My observership at Getwell Health System in Jeffersonville, Indiana, through the Shivani Bhatt Charitable Foundation (SBCF), was one of the most meaningful learning experiences I’ve had so far in the U.S. healthcare system. I had the opportunity to work closely with Dr. Darin Harden in the outpatient Neurology clinic and learn from his approach to both medicine and patient care.
During the rotation, I was exposed to a wide variety of neurological conditions including headaches, neuropathy, movement disorders, chronic back pain, and general neurology cases. I also observed procedures such as EMG, nerve conduction studies, and trigger point injections, which made the experience even more valuable from a clinical standpoint. Along with Neurology, I also gained insight into aspects of Primary Care, especially the importance of continuity of care, patient education, and long-term management of chronic conditions.
What I appreciated most was the way Dr. Harden connected with his patients. He was always patient, attentive, and genuinely invested in their wellbeing. Watching how much trust his patients had in him taught me that being a good physician is not only about medical knowledge, but also about listening, communication, and empathy.
The clinic staff was also extremely welcoming and supportive, which made it easy to learn and ask questions freely. Being part of such a collaborative environment helped me better understand the workflow of outpatient practice in the U.S. healthcare system.
I am very thankful to Dr. Hemant Bhatt and the Shivani Bhatt Charitable Foundation for making this opportunity possible. Their efforts to support and guide international medical graduates truly make a difference. This observership strengthened my interest in Neurology and gave me experiences and lessons that I will carry forward throughout my medical career.