Reflecting on my recent externship at Epic Heart and Vascular Center under the guidance of Dr. Usman Khan, I have nothing but gratitude and admiration. As this was my first rotation, I was initially a bit intimidated and overwhelmed. However, on the very first day, Dr. Khan took the time to connect with each of us on a personal level, understanding our individual aspirations and goals. When he said, “Tell me, personally, as a doctor, what do you find challenging so we can navigate those issues together and help you reach your goals,” I knew everything was going to be fine.
Looking back, the support provided by the whole team is commendable and truly stands out. Dr. Khan went to great lengths to maximize the learning opportunities, whether it was looking out for introverted students, accommodating those preparing for board exams, or making it possible for us to accompany him for locum assignments. It wasn’t just Dr. Khan; the entire team was fully invested in providing the best learning experience. Kim and Miriana consistently ensured that nobody missed an opportunity to observe a procedure, while Melissa encouraged us to ask questions and was always eager to provide tips for our presentations.
Dr. Khan encouraged me to take detailed patient histories, conduct thorough physical examinations, and engage with Spanish-speaking patients using translation tools. I had the opportunity to witness procedures like Varithena, Venaseal, radiofrequency thermal ablation of varicose veins, and cardiac catheterization on a regular basis. Discussions regarding patient cases, management plans, and the interpretation of EKG, Echo, and Nuclear Stress tests were pivotal aspects of the rotation. At the end of each session, Dr. Khan would provide feedback and offer personalized recommendations for improvement. My favorite highlight of the rotation was the “quiz of the week,” where we would be presented with an elaborate mystery medical case, and we had to figure it out sequentially. It was the most enjoyable and entertaining learning experience and definitely something I looked forward to every week.
Dr. Khan particularly emphasized the importance of incorporating technology and staying up to date with medical guidelines and literature. To that end, he personally supervised and ensured proficiency in operating the EMR system (eClinicalWorks and Patient Keeper) and assigned research presentations every week. I had the privilege of presenting research on topics such as Cardioprotection in Cancer Therapy and the Role of SGLT2 inhibitors in arrhythmias from JACC and Cardiovascular Diabetology.
I wholeheartedly recommend any medical student seeking a personalized and enriching clinical rotation to seize the invaluable opportunity to learn under the guidance of Dr. Usman Khan. Thank you, Dr. Khan, for your unwavering support and for shaping me into a better healthcare provider.