Reflection:

When I started the first round of Clinical Correlations, I was quite nervous. I was unsure whether I had reached the point where I could bridge the gap between the vast amount of information I had learned and the clinical skills I had yet to fully develop. In the very first class, I remember sitting at a table with my peers and being given a case. We were tasked with interviewing our professor, who was acting as the patient, in order to determine the underlying problem. We initially asked one question per person, going around in a circle, and the process felt slow and awkward. However, I quickly realized that, as with most skills, practice yields results. The more I actively engaged with the course and challenged myself, the more confident and efficient I became.

By the time I reached my final class in Clinical Correlations 2, I felt much better equipped to develop differentials, ask relevant questions, and formulate a workup and plan. My questioning had become sharper and more focused. I was better able to conceptualize the “funneling” process of clinical reasoning, starting with broad differentials and narrowing them down as more information came to the surface. At the same time, I realized that I had only scratched the surface of all there is to learn about medicine. Despite this, I developed a stronger sense of confidence and reassurance in my ability to grow through patience, consistency, and a willingness to seek guidance.

Another area in which I noticed significant development was my ability to collaborate with and learn from my peers. My communication skills improved substantially, particularly in discussing cases and exchanging ideas amongst my group members. I continued learning how to actively listen and create space for different perspectives, even when they initially differed from my own. For example, there was an instance when a classmate suggested examining a body system I had not considered, which ultimately unlocked the key to solving the patient case. What’s more, there were times when a peer’s thought process allowed me to develop insights and routes for questioning of my own. Working as a group to research cases and write H&Ps also reinforced the pillars of teamwork, time management, accountability, and communication. Collaborating to compile notes and evidence-based research was beneficial for everyone involved and highlighted the value of collective problem-solving in medicine.

I also improved my ability to identify and utilize reputable sources of medical information. At the beginning of the course, I primarily relied on lecture slides, textbooks, and general online searches. While these resources are good, they are limited and not always current. Over the course of 3 semesters, I familiarized myself with sources like UpToDate, PubMed, and other peer-reviewed medical literature. Training myself to consistently reference these resources enhanced both the depth and accuracy of my knowledge-base.

Despite the growth I experienced over three semesters of Clinical Correlations, I recognize that there is still much more to learn. I hope to continue refining every step of the clinical process, from generating differential diagnoses to tailoring my history-taking and physical examinations. I also aim to apply the skills I have developed towards actual patient and team interactions, rather than simulated classroom settings. Ultimately, I am excited and motivated to continue building upon these skills as I move forward in my training and future practice.