Hi everyone! My name is Erin Ng, and I am a rising senior majoring in Neuroscience and minoring in Psychology. This summer I am continuing my work as a scribe at The Everett Clinic in Shoreline, Washington. My experience working as a pediatric scribe last summer inspired me to expand and continue my experience by working with a variety of specialties, including pediatrics and family care. This hands-on role allows me to observe firsthand while assisting and collaborating with physicians as they adapt to new challenges, evolve their practice, and further patient relationships.
My entire day is filled with patient interactions, as I accompany the physician into each appointment, and see about 20 patients each day. Appointments range from annual checkups to abdominal pain, respiratory infections to medicine checks. I document each step of the visit, beginning with the chief complaint and ending with the treatment plan. Documenting the entire process has allowed me to observe how the physician must problem-solve in order to arrive at the treatment plan, as well as advise and consult the patient. Additionally, expanding my experience to work with pediatrics and family medicine has allowed me to see the differences and similarities between pediatric and adult primary care. The range of ages and problems is vast, and it has been incredible to see a variety — I observed an appointment for a two-week-old with baby acne and an appointment for a 67-year-old with coronary artery disease in the same day. One major difference between the specialties is the dynamic between the physician and patient. In adult medicine, the physician is able to work one on one with the patient, while in pediatrics, the physician must work with both the patient and family to receive information about the patient’s condition. While the pediatrician is able to ask the child questions, the parent is often providing answers and advocating for their child which can either provide clarity or add complexity to the situation.
Another unique element to pediatric primary care is its continuity throughout different developmental phases. The most rewarding part of this summer has been seeing returning patients from last summer. I was able to see a patient develop from a cheerful 12-month-old in a stroller to a bubbly, intelligent, 21-month-old that walks around and explores his surroundings. The longitudinal nature of pediatric care allowed me to not only see children throughout different developmental stages, but also begin to form meaningful and lasting relationships with the patients and their families. These special relationships enhance the physician’s ability to personalize their care.
Another aspect of care that I have observed and appreciated is how the physician is always learning and adapting. To provide the best care possible, the pediatrician at the clinic scheduled an IUD training so that they could save patients the stress and hassle of going to a specialist to have an IUD insertion. I was able to attend the training and along with the pediatrician, learned the specifics about the different types of IUDs, what each type offers, and how to insert them. It is incredibly inspiring to see physicians who aspire and take the steps to go above and beyond in order to provide the best care possible.
My second summer as a scribe has also given me greater insight as to how physicians must adapt their care to the current and evolving medical problems. Last summer, physicians tailored part of their care to the ongoing and prominent presence of Covid-19. In addition to diagnosing Covid-19 in person, physicians advised patients on the subject through phone calls and messages. In annual checkups, physicians helped inform patients on the benefits of the Covid vaccine and guide their decision making on which vaccine to choose. This summer, physicians are impacted by a different problem—the nationwide Adderall shortage. I’ve seen physicians adapt to this by printing paper prescriptions for families so that they can go to pharmacies that have Adderall instead of being told there is no supply at their regular pharmacy.
My experience so far has been incredibly inspiring. Seeing the physicians’ dedication to their patients’ care has been incredible. I am extremely grateful for the Jaharis Primary Care Internship Fund that has allowed me to explore and fuel my interests, and to the physicians and healthcare workers at The Everett Clinic for encouraging me and teaching me an incredible amount already. I am excited to see what the rest of the summer brings!
