residents, report to doctor??????

leahdione · 03-24-2005, 11:00 AM

I found out that the dr I am going to tomorrow is a learning clinic. I will be seen by a resident that reports to the doctor, who then decides what to do. I don't feel well about the dr not doing the exam or meeting with me. I am assuming the resident does an exam. I have not had a pap in over a year. Has anyone else been to a place like this? I was referred by the dr I saw in the ER. It is the OBGYN Clinic in Columbus, GA if there are any cysters out in that area of GA? I am not sure that this will result in the best care I could receive. I do have an appt with endo but they can't see me until June. Opinions??????

Smorgan128 · 03-24-2005, 11:22 AM

I work in a teaching hospital, so we deal with residents all the time. Residents work under the supervision of doctors, they have already been in school for several years, and are simply lacking the years of clinical experience most doctors have. I'm sure if teh resident is dealing with the appointment he/she has had plenty of experience doing exams and paps. THey probably have a standard procedure they go through, for example, Assessment(exam) any standard labs for your complaints, and the resident will recommend things. The doctor may come in for a moment at the end of the appointment to go over what was ordered and see if he/she wants to add anything. The good thing about going to a teaching/learning clinic is they are more willing to explain to you, why and how things are done, and answer all your questions.

HTH

leahdione · 03-24-2005, 11:30 AM

Thank you so much. Your reply makes me feel reassured. When I was talking to the receptionist at this clinic she said I may or may not see the dr. depending on the situation. My situation right now is I am pretty sure I have a cyst that needs to be drained or removed b/c I can't stay in this constant pain. I want a transvaginal u/s but I don't know how to go about asking for one, and even if I ask I am not sure they will do one. Any advice on that?

Smorgan128 · 03-24-2005, 12:06 PM

well my best advice to you would be to say the same thing to them, explain your medical history, explain that you believe that you have a cyst that is painful and needs attention and ask the resident any questions you would ask any doctor. You should treat the resident just like any doctor.
This is how they learn, they don't learn by having anyone, nurses, doctors or patients treat them with "kid gloves". Some people are uncomfortable letting residents treat them, but I simply think of it, as if I were in their position, everyone has to learn somehow, and I don't mind it. I draw blood at the hospital i work at, and what would have happened if everyone told me they didn't want a student drawing blood from them, i would have never learned. When any "student"
does a procedure, they are supervised until they are considered proficient at that particular procedure.

Glad my first response made you feel better.