Shadowing

Hello again! I'm writing from work, feeling incredibly tired and counting down the minutes until I can catch some much-needed sleep.

With only three weeks left in my co-op, I'm more eager than ever to absorb knowledge about various hospital units. Fortunately, as students, we have the opportunity to shadow pharmacists in different units for three half-days. In my last post, I shared my experience shadowing NICU and pediatrics, which was adorable and fascinating. Yesterday, I had the chance to shadow the renal unit, delving into the dialysis process and its purpose. However, today brought an exceptionally captivating experience – witnessing a knee replacement surgery from start to finish. It was a truly remarkable opportunity, and I may not get another chance to observe surgery, making this co-op experience all the more special. The surgeon, recognizing my eagerness to learn, interacted with me throughout the procedure, explaining each step and inviting me to come closer for a firsthand look. I observed the entire process, from the patient being put to sleep to the final stitches before heading to the recovery room.

Another exciting aspect of today was the surgeon giving me leftover clay used beneath the metal knee joint to clean debris. Placing my hands in a bowl, I received the clay, initially unsure of its purpose. As I played with it while watching the surgeon close up the wound, the clay began to stiffen and grow hotter. It got so hot that I had to switch hands to hold it. Intrigued, I wondered if I was imagining the warmth, and at that moment, the surgeon caught me in my thoughts, asking if it was starting to get warm. Confirming it, he explained the exothermic chemical reaction in the clay, which is beneficial for preventing infections. I decided to keep the clay as a symbolic memento of this unique experience, even though I might eventually discard it.

There are still many units in the hospital I'm eager to explore, and perhaps one day, whether as a student or a pharmacist, I'll have the opportunity. As a pharmacy intern, my experience in the hospital has been fantastic so far, and I'm contemplating whether this might be my future path, though I remain unsure. Balancing exams, missed assignments, and the task of furnishing our basement is challenging, and it does hinder my ability to fully enjoy these last weeks. Such is life, though—I'm a learner, navigating the journey of struggle and victories!