I felt incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have had a rotation with Dr. Usman Khan during my externship at Epic Heart and Vascular Center in August 2023. This experience was nothing short of transformative in my medical journey.
During my time with Dr. Khan, I had the privilege of engaging with patients, meticulously documenting case histories, analyzing intricate lab reports, and presenting my findings to him for invaluable feedback and guidance. This hands-on experience allowed me to develop the crucial skill of clinically correlating findings from various diagnostic tools, such as EKGs, echocardiographs, and arterial and venous Doppler studies. In the outpatient setting, I gained a profound understanding of the long-term care of chronic cardiovascular diseases, while hospital rounds provided me with insight into the intricacies of inpatient management.
As an International Medical Graduate (IMG), finding opportunities for U.S. Clinical Experience (USCE) and gaining exposure to the U.S. healthcare system can be exceptionally challenging. Dr. Khan effortlessly stepped into the role of mentor, providing me with not only the clinical exposure I needed but also a deep insight into the compassionate leadership that defines him. Witnessing his genuine care for his patients and his respectful interactions with his staff has left an indelible mark on my understanding of the patient-doctor relationship.
Throughout my tenure, I had the privilege of closely observing various outpatient clinical procedures, including Varithena, VenaSeal, nuclear stress scans, and radiofrequency ablation. However, one of the most impactful moments of my externship was witnessing Dr. Khan’s exceptional skill during a PCI procedure in the CATH lab. Additionally, I had the honor of presenting a study titled “Supervised Exercise Training for Chronic Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction: A Scientific Statement from the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology” from the JACC journal to Dr. Khan and my fellow colleagues. Dr. Khan’s approval and the engagement of my colleagues reinforced the value of this experience and the knowledge I had gained.
This externship has been an unforgettable journey that I will forever cherish. Dr. Khan is not just a mentor but an exceptional physician who not only opened the door to practical learning within the U.S. healthcare system but also helped me refine my existing knowledge and skills. I am confident that the improvements I have made during this externship will be invaluable assets as I continue my journey as a physician in the years to come. For those in search of a comprehensive and enlightening experience within the U.S. healthcare system, I enthusiastically offer my full endorsement and recommend this rotation.