Fifth Semester at UT Southwestern

Fifth Semester at UTSW

Below is a schedule taken from our program website detailing the clinical rotation schedule. Each student’s rotations are already set up for them (a huge plus), as I learned at the PAEA conference this year that not all PA programs do this. Some programs require that you setup your own rotations. Additionally, I appreciated an increased level of security that our rotations were quality - something not all programs ensure. Our rotations have been vetted before, dropping sites and preceptors who do not meet a high enough standard for our students. Our clinical coordinators have also done a great job of ensuring preceptors provide feedback to our students and that we get the most experience on each rotation, never being left in the shadows.

Fourth Semester at UT Southwestern

Fourth Semester at UT Southwestern

Updated: 08/03/2015

Finishing didactic is probably one of the most bittersweet and alleviating feelings you have ever felt in your life; there really isn’t another comparison, unless passing the PANCE feels the same way or better. Although this semester may have had a less demanding class-schedule and less courses than previous semesters, there was definitely enough work to be done. Between SOAP write-ups, seeing patients in the hospital or in a controlled (OSCE) setting, or preparing for exams, there was never a dull moment. This semester felt like one of the most rewarding because we finished our didactic education - now it is time to review everything, hammering the material in, and ensuring we are competent providers when we graduate.

Third Semester at UT Southwestern

Third Semester at UT Southwestern

They say that the further you move along in PA school, the tougher it gets, and “they” are right. In light of the fact that it is only our third semester, this has been the busiest one, for sure. It feels like we had just started the GI block, but before long we had completed neurology, orthopaedics, endocrine, and nephrology/urology. Alas, we received information about our clinical rotations beginning in the fall about 2-3 weeks ago and I am ecstatic. Not only that, but I now have my very own little. If you were unaware, our program has the big/little system. I am able to pass down helpful information and books to my little to help her navigate through PA school.

Second Semester at UT Southwestern

First off, thank you all for reading. I started my blog about one year ago with the intention of keeping myself updated about current events in the PA profession as it is rapidly changing with our developing healthcare system. While I have yet to write many articles that have needed writing since the beginning of this semester, I plan to write a lot while I have a one month break this winter. Thank you for reading my blog and for helping me reach 200k views! -Paul

We finally completed our second semester (Fall I) at UT Southwestern. It was a doozey. Much harder than I had expected. It made summer semester seem like a breeze!