I am writing this testimonial to express my deep gratitude towards Dr. Muhammad Usman Khan, a distinguished cardiologist in Houston, and to provide a profound account of my 4 week clinical elective experience at Epic Heart and Vascular Center. Throughout my time at the center, I had the privilege of working alongside an exceptional team of healthcare professionals and gaining invaluable knowledge and skills in the field of cardiology.
From the moment I stepped foot in the center, I was welcomed with open arms and embraced as part of the healthcare family. The staff at Epic Heart and Vascular Center demonstrated unwavering support, mentorship, and guidance, which created an environment conducive to learning and professional growth.
During my elective, I was exposed to a wide range of clinical experiences that allowed me to witness the intricate workings of a high-acuity cardiovascular care facility. The opportunity to observe and partake in various interventional cardiology procedures, consultations, and patient rounds provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities associated with cardiac care.
Dr. Khan, the nurse practitioners, and staff at Epic Heart and Vascular Center consistently exemplified the highest standards of patient care and professionalism. They shared their expertise willingly and took the time to explain medical concepts, treatment options, and surgical techniques, ensuring that I received a well-rounded educational experience.
I am especially grateful for the mentorship provided by Dr. Khan at the center. His willingness to invest time and effort into my education significantly enhanced my learning experience. He patiently answered my questions, challenged me to think critically, and allowed me to actively participate in patient care, all of which contributed to my growth as a medical professional.
Dr. Khan especially aimed to familiarize students with the US health care system and therefore encouraged gaining knowledge about the electronic medical record systems and how to navigate patient care by brushing up our communication and history taking skills and clinical approach via interactive learning sessions. Additionally, I had the privilege to not only be exposed to a diverse population of patients but a vast array of patient conditions, procedures and an amalgam of learning opportunities.
I attended various diagnostic tests like Echocardiography, Ultrasonography of vessels, Nuclear Cardiac Test, Exercise Stress Test and Mobile Cardiac Telemetry. Additionally, I was able to witness many outpatient procedures like Varithena, Venaseal and Venous ablations, as well as inpatient procedures like Cardiac Catheterization and Angiography, and Coronary Angioplasty with stent placement. Dr. Khan consistently made an effort to discuss indications and contraindications of said procedures, share the observations made during the interventions, and inform us of the results obtained and encouraged and recognized our efforts during interactive sessions.
Moreover, Dr. Khan always focused on the importance of academics and what it means to be a well read, researched and a 7 star doctor. He encouraged us to frequently read up on numerous articles in cardiac journals such as AHA, NEJM and JACC. I additionally had the opportunity to present “2023 Randomized Trial of BCG Vaccine to Protect against Covid-19 in Health Care Worker” which was a remarkable learning experience for me.
Therefore, I highly recommend Epic Heart and Vascular Center as an exceptional institution for clinical rotations. Dr. Khan’s commitment to excellence, patient-centered care, and dedication to education makes it an ideal learning environment for aspiring healthcare professionals. I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of this esteemed institution and will carry the lessons learned with me throughout my medical journey.