Mercy Family Medicine Externship Program
 
 Objectives

1. Introduce the student to the philosophical and practice aspects of Family Medicine.
2. Provide an opportunity for the student to begin developing the knowledge and skills needed to provide comprehensive primary care.

Methods

1. Rounds: Will attend daily Family Medicine Inpatient Rounds with the residents and faculty member.
2. Office: Will see patients in the Family Medicine Center.  The student will be under the direct supervision of senior residents and faculty.
3. For the sub-internship, the student will spend the week working with the Family Medicine Inpatient Team.  This may include rounding with patients or assisting the resident on call with admissions during that time.
4. Conferences/Presentations: Will participate in regular residency activities including lectures and group discussions on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.
5. Independent Learning: One half-day a week in Library or Patient Education Center.  This should be used to explore topics brought up in rounds or in the office.

Evaluation

1. The faculty member and senior residents will evaluate the student.
2. Feedback will be given to the student at the middle and end of the rotation.
3. The student will be asked to evaluate the externship experience.
   *   No evening calls or weekend
   ** Meals provided

Office Experience Guidelines For Residents Working With Medical Students

1. Each student will be assigned to a resident or faculty physician each half-day.
2. The RN’s/MA’s will ask each patient if it is okay for the “student doctor” to see them along with their regular doctor.
3. The resident or faculty physician will introduce the medical student as a “student doctor”.
4. The RN’s/MA’s will write “NO STUDENT” on the appointment sheet by those patients who want to see their doctor alone.
5. During the first few days, the resident or faculty physician will see the patient with the student, discuss the case, and review note writing techniques with the student.
6. After several days as an “active observer”, the student will:
   • See and evaluate the patient
   • Present the case to the physician
   • See the patient with the physician
   • Hopefully, the resident will see at least 4 patients in this manner each half-day.
   • When a patient requires a pelvic or rectal examination, the student must have the supervising resident or faculty present.