At opportunities, we coordinate clinical rotations for both U.S. and foreign medical students in the United States and virtually! With many locations and rotations to choose from, an AMOpportunities clinical rotation is an introduction to life as a physician in the United States. Read about Naqiyah from Pakistan’s experience at her pediatric pulmonology rotation in Tampa, Florida.

A New Journey

I still remember the day when I decided to apply for my U.S. clinical experience. I got to know about AMOpportunities through one of my friends. The whole journey of getting registered for the rotation to actually experiencing it to now writing a blog post about it feels like a dream. This wouldn’t have been possible without the support of my parents and the guidance provided by the AMOpportunities team.

This wasn’t my first visit to Tampa, Florida, but I don’t know why I was so scared this time. The whole time on the plane I had so many questions and reservations about how the people would be at the clinic and what my first day was going to be like. Although most of my queries were addressed by the AMO team, I was nervous as well as excited for this new journey.

October 1 was my first day at the Pediatric Pulmonary Specialists Clinic. Very nervous, I walked into the door to meet my physician, Dr. R. Everybody in the office was so welcoming. They greeted me with bright smiles. Dr. R. introduced me to his whole staff and took me on a tour of his clinic. The clinic was all safari themed and beautifully decorated with paintings, pictures, toys, wooden and ceramic animals, stuffed animals, and games for children. I felt like I entered my childhood period again.

With Dr. R., I saw patients with asthma, bronchitis, cystic fibrosis, pneumonia, congenital heart defects, neuromuscular disease, sleep disorders, and immune deficiencies. In a very short time, I was seeing and working with patients on my own. I took histories, performed physical examinations, and gave suggestions for the plan of treatment. Everybody at the clinic was so helpful. In a few days, I became friends with the nurses, medical assistants, and the rest of the staff. If I had any doubts or questions, they were always very kind to help me and explain it to me.

Every day when I returned home, I had a story about my cute little patients to tell my family. I never knew I would get comfortable with children so easily. Their adorable smiles and innocent conversations always left a smile on my face at the end of the day. This rotation ignited my passion to become a pediatrician, and I got to explore my own skills.

Tampa is a very peaceful place, so green and clean. People here are very courteous and respectful. Tampa has beautiful beaches. I went to see the sunset in St. Petersburg after my clinic hours, and it was very relaxing. Since it was Halloween season, I also got a chance to visit one of the amusement parks named Busch Gardens while dressed in a Minion costume. The park had scary haunted houses and thrilling roller coaster rides. I also went to different malls in Brandon and Wesley Chapel. One of my favorite malls among them was the Shops at Wiregrass. The downtown area is also very beautiful. One of my friend studies at the University of Tampa, so I got a chance to see it from the inside. The university was like an ancient castle. Tampa is truly a beautiful place with scenic beaches, a zoo, museums, a skyway bridge, and restaurants. It is an entertaining place for all ages.

I’ve learned valuable lessons and have beautiful memories with this rotation to cherish for the rest of my life, and I’m very thankful for that.

 

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