I thoroughly enjoyed my rotation under the supervision of Dr. Usman Khan. In July 2022, I was able to obtain outpatient and inpatient exposure. The day usually consisted of attending rounds and consults at Houston HCA. In addition, I got to observe various cardiovascular procedures in the clinic and the hospital, such as cath lab procedures and venous ablation. I also actively contributed as a member of the Epic Heart and Vascular Center team by taking patient histories and performing physical examinations in the clinic. I would then document the relevant details in the EMR system and discuss the patient cases with Dr. Khan, who always took it as an opportunity to teach and offer feedback. This practice significantly aided in the improvement of my clinical skills.
Moreover, I got along with the team very well, who was more than welcoming. Tran, the sonologist at the clinic, was kind enough to educate me regarding the techniques for performing Echo and venous Doppler U/S. The rotation allowed me to showcase my teamwork, clinical and interpersonal skills truly. The opportunity to immerse in extensive patient care and collaborate with the team to provide the best management was definitely a highlight.
What stood out to me in this rotation was the incorporation of scholarly activities into the daily routine. We would have weekly student presentations on the latest guidelines and journal clubs to discuss novel research. During my rotation, I presented the 2020 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Management of Patients with Valvular Heart Disease. It felt like a short-internship crash course and was one of my favorite rotations during my time in the United States. I truly appreciated Dr. Khan’s interest in teaching and dedication to making this a memorable rotation for all students. The encouragement and constructive criticism I received during my experience at Epic Heart and Vascular Center will be something I will definitely carry into my professional career as a valuable asset. Although my time was short, I would 10/10 recommend this rotation to all visiting medical students and graduates.