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Operating Room to Daily Rounds, Exploring a Future Medical Career

Elmira, NY (07/31/2018) — This week's #SoaringToSuccess features Anthony Abate '19. Anthony is a biology and chemistry double major who had a recent internship with Hughston Orthopedics in Florida. Let's hear about Anthony's experience:

The opportunity to shadow with Hughston Orthopedics has been such an amazing experience. The educational program has allowed me to meet many orthopedic surgeons, physician assistants (PA), anesthesiologists, surgical technicians, nurses, and many others. Aside from meeting many well-rounded and intellectual people, I have also been able to learn about the atmosphere of the medical environment. Thanks to Erin, the Hughston Orthopedic coordinator and PA-C, I have contributed a majority of my time this summer shadowing surgeries in the OR and following up with patient check-ups in clinic post-surgery.

I have had the pleasure to observe many surgeries alongside two of Hughston's Orthopedic Surgeons, Dr. Burnette and Dr. Gould. My experience in the OR has been extremely engaging as I have observed 24 total surgeries. Not only am I just watching what's going on, but I'm asking many questions and the surgeons are talking me through their procedures and teaching me what they're doing and why they're doing it. Throughout my time with Hughston, I have developed many relationships and realized that surgery is a complete team effort. Everyone in the OR has a role and specific job in order for the surgery to be a success and run smoothly. The friendly personalities of everyone I have been alongside has been a perfect fit for my eager curiosity since I have such a strong desire to understand and absorb as much knowledge and information as I can.

As well as spending time in the OR, I am also shadowing these same doctors in clinic and observing how they interact with people post-operation. During clinic, we also meet with trauma patients that have suffered due to things such as car accidents, work accidents, gunshot wounds, and being struck by automobiles. The doctors are genuinely very nice and really listen to the progression of the patient. As one PA said to me, "there is a certain algorithm that you follow as you gain more experience". This is based off comparing x-rays of when the patient was injured to the x-rays at which they currently stand during the check-up, so that the doctor can guide them in the best direction to full recovery. During clinic, I have learned the social aspect of being a doctor and how to communicate with patients as we aid in helping them recover physically and mentally.

It has truly been a blessing that I have been able to gain these experiences this summer spending up to 8 hours a day, 2-3 times a week in the hospital. My goal is to attend medical school because I know I want a career in the medical field. Thanks to Hughston Orthopedics I have gotten a taste of the medical environment, met some great people, and have had the opportunity to pick their brains as I continue along my young path to hopeful success. I will be continuing my summer internship journey with a second internship alongside the Division Chief of Neurology at Nemours Children Hospital in Orlando, FL for a 2-week, 80-hour term to branch out my understanding of the medical field even further. My passions to learn and care for others is what drives me to take full advantage of these opportunities and any others that may come my way!

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