Originally posted by double elle
I've completed 2 rotations so far, and on both - the office staff made me feel SO welcome and comfortable. So - for the first one, I bought the office ladies/nurses an assortment of teas, coffees, and hot chocolates. Cost me all of 6 bucks. As for the "thanks for the hospitality" card I gave to them - I addressed it to everyone, including the doc.
My second rotation was psych and there were all of 3 people employeed there - two office ladies and the doc. I make my own greeting cards, so one weekend I went on a crafting spree and made about fifty of them. I packaged up 5 cards for each person and gave that to the ladies and the doc on my last day.
Both of those were hospital based rotations and both were situations where the docs/offices really were kind and generous with their time.
Currently, I am on surgery. I don't plan on doing anything but saying a bunch of 'thank yous' at the end of this one. It's definately not as personal of a rotation, although it's been great. So, not being as personal - I wouldn't feel comfortable doing something so personal as giving a thank you gesture. Saying it is good enough.
As for sucking up - You know what - only the people who aren't kind enough to really like doing nice little things for people say that. Whether it's baking, or making cards, or bringing wine - those are small, nice things that people appreciate. Especially people whose practice gets turned upside down every month with a new student coming in. Also, some preceptors go above and beyond just teaching the subject matter and make sure you are aware of professional issues, business stuff, etc.
Maybe it's because I am female, or because I'm a mom - but I feel that if you even CONSIDER giving a small token of thanks - then you probably should - it means that preceptor did something right. Certainly, don't feel obligated. And, if the thought has never crossed your mind - then don't. Heck - I even made and sent out thank you cards for all the people who gave my daughter gifts for her birthday.
Remember - we all like to know we are appreciated.