This week I got to help with school physicals for some of the first graders here in Kirksville.  I was really excited to be paired with first grade this year.  Last year I had junior high, which is not my favorite age group.  I enjoy working with little kids more.

I was paired with a first year med student, and together we performed the physicals.  We checked eyes, ears, mouth, and scalp.  We also asked the kids about their brushing habits and nutrition.

The kids were really fun to work with.  They are always so excited to talk about their favorite things.  I still get fairly nervous seeing patients, but at least with little kids they have no idea what to expect, so they don’t really know if you mess up a little bit.

As much as I enjoy working with kids, I definitely am not going to be a pediatrician.  Sometimes the kids are a little too excited to talk to you, and it is hard to perform the physical exam.  Some of the kids tried to tell us about the last time they were sick, and it just took so long for them to spit it out.  I just don’t have the patience for little kids, at least not all day, everyday.  So…kudos to those who do.

I know that I want to go into internal medicine, and sometimes I get a little sad that I will never get to see pediatric patients, but I am ok with it.  I just can’t believe that a year has gone by since I was a clueless first year who didn’t know how to use my stethoscope!  I was so much more relaxed this year.  I am still new at all this, but at least I am gaining some confidence in my abilities.  All in all, it was a fun experience.