Third-Year Clerkship
Welcome to the Internal Medicine Clerkship:
During this two-month rotation, you will learn to evaluate and manage sick hospitalized patients. Caring for acutely ill patients is challenging but immensely rewarding. Take time to reflect. As you go through the clerkship, keep an open mind. Perhaps Internal Medicine is the right specialty for you. If not, the basic principles taught during this clerkship will help you to become a better physician no matter which field of medicine you choose to practice.
Carefully review the materials contained in this syllabus. Review the goals and objectives for the clerkship. Know your role and responsibilities. Look over the appendices for helpful suggestions. Look at “Advice from the Front” a compilation of recommendations from students who recently completed their rotation.
As you go through the clerkship, make the most out of every clinical encounter, every rounding session, every conference and every lecture. Seize opportunities to learn from your patients and those around you. Never forget, you are caring for real people. Do your best no matter what time of day or what your state of mind. Excellence is a habit.
Finally, you need to read. You decided to be a doctor to help people. (You said so on your personal statement and during your interview.) To be able to provide outstanding care you need to be knowledgeable and up to date. The only way to do this is to read.
Good luck on your Internal Medicine Clerkship. We hope you have an exceptional educational experience and make a positive difference to your patients.
Diane Levine M.D.
Vice Chair for Education and Clerkship Director
Department of Internal Medicine
Wayne State University School of Medicine
E-mail: dllevine@med.wayne.edu