Sample Reflective Essay

I went only once this week. I will complete all my practicum hours next week. Time flies so fast. With the regular feedback from my preceptor, I have learnt my strength and weaknesses. I have been getting better on history taking, conducting a physical exam and diagnosing them. This semester I have improved significantly and gained more confidence on being able to educate patients about the management plan in a brief and effective way as all my previous and current preceptor does.

I managed 9 patients independently. The reasons for the visits are well child, diabetes follow up, urinary flow obstruction and COPD follow up, HTN management in second trimester pregnant women, abnormal vaginal discharge, fever and headache and family planning consultation.
For the patient with well child visit, I provided anticipatory guidance and, praised and encouraged to continue to practice healthy life style. For the patient who had urinary outflow obstruction with the symptoms of nocturia, difficulty urination, and weak urine stream ongoing for several months, I started him on Flomax. Also, the patient had COPD and stopped taking Advair thinking he had to stop after he started to feel better. I educated the patient on Advair being a long-term treatment of COPD. It prevents release of substances in the body that cause inflammation and releases muscles in the airways to improve breathing. I had a patient with history of HTN and 4 months pregnant. She had stopped taking BP medicine for more than a year and for her previous 2 pregnancies she was taking blood pressure medicine during her pregnancy. I found out that she has her first OB visit is in 3 weeks and her current BP was 145/90. The patient was asymptomatic and did not have insurance. I ordered methyldopa with 1 month prescription and 1 refill because it was safe during pregnancy and she will have enough medicine until she visits OB. I had 2 patients with the abnormal vaginal discharge. While performing vaginal exam, I