The New Beginnings of a Mentorship

I am thrilled to say I have begun my mentorship experience with Dr. Heather Bellanger of Plano Women's Healthcare. On December 20, 2019, I had my first mentor visit with Dr. Bellanger, and I shadowed with her on seven patient visits. The most interesting patient visits for me were with a patient with gestational diabetes, a flu-ridden household, and my first viewing of a Pap smear. First was a patient with gestational diabetes who needed to lower her blood sugar in order to produce a healthy baby. She was on a low sugar diet, but this diet was causing fatigue and mental strain, so the physician suggested insulin injections in the belly in order to more effectively reduce the insulin levels. Next, there was a patient who was 32 weeks pregnant who was in flu-infected household. The physician suggested the woman take TamiFlu and wear a mask in order to prevent fetal infection. Lastly, I witnessed a Pap smear for the first time, which was incredibly fascinating. First, the physician extended the legs on specialized pedals that were attached to the bed in order to get a clear view of the cervix. Next, she took a spatula-like instrument and collected cells from the uterus to be tested for cervical cancer. Lastly, she applied a medication treatment to the area in order to heal it and alleviate any pain. These experiences were incredibly eye-opening as I got to witness procedures and treatments I had researched about, such as gestational diabetes which served as major components of my first and second Research Assessments and my Original Work topic, in real time. 

I also had the opportunity for a second mentor visit, which took place on January 2, 2020. I shadowed Dr. Bellanger through 11 patient visits. The first patient was a patient with hemorrhoids, in which I observed how my mentor felt the tail of the patient's breast as part of a routine examination. I also learned that hemorrhoids are associated with blood streaking in the stool or when one wipes. This can be treated by cream and may require a follow up visit with a gastroenterologist or proctologist. There is also a small chance that this patient has colon cancer, but it is unlikely. In my second patient visit, Dr. Bellanger explained the non-stress test, a common prenatal/pregnancy test to measure the baby's health. the nonstress test was undertaken in this particular patient as she had an unusual placental pattern, which may increase the baby's risk of death. The most significant procedure I witnessed was the removal and insertion of an intrauterine device (IUD), a T-shaped piece of plastic inserted in the uterus as a form of birth control.  This was really fascinating as I have learned about birth control, but I have never got to see a procedure performed. Unfortunately, I did not anticipate how much blood would be there during the procedure, and at the sight of the blood, I fainted. I learned that fainting in circumstances of extreme emotional distress or the sight of blood is called vasovagal syncope, a common reaction for medical students. If I am being honest, it is a bit concerning that I fainted as obstetrics and gynecology is such an intensive field with exposure to gruesome, bloody scenes every day. However, I think I may have fainted due to the shock of seeing so much blood all at once, and vasovagal syncope is very common among doctors, so hopefully I will be able to overcome this problem before my next mentor visit.