Geriatrics Rotation Reflection

Something New

During the geriatrics rotation, I was exposed to a different pace and style of medicine that I expected. Initially, I thought the rotation would be slow, but I quickly realized that geriatric care requires constant attention to detail and clinical reasoning. Many of my encounters involved monthly evaluations, but I also saw acute issues such as UTIs, delirium, and new pain complaints that required prompt evaluation. One of the biggest things I learned was how essential chart review is in geriatrics. Patients often have many chronic conditions, long medication lists, and extensive histories that must be reviewed carefully before making decisions. I also learned that geriatric care often focuses on stabilizing patients and maintaining quality of life over time, especially for those receiving hospice or long-term care. My preceptor spent a lot of time teaching me how certain diagnoses present in older adults and how subtle changes can signal something more serious.

Skills, Challenges, and Action Plan

This rotation helped me develop several clinical and procedural skills that I had not practiced on real patients before. I performed MMSE assessments, Foley catheter placements, wound care, and blood work, which gave me hands-on experience managing complex patients. One challenge I faced early on was remembering all the steps of the history, ROS, and physical exam, especially while also reviewing extensive patient charts. However, as the rotation progressed, I became more organized in how I approached patient encounters. I also learned how important medication reviews are in geriatrics, since many patients have polypharmacy and medications often contribute to symptoms or complications. Moving forward, I want to continue improving my efficiency with chart review and strengthen my ability to quickly synthesize large amounts of information into a clear patient presentation.

Challenging Patients and Growth

One aspect that stood out to me was how complex many geriatric patients are. Almost every patient has multiple chronic conditions, and each visit requires addressing several problems at once. This helped me develop stronger clinical reasoning skills, as I needed to consider how different diagnoses and medications interact. I also learned the importance of involving family members and caregivers, since they often provide essential information about the patient’s baseline function, behavior, and recent changes. These interactions reinforced the importance of patience, empathy, and clear communication when working with both patients and their families.

Memorable Experiences

One of the most memorable aspects of this rotation was the amount of time I was able to spend with each patient. Many patients were eager to talk and share their experiences, which allowed me to build meaningful connections while learning more about their health and personal histories. I also participated in care management meetings, which showed me how interdisciplinary collaboration plays a major role in geriatric care. Seeing how providers, nurses, social workers, and family members work together to plan long-term care helped me appreciate the broader approach required when managing older adults.

Overall Reflection and Perspective

Overall, this rotation gave me a much deeper understanding of geriatric medicine. I learned that caring for older adults involves not only treating acute conditions but also managing chronic disease, reviewing medications, maintaining function, and preserving quality of life. It also taught me the importance of careful observation, communication with families, and thorough chart review. Although the patient population is medically complex, I found the experience rewarding because it allowed me to spend meaningful time with patients and see how small interventions can make a significant difference in their comfort and well-being. This rotation strengthened my clinical skills and broadened my perspective on long-term patient care.