Angela C Weyand: I remember as a medical student not exactly understanding my place or role on the team

Angela C Weyand, Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Michigan Medical School, shared a thread on X/Twitter:

“I remember as a medical student not exactly understanding my place or role on the team. Feeling superfluous. But I’ve seen first-hand countless situations where students changed the clinical course of a patient for the better.

One student spent a ton of time getting to know an Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) oncology patient with a devastating disease. The patient ended up confiding that they’d been ingesting hydrogen peroxide to cure their disease. Conversation leads to education that can prevent a bad outcome.

Another student did an extensive literature search about a ridiculously rare presentation in a child where the team was at a loss. Identified possible cause and performed surgical intervention which lead to resolution of symptoms.

A patient with lupus came in with a pleural effusion. Team was convinced it was infectious and wanted to decrease immunosuppression. Student asked if it could be lupus pleuritis. Pathology confirmed and patient received appropriate treatment.

Team was caring for a newly immigrated patient with pneumonia and failure to thrive (FTT). Patient was from an African country and team was convinced they had TB. Learner advocated for a sweat test and the patient was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis.

Too much knowledge can skew perspective. Students may have time that others do not. And these are just the cases that come to mind. Students, know you are a part of the team and you belong. We appreciate you and your contributions. You are anything but superfluous.”

Source: Angela C Weyand/X