This week marked the end of my internship at Pinhead! And I can honestly say it’s been one of the most amazing and life-changing experiences I’ve ever had. I’ve learned so much, gained hands-on skills, and met people who have truly inspired me. My knowledge has grown a lot, and i have learned so many different things that will later on help me in life and in my medical career as well.
One of the highlights this week was getting to explore the setup of a surgical procedure tray. It was packed with sterile gloves, gauze, iodine swabs, syringes, ointments, and other key tools. These tools where used in many of the procedures and surgeries that i’ve watched and learned from. Dr.Robin used this to remove the precancerous mole from the patient, Dr. Scott used this when he removed the neoproxin from the patients arm. And also when the MA’s treated the wounds on patients, there where the things they used to prepare and be successful in their procedures.
Here is a picture of what the tray looks like, and some of the names as well. 
I also kept practicing taking blood pressure on friends and family, which helped me become more confident with clinical skills. And I had a powerful learning moment when I met a young girl who was experiencing seizures due to severe dehydration. She came into the clinic seeking for help and answers. We first layed her down in the ER room, and gave her a liquid IV which was able to give her some more electrolytes and some more energy. And later on we sent her to do some more exams to know what was really going on. That’s when I learned about Liquid I.V. and how important electrolytes and proper hydration are in maintaining strength and overall health.
But beyond the skills and lessons, what I’ll never forget is the people. I’m incredibly thankful to Dr. Prince for allowing me to be part of this internship and for her constant encouragement. A huge thank you to Scott, Dr. Baker, Robin, Tommy, and all of the staff who welcomed me in, answered my questions, and treated me like part of the team. I will never forget this experience, and I couldn’t have done it wih all of them. Every one in the clinic treated me with so much kindness and welcomed me with open arms. I was able to hear the knowledge that each Doctor, Nurse practitioner, and Physicians assistant had and was able to learn something new and different from each one. So a huge thank you to the amazing team at the UMC clinic. And of course, a special shoutout to the amazing MAs—Dani, Tammy, and so many more—who took the time to teach me, support me, and show me what it looks like to truly care for patients.
I’m walking away from this internship more inspired, more confident, and more excited than ever to pursue a career in medicine. Thank you, Pinnhead, for everything. I will carry this experience with me forever.
Thank you,
Valentina!
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