Throughout the CEEP selective, there have been numerous opportunities for learning through practice. Whether it was at morning report, noon rounds, or clerk teaching, the option of volunteering for case-based practical scenario learning continued to be presented to us. And more often than not, I’m proud to say that I am comfortable in participating in this type of learning.

            However, it wasn’t always like this. At the beginning of medical school, I usually would try to stay away from engaging in this type of learning. I found that I often felt pressured to perform, and worried that I might mess up in front of my peers. I think this was a feeling that many medical students have. As the time has passed, though, we’ve all been exposed to this type of teaching style over and over again. And this is how I came to realize a couple of things. First of all, this method of teaching is very effective, especially when the student is well accustomed to it. As practical exams are often framed in similar styles, it is particularly effective for exam preparation. Additionally, I realized that most students feel the same way about this style of learning, and are generally quite supportive of their peers.

            Transitioning into residency, I hope to take more opportunity of these types of learning experiences. Furthermore, as a resident, I look forward to being able to present this type of education to medical students. By doing so, I hope to allow them to practice with this practical style of learning in a safe environment, so that they may become comfortable with it early on in their medical education, and subsequently make the most of their own educational opportunities.

-AS