I remember as a medical student not exactly understanding my place or role on the team.

Feeling superfluous.

But I’ve seen first hand countless situations where students changed the clinical course of a patient for the better.

A
1/n

One student spent a ton of time getting to know an AYA oncology patient w/ a devastating disease.

The patient ended up confiding that they’d been ingesting hydrogen peroxide to cure their disease.

Conversation education prevention of a bad outcome.

2/n

Another student did an extensive literature search about a ridiculously rare presentation in a child where the team was at a loss.

Identified possible cause surgical intervention resolution of symptoms.

3/n

A patient w/ lupus came in w/ a pleural effusion.

Team was convinced it was infectious & wanted to immunosuppression.

Student asked if it could be lupus pleuritis. Pathology confirmed & patient received appropriate treatment.

4/n

Team was caring for a newly immigrated pt w/ pneumonia & FTT.

Patient was from an African country & team was convinced they had TB.

Learner advocated for a sweat test & the pt was diagnosed w/CF.

5/n

Too much knowledge can skew perspective.

Students may have time that others do not.

And these are just the cases that come to mind.

Students, know you are a part of the team & you belong.

We appreciate you & your contributions.

You are anything but superfluous.

6/fin