During my search for an observership opportunity in the United States, I was fortunate to receive a recommendation from one of my seniors to explore the Shivani Bhatt Charitable Foundation under the guidance of Dr. Hemant Bhatt. From the moment I reached out to Dr. Bhatt, I was met with kindness and constant support. He promptly arranged the observership for me, leading to an invaluable experience rotating with Dr. Uday Desai at AdventHealth , Orlando in March 2024.
Under Dr. Desai's mentorship, I encountered a diverse array of patients and medical scenarios, which enhanced my understanding and skills tremendously. During my rotation, I had the opportunity to work with a diverse range of in-patient and out-patient kidney and pancreas post-transplant patients, providing me with a remarkable learning experience. Dr. Desai's dedication to patient care was evident, as he consistently prioritized the well-being of his patients. Even on a busy clinic day, he used to address all my queries and took the time to discuss medical histories before consultations.
One of the most memorable aspects of my time with Dr. Desai was his inspiring saying: "Everything is possible with time, and don’t be afraid of anything." His proficiency in critical thinking skills and ability to articulate complex medical concepts using simple analogies greatly enhanced my learning. By observing his patient interactions, I gained a deeper understanding of the paramount importance of a doctor-patient relationships in healthcare which lies in caring and being compassionate, an invaluable lesson that I will carry with me throughout my career.
During this rotation, I had the privilege of interacting with few internal medicine (IM) residents and fellow medical students who were also going through the same journey. This provided me with an invaluable opportunity to build connections and engage in discussions about the IM application process as well as interview questions. Through these interactions, I not only expanded my professional network but also gained valuable insights and advice to further my career in medicine.
I am immensely grateful to Dr. Bhatt for his generosity and dedication to empowering aspiring medical professionals. His ideology of helping students achieve their goals has undoubtedly made a profound impact on my journey. Without the support of the SBCF and Dr. Bhatt, this enriching experience would not have been possible. Thank you for guiding and inspiring me every step of the way.