Tips for IMG Trainees
- Be are polite and respectful. The patients appreciate the fact that your exams are gentle.
- Make sure to introduce yourself to the patient using the name Doctor _____. You must be sure that the patient knows exactly who you are. (eg. I am a family physician from Iran doing additional training with Dr. Burnett. I will be practicing in the Assiniboine Health Region next year.)
- Understand exactly what the patient is there for. Is it a new referral? Is it an emergency visit? Is the patient there for routine well woman care? On the basis of that information, take a focused history. Make sure you thoroughly understand the presenting complaint and document the history of the present illness in detail. Past medical history, family history and social history should be documented AS THEY RELATE TO THE PRESENTING COMPLAINT.
- Use the SOAP format for your notes. Don’t forget to include your differential diagnosis under “Assessment”. Patients being admitted to hospital need a complete history and physical written on the chart and in-patients need daily progress notes. If you are called to see a patient because of a problem, be sure to make an entry in the chart.
- Practice your pelvic exams using the models. You need to be comfortable with the speculum and bimanual exams. You need to actually feel the uterus to make it worthwhile. See me for specifics on how to do this.
- Practice, practice, practice English. Rehearse in front of the mirror, pretending that you are talking with your patients. Canadian women will expect detailed explanations of test results. (eg. It is not enough to say, “The ultrasound looks benign.” You need to explain how we use ultrasound to measure the endometrial thickness and if it is less than 5mm there is no cancer there.) Draw diagrams to help your patient understand and ask her if she has questions.
- Develop and use a good knowledge base in Women’s Health. You need to show what you know by explaining your investigation and treatment plans in a way that your patient can understand.