Rectal Examinations

I've seen a handful of rectal examinations performed by various Physicians, but today's was certainly the most entertaining one. Dr. M had a patient due for a rectal examination who had a history of complications with his prostate. While asking the patient to turn around and pull down his pants, he said to me, "Irene, go ahead and show me how to do a rectal examination." Can anyone who's a newbie in the medical field keep a straight face and not turn red when they've been asked this question?

After getting my face straightened back to normal, I reached for the cabinet and retrieved some medium sized glooves and proceeded on to putting them on my nervous hands. Suddenly, Dr. M and his patient started laughing, and a huge feeling of relief rushed over me. I laughed along thinking, "Whew! And, darn, I missed the opportunity to do my first rectal examination!"

After Dr. M finished the examination, I continued with interviewing the next patient and I reported back to Dr. M. He then explained to me the "correct" way of performing a rectal examination.

He says, "First you stick your finger in and you need to be careful not to get chomped down on. Then, you take it out and you smell it! Then, Ms. Melba tastes it, RIGHT MELBA??" I turned to Ms. Melba with so much embarassment and she replies, "Yea, you have to check to make sure it's just right!"

First Post

So I decided to start a blog because I know one day, I'll want to reflect back on what I did to prepare myself for my aspiring career as Physician Assistant. Additionally, for anyone interested in a career as a PA, this may help whether I make it into PA school or not.

I thought I'd start out by introducing what stage in my career path I am in.

• I'm back in undergraduate school at Valdosta State University, majoring in Biology. Previously matriculated at Georgia Tech for a bachelors in Management science, then on to a Masters in Business Administration in my hometown of Valdosta at Valdosta State University. Though I do not anticipate obtaining a Biology degree, I am still taking classes for a major in Biology so that I can meet the pre-requisites for most PA programs.

• Currently volunteering at a pulmonary clinic as a student intern/transcriptionist under Dr. M who specializes in Pulmonology and Sleep Apneas.

• I am in the process of preparing my applications for PA school

• Taking Biochemistry during Maymester (which is a killer)

• Plan on taking Human Anatomy and Physiology II during regular Summer term.

I have shadowed a couple of PAs, as it is highly encouraged by PA programs, from the following:

1. PA S - Moody Air Force Base Family Practice clinic
2. PA MC - South Georgia Orthopedics

Other healthcare related experiences are as follows:

1. Observed orthopedic surgeries at Smith Northview Hospital including arthroscopies, total knee replacements, carpel tunnel releases, trigger finger releases, and rotator cuff re-attachment with PA MC and Dr. C.
2. Observed Dr. Mc tackle five lap bands in one afternoon.
3. Shadowed Dr. A at South Georgia Medical Center as he works the grave yard shift at the Emergency Room.

I'm definitely looking for more opportunities to learn and anything that will help me get a seat in PA school.