Bhavya Dhir

I had the opportunity to gain six months of clinical experience at Brooklyn Cancer Care, where I thoroughly enjoyed interacting with and overseeing the treatment of various hematology-oncology patients from diverse backgrounds. My responsibilities included taking patient histories, overseeing examinations, writing SOAP notes, and obtaining prior authorizations for cancer medications from insurance companies. In addition to clinical duties, I took the initiative to lead two research projects, collaborating with my team for data collection and analysis. I also presented two case reports during the morning didactic sessions. Throughout my time there, I took pride in mentoring my juniors, teaching them about medical documentation and the overall functioning of the healthcare system.

During my Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) training I observed ultrasounds of major visceral organs like liver, spleen, kidney, heart, lung. This course also focused on major anatomical structures like aorta, inferior vena cava, portal vein, renal vessels. Also observed how to put ultrasound guided intravenous line. This training has made me more confident in clinical decision-making and enhanced my procedural skills such as Intravenous line placement.

I had the opportunity to rotate under Dr Atluri, who is an assistant professor at SUNY Downstate. I witnessed and assisted in many procedures such as colonoscopies and endoscopies each day. I was highly captivated by this field and learnt about the clinical presentations, diagnosis by biopsy and management with polypectomy, cauterisation, sclerotherapy. Observing a growth suggesting carcinoma during screening colonoscopy with minimal symptoms made me realise the importance of this field.

Interacting with people from various cultural backgrounds, explaining the preparation for colonoscopy and clearing the doubts of patients and interaction with the other staff contributed to my growth as an intern and I realised the importance of teamwork.

I have worked on three research projects on Multiple Myeloma and Iron Deficiency Anemia due to malabsorption in Brooklyn, one of which got published in Society of Hematology and Oncology and the other abstract got accepted in AMA.

My responsibilities included overseeing patient recruitment, data collection and analysis, ensuring ethical compliance and project coordination.

Our team organised workshops on research methodologies, patient confidentiality, data collection and analysis.

It taught me to integrate evidence-based findings into clinical practice to ensure effective patient treatments.

This boosted my confidence and I look forward to continue to publish and present my work in future conferences.

I did an internal medicine and cardiology rotation with Dr John, assistant professor at SUNY Downstate. I documented patient information on Electronic Medical Record (EMR) in the SOAP format. I communicated with huge number of patients, performed physical examination under supervision including assessment of cardiac murmurs. I observed and assisted in Electrocardiography, Echocardiography and Stress test.

I educated the patients about preventive cardiology through sessions on lifestyle modification including healthy diet and exercise. I gave them an insight into the role of serum lipids and blood pressure in preventing cardiovascular complication.

I rotated with Dr Ratesh Khillan MD, Internal Medicine and Hematology Oncology and clinical affiliate in Mount Sinai Hospital. I saw the diversity and underrepresented population of immigrants in this region. I learnt documenting patient information on EMR in the SOAP format for the first time. Navigating the complexities of insurance companies for prior authorisations was a crucial part of ensuring that the patients received necessary care timely. I observed and assisted in diagnostic procedures like IV line insertion, bone marrow aspiration and biopsy. I observed the management of adverse effects of blood transfusion and chemotherapy.

Internship is a mandatory part of curriculum in Indian Medical Schools. It includes rotation in all clinical departments like Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Radiology, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, Orthopaedics, Ophthalmology, Otorhinolaryngology, Anaesthesia, Community Medicine and Clinical Biochemistry.

It includes history taking, examination, making diagnosis and performing procedures like IV line insertion, lumbar puncture and intubation.
Administering emergency services like ACLS, BLS including CPR was a vital part.
During my emergency department rotation, I managed diverse clinical cases and handled multiple emergencies like COPD exacerbation, Diabetic Ketoacidosis, Myocardial Infarction, Stroke, CKD etc with the residents which boosted my interest and broadened my vision for Internal Medicine. We used to admit 30-50 patients daily which required efficient multitasking and coordination with multiple departments.

Internship was the time when I learnt to apply theoretical knowledge I gained during medical school into practical life. Facing diverse critical cases, rigorous diagnostics and holistic management transformed me from a student to a good clinician, which will be my guiding light for future endeavours.

I have worked as a volunteer with Dr Vikas, District Tuberculosis (TB) Officer, Sangrur for the implementation of National Tuberculosis Control Program (NTCP).

Tuberculosis is an endemic, communicable disease in rural India

We gave an insight to the nursing staff about the clinical findings of presumptive TB, appropriate screening, diagnostic modalities and regular follow up for the completion of treatment for about 6 months to 1 year.

We organised health education workshops and seminars to educate the community on measures to reduce the transmission of TB, importance of nutritional support and favourable outcomes in case of early detection and treatment.

This experience taught me ways to implement a national program at community level.

RSSB Beas is one of the largest religious organisation in India. I, along with my family are their follower. It has multiple hospitals all over the country which deliver free medical services to the needful.
I, being a part of it provide first-aid services, emergency and routine medical care.
We organise health education and awareness camps, including providing medications and food during COVID

Practising meditation, the prime motive of this organisation, keeps me calm even in odd situations.
It's humanitarian teachings and practising selfless service transformed me into an empathetic and compassionate individual and this being a part of my basic personality will help me alleviate the sufferings of the patients during my future endeavours in US.