Overall, I think this was the best rotation for my first clinical experience and for developing confidence in managing a wide range of patient complaints. On this rotation, I primarily saw patients independently by reviewing their charts, reviewing labs or screening needs, and discussing prior imaging or consult results, such as X-rays, ultrasounds, mammograms, CTs, MRIs, or biopsies. I would then present each patient to my preceptor, summarizing why they were there, any pertinent findings, and my proposed management plan. My preceptor would clarify or expand on anything I wasn’t sure about, which was extremely helpful for building both knowledge and confidence.

One of the biggest areas of growth for me was learning how to manage a high patient load efficiently. Initially, I felt overwhelmed by the volume of patients and the variety of complaints, which included a bunch of dermatology, musculoskeletal, urology, urgent care issues, chronic disease follow-ups, and routine preventive care. By the third week, I had developed strategies for time management and organizing my notes,  which allowed me to feel much more confident in educating patients, discussing treatment plans, and coordinating follow-up care. I also gained a better understanding of primary care as the central hub of patient care, where specialists refer back to you and you integrate multiple aspects of a patient’s health into a cohesive plan.

Procedurally, I was able to gain hands-on experience in skills. I practiced a bunch of nasal swabs & intramuscular injections, urinalysis, manual BPs, venipuncture, and EKGs. I learned that speaking up and asking to perform procedures was key, and my preceptor and MAs were always willing to let me practice. This helped build my comfort and competence with routine procedures commonly seen in primary care for other rotations.

I also received very helpful feedback from my preceptor, who complimented my knowledge, management plans, and time management skills, especially given that the practice was seeing 40–60 patients per day and completing the majority of the notes efficiently. This feedback reinforced my confidence and motivated me to continue improving my clinical reasoning, documentation, and communication skills.

This rotation also significantly changed my view of family medicine. I initially expected primary care to be hectic and overwhelming (which it was), but I found it to be a rewarding and dynamic field. I enjoyed developing ongoing relationships with patients and guiding them through their health journeys, including the management of multiple chronic conditions. By the end of the rotation, I was even considering family medicine as one of my top options after graduation. Overall, this experience strengthened my confidence in patient care, clinical decision-making, and procedural skills, and it reinforced the importance of adaptability, organization, and effective communication in a busy primary care setting.