6 answers
cami
Student
Silver Spring, Maryland
1
Question
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What is a day like in the medical field ?
I am interested. in exploring this area and I'm wondering what its like in your case.
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6 answers
Abeeha Alvi
Healthcare provider/ Nutritionist/Dietitian
2
Answers
Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
Updated
Abeeha’s Answer
A day in the medical field can vary significantly depending on the specific role, setting, and specialty of the healthcare professional. Here's a general overview, but keep in mind that the experiences can differ widely:
Early Start:
Many healthcare professionals start their day early. This is especially true for those working in hospitals or clinics, where patient care is provided around the clock.
Morning Rounds:
Physicians, residents, and medical students often begin the day with rounds, during which they visit patients, discuss treatment plans, and assess progress. This is common in hospital settings.
Patient Care:
Nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants are involved in direct patient care. They administer medications, monitor vital signs, and provide support to patients and their families.
Surgeries and Procedures:
For surgical teams, the morning might involve preparing for and performing surgeries or other medical procedures. This includes the work of surgeons, anesthesiologists, surgical nurses, and other support staff.
Clinic Appointments:
Healthcare professionals in outpatient settings, such as general practitioners, specialists, and allied health professionals, often have scheduled appointments with patients throughout the day.
Emergency Department (ED) or Urgent Care:
Emergency room physicians, nurses, and other staff deal with a variety of urgent and emergent cases. This can include trauma, acute illnesses, and other critical conditions.
Administrative Tasks:
Healthcare providers spend time on administrative tasks, including updating patient records, reviewing test results, and communicating with other members of the healthcare team.
Consultations:
Specialists may have consultations with patients referred to them by primary care physicians. This involves reviewing medical histories, conducting examinations, and recommending further tests or treatments.
Education and Training:
Medical professionals often engage in ongoing education and training. This could include attending conferences, participating in rounds, or staying current on the latest medical research and advancements.
Collaboration and Communication:
Effective communication and collaboration are essential in the medical field. Healthcare professionals regularly consult with colleagues, discuss cases, and coordinate care plans.
Lunch and Short Breaks:
Like any profession, medical professionals need breaks. However, the intensity and nature of patient care may limit the length and frequency of breaks.
Afternoon and Evening Responsibilities:
The afternoon may involve continued patient care, additional surgeries or procedures, and addressing any urgent matters. Physicians may also have administrative tasks, such as writing reports or conducting research.
Handover and Shift Changes:
In settings with shift work, there is usually a handover between healthcare professionals at the end of one shift and the beginning of another. This ensures continuity of care.
On-Call Duties:
Some healthcare professionals, particularly those in emergency medicine or certain specialties, may have on-call duties, requiring them to be available after regular working hours for emergencies.
Reflection and Planning:
At the end of the day, healthcare professionals may take time to reflect on patient cases, plan for the next day, and address any outstanding tasks.
It's important to note that the schedule and responsibilities can vary widely based on the specific role, healthcare setting, and individual preferences.
Additionally, healthcare professionals often work in a collaborative environment, with effective communication and teamwork being essential for providing quality patient care.
Early Start:
Many healthcare professionals start their day early. This is especially true for those working in hospitals or clinics, where patient care is provided around the clock.
Morning Rounds:
Physicians, residents, and medical students often begin the day with rounds, during which they visit patients, discuss treatment plans, and assess progress. This is common in hospital settings.
Patient Care:
Nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants are involved in direct patient care. They administer medications, monitor vital signs, and provide support to patients and their families.
Surgeries and Procedures:
For surgical teams, the morning might involve preparing for and performing surgeries or other medical procedures. This includes the work of surgeons, anesthesiologists, surgical nurses, and other support staff.
Clinic Appointments:
Healthcare professionals in outpatient settings, such as general practitioners, specialists, and allied health professionals, often have scheduled appointments with patients throughout the day.
Emergency Department (ED) or Urgent Care:
Emergency room physicians, nurses, and other staff deal with a variety of urgent and emergent cases. This can include trauma, acute illnesses, and other critical conditions.
Administrative Tasks:
Healthcare providers spend time on administrative tasks, including updating patient records, reviewing test results, and communicating with other members of the healthcare team.
Consultations:
Specialists may have consultations with patients referred to them by primary care physicians. This involves reviewing medical histories, conducting examinations, and recommending further tests or treatments.
Education and Training:
Medical professionals often engage in ongoing education and training. This could include attending conferences, participating in rounds, or staying current on the latest medical research and advancements.
Collaboration and Communication:
Effective communication and collaboration are essential in the medical field. Healthcare professionals regularly consult with colleagues, discuss cases, and coordinate care plans.
Lunch and Short Breaks:
Like any profession, medical professionals need breaks. However, the intensity and nature of patient care may limit the length and frequency of breaks.
Afternoon and Evening Responsibilities:
The afternoon may involve continued patient care, additional surgeries or procedures, and addressing any urgent matters. Physicians may also have administrative tasks, such as writing reports or conducting research.
Handover and Shift Changes:
In settings with shift work, there is usually a handover between healthcare professionals at the end of one shift and the beginning of another. This ensures continuity of care.
On-Call Duties:
Some healthcare professionals, particularly those in emergency medicine or certain specialties, may have on-call duties, requiring them to be available after regular working hours for emergencies.
Reflection and Planning:
At the end of the day, healthcare professionals may take time to reflect on patient cases, plan for the next day, and address any outstanding tasks.
It's important to note that the schedule and responsibilities can vary widely based on the specific role, healthcare setting, and individual preferences.
Additionally, healthcare professionals often work in a collaborative environment, with effective communication and teamwork being essential for providing quality patient care.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6342
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Cami,
As someone who spends their day in the bustling world of healthcare, my daily schedule is a mix of tasks and duties that are both demanding and fulfilling. Let me walk you through a day in my shoes, in the realm of medicine:
8:00 AM - Kick-Start and Morning Rituals
My day begins at the hospital or clinic, where I start my morning rituals. This includes a quick look at my daily schedule, going over patient records, and getting ready for the morning rounds.
9:00 AM - Morning Rounds
Next, I team up with my fellow healthcare workers for rounds. We deliberate over each patient's health status, their treatment strategy, and how they're progressing. We scrutinize medical records, test outcomes, and any other pertinent data to make sure we're delivering top-notch care to our patients.
10:00 AM - Assessing Patients
I then dedicate my time to assessing patients, which entails gathering medical histories, conducting physical examinations, and ordering any necessary diagnostic tests. I collaborate with other healthcare professionals like nurses and specialists to make sure we've got all bases covered when it comes to patient care.
12:00 PM - Lunch Respite
I take a pause for lunch, often using this time to chat with colleagues, delve into articles or research papers, or participate in lectures or workshops.
1:00 PM - Procedures and Surgeries
Post-lunch, I might be performing procedures or surgeries, such as stitching up wounds, excising tumors, or fixing broken bones. These activities demand a high degree of expertise and meticulousness, and I need to be fully concentrated and vigilant at all times.
5:00 PM - Patient Send-Offs and Follow-Ups
As the day winds down, I assist in discharging patients who are ready to head home, making sure they fully comprehend their treatment strategies and upcoming appointments. I also check in with patients who were admitted earlier in the day to ensure they're recuperating well and their health status is stable.
7:00 PM - Shift Conclusion
After wrapping up my shift, I take a moment to ponder over the day's happenings and consider ways to enhance my practice. I might also spend time going over my notes and reports, or catching up on the latest medical research and advancements.
Supportive Reference Titles for the Answer:
“The Medical Field: A Comprehensive Guide” by the American Medical Association (AMA)
“Principles and Practice of Medicine” by Richard K. Albert and Daniel M. Laskowitz
“The Oxford Handbook of Clinical Medicine” by David J. F. Lindsay et al.
These references offer a thorough understanding of the medical realm and shed light on the everyday duties and hurdles encountered by healthcare professionals. They also provide valuable advice on best practices and the newest advancements in the field.
I hope this paints a clearer picture of what a day in the medical field entails! If you have any more queries, feel free to ask. 😊
Stay Blessed,
James.
As someone who spends their day in the bustling world of healthcare, my daily schedule is a mix of tasks and duties that are both demanding and fulfilling. Let me walk you through a day in my shoes, in the realm of medicine:
8:00 AM - Kick-Start and Morning Rituals
My day begins at the hospital or clinic, where I start my morning rituals. This includes a quick look at my daily schedule, going over patient records, and getting ready for the morning rounds.
9:00 AM - Morning Rounds
Next, I team up with my fellow healthcare workers for rounds. We deliberate over each patient's health status, their treatment strategy, and how they're progressing. We scrutinize medical records, test outcomes, and any other pertinent data to make sure we're delivering top-notch care to our patients.
10:00 AM - Assessing Patients
I then dedicate my time to assessing patients, which entails gathering medical histories, conducting physical examinations, and ordering any necessary diagnostic tests. I collaborate with other healthcare professionals like nurses and specialists to make sure we've got all bases covered when it comes to patient care.
12:00 PM - Lunch Respite
I take a pause for lunch, often using this time to chat with colleagues, delve into articles or research papers, or participate in lectures or workshops.
1:00 PM - Procedures and Surgeries
Post-lunch, I might be performing procedures or surgeries, such as stitching up wounds, excising tumors, or fixing broken bones. These activities demand a high degree of expertise and meticulousness, and I need to be fully concentrated and vigilant at all times.
5:00 PM - Patient Send-Offs and Follow-Ups
As the day winds down, I assist in discharging patients who are ready to head home, making sure they fully comprehend their treatment strategies and upcoming appointments. I also check in with patients who were admitted earlier in the day to ensure they're recuperating well and their health status is stable.
7:00 PM - Shift Conclusion
After wrapping up my shift, I take a moment to ponder over the day's happenings and consider ways to enhance my practice. I might also spend time going over my notes and reports, or catching up on the latest medical research and advancements.
Supportive Reference Titles for the Answer:
“The Medical Field: A Comprehensive Guide” by the American Medical Association (AMA)
“Principles and Practice of Medicine” by Richard K. Albert and Daniel M. Laskowitz
“The Oxford Handbook of Clinical Medicine” by David J. F. Lindsay et al.
These references offer a thorough understanding of the medical realm and shed light on the everyday duties and hurdles encountered by healthcare professionals. They also provide valuable advice on best practices and the newest advancements in the field.
I hope this paints a clearer picture of what a day in the medical field entails! If you have any more queries, feel free to ask. 😊
Stay Blessed,
James.
Aditi Kannan
Management Consulting
26
Answers
Jersey City, New Jersey
Updated
Aditi’s Answer
Hi Cami, can you clarify what kind of medical work you're interested in? Day in the life would be vastly different for a medical lab worker, a hospital admin person, a vet, a surgeon, a researcher in a university lab, a GP with their own clinic, a volunteer medical worker, etc. :)
Hwal Lee
DMSc, PA-C
232
Answers
Albany, New York
Updated
Hwal’s Answer
Cami,
It looks like you may be interested in practicing medicine. I'm a family medicine PA, so let me share insights from my practice experience in an outpatient community health clinic.
My hours are 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday. I work with one nursing staff most of the time so this helps with consistency because we work well together. The nursing staff and I typically huddle to review the days schedule is patients either at the end of the day before, or early in the morning of, the schedule. This is not always possible for a number of reasons, and my schedule tends to change quite a bit throughout the day, so even when we don't get to huddle, it doesn't make much of a difference in what we do and how we do it.
There is a morning session until noon, then I resume patient care at around 1pm after lunch time, although, again, this often doesn't go as planned because the morning patient care runs over into my lunch time often enough and there are many variables that affect how my day goes.
I was a registered mental health counsellor in Australia, then CNA (certified nursing assistant) on the U.S. before studying medicine to become a PA, so let me know if you have any specific questions about these areas I can help with.
Good luck!
Hwal
It looks like you may be interested in practicing medicine. I'm a family medicine PA, so let me share insights from my practice experience in an outpatient community health clinic.
My hours are 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday. I work with one nursing staff most of the time so this helps with consistency because we work well together. The nursing staff and I typically huddle to review the days schedule is patients either at the end of the day before, or early in the morning of, the schedule. This is not always possible for a number of reasons, and my schedule tends to change quite a bit throughout the day, so even when we don't get to huddle, it doesn't make much of a difference in what we do and how we do it.
There is a morning session until noon, then I resume patient care at around 1pm after lunch time, although, again, this often doesn't go as planned because the morning patient care runs over into my lunch time often enough and there are many variables that affect how my day goes.
I was a registered mental health counsellor in Australia, then CNA (certified nursing assistant) on the U.S. before studying medicine to become a PA, so let me know if you have any specific questions about these areas I can help with.
Good luck!
Hwal
Dilawar Hussain
Veterinarian
22
Answers
Tando Jam, Sindh
Updated
Dilawar’s Answer
On the human side, it's a blessing to serve humanity and save people's lives.
As a Vet, I feel very peaceful and joyful when speechless beings are being served and saved their life. Sometimes when there are animals come in pain after relieving their pain, you feel very calm and happy that can't spoken in words.
As a Vet, I feel very peaceful and joyful when speechless beings are being served and saved their life. Sometimes when there are animals come in pain after relieving their pain, you feel very calm and happy that can't spoken in words.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6342
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Cami,
In a day of a medical professional’s life, there is a diverse range of activities and responsibilities that can vary greatly depending on their specific role and work setting. Here’s an overview of what a typical day might look like for some common medical professions:
Doctors: A doctor’s day can start early with rounds at the hospital, where they check on their patients, review their progress, and make decisions about their treatment plans. They may also spend time performing surgeries or other procedures, seeing new patients in the clinic, and reviewing test results. Throughout the day, they must make critical decisions based on complex medical information and communicate effectively with patients and their families.
Nurses: Nurses play a crucial role in patient care, providing direct care to patients and collaborating with doctors to implement treatment plans. Their duties can include administering medications, monitoring vital signs, providing emotional support to patients and families, and educating patients about their conditions. Nurses may work in hospitals, clinics, or long-term care facilities and often work long shifts to ensure around-the-clock care for patients.
Pharmacists: Pharmacists are responsible for ensuring that patients receive safe and effective medications. They review prescriptions written by doctors, consult with patients about their medications and potential side effects, and provide advice on how to take medications properly. Pharmacists may also work in hospitals or long-term care facilities where they collaborate with healthcare teams to manage complex medication regimens for patients.
Medical Laboratory Technologists: Medical laboratory technologists perform tests on body fluids and tissues to help diagnose diseases and monitor patient health. They prepare samples for testing, operate complex laboratory equipment, analyze test results, and report findings to doctors. Medical laboratory technologists may work in hospitals or diagnostic laboratories and often work early mornings or late evenings to process samples outside of regular business hours.
Physical Therapists: Physical therapists help patients recover from injuries or illnesses by designing exercise programs to improve mobility, strength, balance, and function. They may work in hospitals, clinics, or private practices where they assess patient needs through evaluations and develop individualized treatment plans using various modalities such as heat therapy or electrical stimulation. Physical therapists must communicate effectively with patients about their progress and motivate them to stay committed to their rehabilitation goals.
Authoritative References Used:
American Medical Association (AMA) - https://www.ama-assn.org/
American Nurses Association (ANA) - https://www.nursingworld.org/
American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) - https://www.ashp.org/
GOD BLESS YOU, JC.
In a day of a medical professional’s life, there is a diverse range of activities and responsibilities that can vary greatly depending on their specific role and work setting. Here’s an overview of what a typical day might look like for some common medical professions:
Doctors: A doctor’s day can start early with rounds at the hospital, where they check on their patients, review their progress, and make decisions about their treatment plans. They may also spend time performing surgeries or other procedures, seeing new patients in the clinic, and reviewing test results. Throughout the day, they must make critical decisions based on complex medical information and communicate effectively with patients and their families.
Nurses: Nurses play a crucial role in patient care, providing direct care to patients and collaborating with doctors to implement treatment plans. Their duties can include administering medications, monitoring vital signs, providing emotional support to patients and families, and educating patients about their conditions. Nurses may work in hospitals, clinics, or long-term care facilities and often work long shifts to ensure around-the-clock care for patients.
Pharmacists: Pharmacists are responsible for ensuring that patients receive safe and effective medications. They review prescriptions written by doctors, consult with patients about their medications and potential side effects, and provide advice on how to take medications properly. Pharmacists may also work in hospitals or long-term care facilities where they collaborate with healthcare teams to manage complex medication regimens for patients.
Medical Laboratory Technologists: Medical laboratory technologists perform tests on body fluids and tissues to help diagnose diseases and monitor patient health. They prepare samples for testing, operate complex laboratory equipment, analyze test results, and report findings to doctors. Medical laboratory technologists may work in hospitals or diagnostic laboratories and often work early mornings or late evenings to process samples outside of regular business hours.
Physical Therapists: Physical therapists help patients recover from injuries or illnesses by designing exercise programs to improve mobility, strength, balance, and function. They may work in hospitals, clinics, or private practices where they assess patient needs through evaluations and develop individualized treatment plans using various modalities such as heat therapy or electrical stimulation. Physical therapists must communicate effectively with patients about their progress and motivate them to stay committed to their rehabilitation goals.
Authoritative References Used:
American Medical Association (AMA) - https://www.ama-assn.org/
American Nurses Association (ANA) - https://www.nursingworld.org/
American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) - https://www.ashp.org/
GOD BLESS YOU, JC.