Setting: Week 2 of Third Year Internal Medicine Clerkship (Student’s first clerkship)

Author: Clerkship Director, Internal Medicine

One student was scheduled to see a patient that had been in our practice for some time-she is challenging because she speaks only Vietnamese (her family tries to act as an interpreter) and has a strong belief in herbal medicine for her diabetes. Over the years we have been able to reach a compromise in her care. I knew it would be challenging, however I think it is important they get exposure to all walks of life and understand how cultural beliefs sometimes have to be taken into account to best serve the patient.

The student went in by himself with little advance prep just to see how he would do and if he would think to include alternative medicine questions in his history. He spent quite a bit of time in the room. After about 45 minutes I poked my head in the room to see if he was doing okay. He had decided to communicate directly with the patient and was having the patient’s daughter teach him some key words and phrases in Vietnamese. He was able to connect with the patient and family. And we actually had a great time precepting the case. The daughter stated to my staff that she didn't mind the lengthy visit (approximately 1 1/2 hours) and that they will be coming back to see the student for follow up in 2 weeks.