Footnotes - Summer 2022 - 20

Dearest Reader,
It has come to my attention that
many rising third year podiatry
students have questions about the
transition from the classroom to
the clinical setting. I can tell you
that this transition is both exciting
and challenging for many students.
My first day in the clinic I was
excited to actually practice the
things I had been reading about
and learning through Zoom for
the past two years. But, I was also
nervous. Part of me doubted my
ability. Was I really ready to start
taking care of people? Would
I be able to properly diagnose
the patients? Will the clinician
like me and help me learn or will
they berate me for not knowing
enough?
With the conflicting feelings of
excitement and anxiety, I walked
through the doors of the clinic,
wildly unprepared for what lay just
behind the door. But, over the last
year, I have gained the confidence
to face every day in the clinical
setting as a learning experience.
Below are some questions that
readers like you have asked and
some crowdsourced advice from
third- and fourth-year students to
help make this transition easier for
you. And remember: you worked
really hard to get to this point and
you deserve the title of student
doctor!
There is a lot of advice out there.
You take what advice helps you
and leave the rest at the door.
I hope that some of this advice
helps you with your transition
into the clinic. Remember, you
are meant to be here. You have
worked hard to get to where you
are. Ask for help when you need
it, be confident and prepared, and
you will succeed!
Good luck!
20 footnotes
Dear Abbey
W H AT TO KN OW B E F O R E C L I N I C
By Abbey Esbenson, TUSPM Class of 2023
Dear Abbey,
I have seen all of the 3rd years'
white coat pockets stuffed with
all sorts of stuff. Is there anything
you recommend I have in my white
coat pockets on my first day in the
clinic?
Sincerely,
Empty Pockets
Dearest Pockets,
It is important to be physically
prepared for your time in the clinic.
Being physically prepared will help
you feel more confident. There
are multiple objects that you will
need in your white coat pockets
starting the first day-the most
important being a small notebook.
It's usually helpful to write a few
important things down (not the
whole paragraph) when you see
patients so that you don't forget.
This notebook is also great to write
down " pimp " questions you do
not know the answer to as well as
interesting pathologies. That way
you can go back to that note to
be able to look up the answer at
lunch or at home. It's also easier
to remember pathologies if you
have a story or a patient to connect
it to. You can also use the small
notebook or the back of the face
sheet to write down the CC and HPI
and other information to help you
when present to the attending.
The other things that you will
need in your pockets on the first
day are: a black or blue pen, a
monofilament, a wood's lamp,
protective eyewear, and trauma
shears. All of these items are easily
accessible on Amazon and should
be purchased before the clinic.
These items are not always available
in the clinic, so it is good to have
your own.
Remember, having these objects
will help you feel prepared; if you
do not have to leave the room
to get things, you will look more
professional to the patients and
the attendings.
Dear Abbey,
My friends and I have been talking
about things we can do or practice
before starting in the clinic. Are
there any techniques or clinical
skills you recommend we review
so we are prepared to examine
patients?
Sincerely,
New Student Doctor
Dearest Student Doctor,
I am so glad you asked about
practicing. Something I wish I
had done more of was practice
my clinical skills and SOAP note
writing before starting in the clinic.
It is helpful to go through slides
that teach clinical techniques and
Footnotes - Summer 2022

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