My long-term care rotation at the VA offered a very different type of learning experience that at any other rotation thus far. The majority of my day was spent writing monthly notes about the inpatient residents. After the notes were complete, I would assess the patient to make sure they did not have any new complaints. Throughout this rotation I had to play a more active role in my learning, rather than waiting to be taught. By examining these patient records and then assessing them myself I was able to learn about medical care for geriatric patients in the inpatient setting. Although we were taught about fall risk in the elderly, I didn’t truly understand how comprehensive the problem could be. In addition to reducing polypharmacy, there were so many other factors at play. For example, grip floor mats near the bed; on one hand they reduce the slipperiness, on the other, the patient may trip on the corner. There are so many other factors just like that one which must be individually assessed for each patient. Gaining insight into the intricacies of a problem as complex as this one is something I can apply to many other medical problems, in a variety of settings and patients. During this rotation, I also gained a lot during my visits to the wound clinic. The providers there were eager to teach, and I was able to gain a lot of experience regarding the care of different types of wounds. Of all the skills I gained throughout this rotation, the one that I feel is most valuable, is patience when talking to the residents. Many of the patients just wanted to have someone to talk to, even if it’s just for a couple of minutes. For many of these patients, taking the time to listen to them, and really getting to know them is just as valuable as the most complicated medical care. That is something I will remember as I continue on to my next rotation.

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