CHCS Perspectives Summer/Fall 2013

PERSPECTIVES • SUMMER-FALL 2013 – Page 35 For the class of 2014 students, it is time to leave the comfort of the classroom behind and begin the second segment of their physi- cian assistant education. The first 15 months of the program are spent in the classroom and lab, where they learn the basis of med- icine before beginning their 12 months of clinical rotations, which provide students their first opportunity to put their knowledge and skills to work. Last spring, a Pediatric Examination Lab was held in which chil- dren of the students as well as faculty and staff members volun- teered for a morning to be patients on whom the students could practice their skills. During the lab, which featured children ranging in age from six months to seven years, ears were examined, heart sounds were heard, and deep-tendon reflexes were elicited. To make the event enjoyable, each child received a thank-you goody bag filled with fun toys and enjoyed nutritious snacks. The students loved the opportunity to interact with young children, especially since many of them had not been around kids since their babysit- ting days. With the generous support of 3Mmedical products, a casting lab was recently held that allowed students to practice the application and removal of casts on various extremities. It was indeed a messy but informative project. Additionally, because no student would be prepared for clinical rotations without the ability to give an injection, this skill was also learned in lab. Upcoming labs will include venipuncture, blood gases, and intravenous-catheter placement. PA Jacksonville CLASS OF 2014 Learning and Mastering Diverse Skills

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