Being a medical professional is a respected career choice that brings enormous success and job satisfaction. The work of a doctor is vastly different from many other job roles as they are burdened with the responsibility of keeping people healthy.

Hence, medical professionals have to undergo rigorous training which includes going through medical school rotations. During this phase, medical students get a first taste of the real-world medical setting. They get to experience the atmosphere within hospitals and how things work.

The role of clinical rotations during medical school is very vital and here is why.

What is clinical rotation?

Along with academic textbook learning, medical students also need to have a practical understanding of clinical medicine and the diagnosis and treatment of patients. Clinical rotations provide this opportunity to students.

At the Caribbean medical school, students get to participate in clinical rotations at established US hospitals. This allows them to practice hands-on skills and also gives them a chance to get accustomed to the fast-paced and charged atmosphere of the hospital.

During clinical rotations, students get to shadow physicians and learn many new things. They understand how to diagnose and also counsel patients along with learning everything about their area of specialty.

Also, if you are looking to take up a residency position then clinical rotations are very necessary. The doctors you will be shadowing during clinical rotations are the ones that will write your recommendation letters in the future.

Importance of clinical rotation

There are many reasons why clinical rotations are important for every medical student. Some of these reasons are discussed below:

Imbibe practical skills

It is a given that having hands-on practice is very important for a doctor. They should know everything from drawing blood the right way to understanding the symptoms of a patient.

Being in a clinical setting makes you accustomed to the tools and atmosphere of a hospital. It is an early introduction to what you can expect during your practice and how to deal with various situations. This will also be a crucial time for you to understand the right way to deal with stressful situations.

Teamwork

Doctors are required to work with the entire team and other hospital staff during their tenure and clinical rotation teaches you the value of this teamwork. You will learn how to coordinate with your peers, interact with nurses and the rest of the support staff.

Making a good rapport with them will help you work more efficiently. Also, the experience they carry will help you in your daily dealings. You will learn the right way to interact with patients and also be empathetic with them. Patients are also keen to go to doctors who listen well and show empathy towards them.

Hence, a good working relationship will have a positive impact on your entire career.

Understand your specialization

Often students go into clinical rotations knowing fully well the specialization they need to take up. Though, this is a good time to reflect on your choice as, during rotation, you will get a clearer view of what the specialization entails. This way you will gain a deeper understanding of it or can even switch and go for another specialty or sub-specialty.