3rd Year has Begun

June was a busy month. I started my first rotation June 1st with Pediatric ortho at Children's Hospital. I worked 12-13 hours a day, 5 days a week. I learned a lot about Cerebral Palsy and other congenital disorders that cause limb and muscle deformity. I also learned a lot of surgical skills.

In my 3rd week, I was able to do a small surgical procedure by myself - from cut to close. It was a hardware removal of the distal tibia. I actually got to do almost 100% of the other leg too. It was so cool! Someday I will look back on this and wonder what I was so excited about but when you are just beginning, every little task is "cool".

I have also gotten to read a lot of x-rays, a hip US, and a hip MRI. I am getting better at finding fractures and classifying them. There is still so much to learn, it is almost daunting.

I spent many late nights in surgery and writing progress notes. All part of being a real PA, except I don't get paid. One morning I went in at 6am to do rounds on our patients. It was a really good experience to talk to families alone. I know I can't answer every question but it is fun trying.

My final eval was very encouraging. My preceptor commented that he felt I would be a great Orthopedic PA, which means a lot to me coming from him. It is what I really want to be and I pray God will provide a job in that specialty when I graduate!