts to my contact list, networking, and interviewing professionals. Currently, I do have questions pertaining to the actual interview portion with professionals. I was curious as to how one would go about taking notes during interview and how one could hold an interview while having less knowledge than the professional. Although, I believe that that feature is why this is called an informational interview.
Additionally, an obstacle I faced was getting rejected by numerous pediatricians. I had been leaving messages for pediatricians and calling back to follow-up on them, but most were rejecting me and saying that the pediatrician does not conduct interviews. This made me wonder what it will be like when I have to actually explore around the pediatrics world and look for a mentor. When an obstacle is encountered, I will be sure to manage it as professionally and calmly as I can. There will most likely be numerous times in the future where a mentor interview may not go as well as expected or the amount of work may feel overwhelming, but that is completely normal and staying calm is what will keep me going.
This week, I was successful in conducting my first interview with a pediatric specialist from Joy & Crown Pediatric Specialists, writing my sixth blog post, gathering ISM supplies, and going to my first ISM business symposium. Likewise, the business symposium expanded my knowledge in interviewing, networking, and conversing with professionals. I acquired much information about contrasting careers and how to continue to strive toward my goals even if I am constantly running into obstacles. Additionally, I contacted numerous professionals in order to receive interview times and practice my professional speaking skills. My interview with Dr. MaryEllen Cavalier went splendidly and she provided me with a great amount of information about how pediatricians deal with patients, what a typical day looks like, and how she became interested in pediatrics. Also, I figured out that she specialized in hematology-oncology, which I thought was extremely unique. I have acknowledged that all of these accomplishments will be crucial in order to get to my final goal for ISM. In fact, it is essential that I take away the proper amount of information to enhance my learning even further. ISM is a program where we will be working with professionals and in order to do that I need to have a better understanding of the realistic situations and patients with which they may deal.
Next week, I definitely need to work on time management and utilizing my time in class to benefit me the most. An overwhelming amount of work is something that should be avoided at all costs unless I just have not been managing my time wisely. I also need to practice interviewing professionals and make sure that I have familiar with proper dress.
Lastly, specific opportunities and experiences I desire to have in ISM are learning how to put patients at ease and figuring out the day-to-day involvement of a pediatrician. Observing what a pediatrician has to deal with and what type of patients come through his/her door is something I would be grateful to examine. I want to learn how to make a connection with a patient and also, learn how to soothe their pain. Pediatricians have to say and do certain things that the patient may not enjoy and I want to learn how to make the patient always feel comfortable.
Furthermore, I would like to experience how pediatricians handle infants and toddlers to make them feel safe and how they occupy them during painful activities. Lastly, how the pediatrician diagnoses symptoms is something that I would be exceedingly grateful to observe/participate in because that is something which is so crucial towards the patient and could be a life or death situation.
In conclusion, I feel as if I am learning a great deal about how to carry myself in a professional manner throughout this program and when I go on interviews. Overall, I hope to continue to acquire information and hope to continue gaining knowledge about my profession through research assessments and professionals.
