Medical Students seeing classmates as patients in clinics

[LaDandouna]

I don't know if it's just me or if everyone else feels like this. So, at our school, most med students end up getting the student insurance health plan. As part of that plan, our primary care has to take place at the student health clinic set up by the university for all students (undergrads, grad students etc...). Otherwise, we have to pay out-of-network charges.

Now, here is the problem: apparently, med students are also allowed to rotate at that clinic for their clinical rotations. Today, as I was waiting to be seen by my doctor, another medical student (not in my year) walks in and proceeds to discuss with me my medical history from previous visits. I am not sure whether or not he knew I was a medical student but regardless, I don't think I felt this uncomfortable in a while.

Is it just me or does everyone else have a problem with classmates/other med students having this much access to each other's medical records? Does this happen at other schools? Anyone know of any regulations on this?

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[psychforme]

Dunno about regulations but I encountered a nursing student at the STD clinic. Didn't mention I was a medical student. Hope she doesn't recognize me. Since that day I always keep an exit plan in case I meet her in the library which happens.

 

[nlax30]

I kind of agree with you, not a situation we should really be put in. Or at least give you, the patient, the option to not have students see you.

We didn't have a campus health center but there are a couple local PCPs here who a lot of students go to and at least the times I've had to go as a patient the office didn't let any rotating students examine me... I think it was the poliy of each office.

Do you have any other health I insurance options that gives you more options as opposed to just going to the health center at school? Unfortunately it probably means more $$$

 

[WellWornLad]

I've had a med student sit in on a PCP visit. However, my doctor asked my permission first, and the student was from another med school. I could run into her again I suppose, but who am I to stand in the way of medical education.

That said, I did end up changing my CC from "thinning hair - wants prescription for finasteride" to "mild shoulder soreness after bench pressing 300 lbs."

 

[MSU2012]

I think you're always able to decline seeing a student in any healthcare situation. I'm surprised no one asked your permission.

I guess it sounds a little hypocritical (since your education is going to depend on not getting kicked out of rooms), but it's totally reasonable to request that the student leave if you're uncomfortable. Don't be afraid to speak up next time.

 

[ShyRem]

I have no problems with students from another class examining me. In fact, I have been known to ask if students were around. Now someone from your own class - that could be awkward. You know them well, their weaknesses, their strengths. There are certainly some in my class I would have NO problem examining me, but there are many I would never, ever, EVER choose as my physician. I do think you should have the choice before the student walks in whether you want the student there or not.

OTOH, I've had med students from other classes refuse student participation - and my thoughts are "I hope you as a med student get treated as you treat other med students". Think about that.

 

[psipsina]

I have no problems with students from another class examining me. In fact, I have been known to ask if students were around. Now someone from your own class - that could be awkward. You know them well, their weaknesses, their strengths. There are certainly some in my class I would have NO problem examining me, but there are many I would never, ever, EVER choose as my physician. I do think you should have the choice before the student walks in whether you want the student there or not.

OTOH, I've had med students from other classes refuse student participation - and my thoughts are "I hope you as a med student get treated as you treat other med students". Think about that.

IDK as a patient I think I have the right to be comfortable first, more than I have the responsibility to provide learning opportunities for my classmates. I had a surgical procedure at a hospital affiliated with my medschool and specifically requested that no medstudents be scrubbed in. I later found out from a classmate who was on that service that my surgeon went above and beyond protecting my privacy, not even allowing the students to be present when they rounded on me in the hallway. I've let students participate in less vulnerable moments of my medical care like my trip to student health to get allergy meds, but for me the OR crossed the line of my comfort zone. I can see not wanting them there for a discussion about an STD or a gyn complaint or something, I think that individual comfort levels need to be respected and asked about ahead of time.

 

[Depakote]

I've had students see me for some of my orthopedic visits. Some of these were even students I knew, but I really didn't have any complaints due to the relatively non-invasive nature of the visits.

If this were a more personal visit, I would have no problem with a student from a different institution observing/participating, but I know plenty of students in the years above and below me. I'd rather not have one present for a physical exam and then run into them in the hallway or social events for another year and a half.

 

[njbmd]

If that medical student was there in a caregiver role, they can't discuss your history with anyone else except you. It would be a patient privacy violation and subject to legal action. Sure, as a medical student I had to see other medical students but they were my patients and I respected their privacy. After all, my history and exam was for therapeutic reasons and nothing more or less. If I am in the role of caregiver, everything said was "under the seal" and remained as such. I would never discuss anything seen in clinic outside of the clinic and never with anyone other than those directly involved in patient care.

 

[turkeyjerky]

If you have a problem with it, then request that students don't participate in your care. Everybody, as a patient, has that right.

I can completely understand your lack of comfort with the situation, and I'd feel the same way. Moreover, I would have no problem with another medical student at my school requesting that I not take part in their medical care.

 

[turkeyjerky]

If you have a problem with it, then request that students don't participate in your care. Everybody, as a patient, has that right.

I can completely understand your lack of comfort with the situation, and I'd feel the same way. Moreover, I would have no problem with another medical student at my school requesting that I not take part in their medical care.

 

[Droopy Snoopy]

IDK as a patient I think I have the right to be comfortable first, more than I have the responsibility to provide learning opportunities for my classmates.

👍

Also gotta say, what sh*tty insurance you have. Your network consists of one university-run student health clinic? I hope you don't pay anything out of pocket.

 

[jilliumm]

Our health plan sounds a lot like yours. Students are seen at the family medicine clinic. At our school, though, there are "walk in hours" for students. Rotating students are not allowed to see students as patients during these times.

I think that's probably a good policy.

 

[psipsina]

👍

Also gotta say, what sh*tty insurance you have. Your network consists of one university-run student health clinic? I hope you don't pay anything out of pocket.

Agreed. We have a student health clinic where students can rotate but we can see an outside GP if we so chose under our insurance. We have no copays at the student clinic and we can just walk in which is convenient.

 

[LaDandouna]

Our health plan sounds a lot like yours. Students are seen at the family medicine clinic. At our school, though, there are "walk in hours" for students. Rotating students are not allowed to see students as patients during these times.

I think that's probably a good policy.

That's a GREAT policy. I wish that existed at our student health clinic.

I mean my only issue is that that student had full access to my records and read my entire chart WITHOUT anyone asking me my permission. Like a lot of people, I would really not have any problem with a student in the room if it was a non-invasive visit but today, I was really surprised to see that for any type of visit (invasive or non-invasive), there is really no way to protect the privacy of med students or not even an attempt to do so.

I wish there was a way to get some other type of insurance but unfortunately, this is the only insurance that I can get at my school. So I guess my option for now is to avoid going to student health for anything unless absolutely necessary. I don't necessarily feel like being in a similar situation again.

 

[OnDemond]

I don't know if it's just me or if everyone else feels like this. So, at our school, most med students end up getting the student insurance health plan. As part of that plan, our primary care has to take place at the student health clinic set up by the university for all students (undergrads, grad students etc...). Otherwise, we have to pay out-of-network charges.

Now, here is the problem: apparently, med students are also allowed to rotate at that clinic for their clinical rotations. Today, as I was waiting to be seen by my doctor, another medical student (not in my year) walks in and proceeds to discuss with me my medical history from previous visits. I am not sure whether or not he knew I was a medical student but regardless, I don't think I felt this uncomfortable in a while.

Is it just me or does everyone else have a problem with classmates/other med students having this much access to each other's medical records? Does this happen at other schools? Anyone know of any regulations on this?

At my school, there is a policy that ed students requiring medical assistance in the school clinic are NOT seen by medical students. All you gotta do is mention that your a med student.

 

[KeyzerSoze]

I think it's somewhat inappropriate. In undergrad, I saw a PCP at the university medical center. He was vaguely aware that I was a pre-med or medical student or something, so the nurse checked with me before sending a student in; they wouldn't have let him see me if I was a fellow medical student.

 

[bambi]

I would never let students be present at any of my consultations. I know that might sound bad but it is private, I don't want people I know seeing my private medical history in the same way I wouldn't want them to read my diary.

 

[45408]

I've got a private practice PCP, and he does occasionally have residents/students. I declined one the last time I was there, but it's because I know these people. When I get farther along, I'll be okay with students/residents coming to see me.

I actually had an attending as a patient once, and I was asking some pretty up-close and personal questions. That was pretty entertaining.

 

[Jolie South]

I have problems with people that I could potentially work with seeing my info. Now, theoretically, none of that should matter, but I don't feel that safe with another classmate, med student or faculty member I know participating in my care.

I do support med students in general helping in my care and think it's only fair. For this reason, I always look for doctors associated with the university system across the street and definitely don't mind when their med students are involved.

 

[justdoit31]

I have had med students sit in on my visit but it has alway been at my PCP (private practice) in a totally different state than I go to school

At my school we can see the family med clinic for a small co-pay even if we are not on the schools health insurance package (I am still on my parents)... we were told during orientation that we woud not see a medical student and we could even refuse to see a resident... I would suggest having them put a memo on your file you only want to see you physicians and no students

 

[SouthernSurgeon]

👍

Also gotta say, what sh*tty insurance you have. Your network consists of one university-run student health clinic? I hope you don't pay anything out of pocket.

That's how it is at my school as well.

Our insurance coverage gives us access to all of the university's health services, however the student health center is the "gatekeeper" - so if you think you need to see an orthopod for example, you have to go to student health first, and then get a referral.

It does kind of stink.

 

[WiscDoc]

I don't know if it's just me or if everyone else feels like this. So, at our school, most med students end up getting the student insurance health plan. As part of that plan, our primary care has to take place at the student health clinic set up by the university for all students (undergrads, grad students etc...). Otherwise, we have to pay out-of-network charges.

Now, here is the problem: apparently, med students are also allowed to rotate at that clinic for their clinical rotations. Today, as I was waiting to be seen by my doctor, another medical student (not in my year) walks in and proceeds to discuss with me my medical history from previous visits. I am not sure whether or not he knew I was a medical student but regardless, I don't think I felt this uncomfortable in a while.

Is it just me or does everyone else have a problem with classmates/other med students having this much access to each other's medical records? Does this happen at other schools? Anyone know of any regulations on this?

At our school, when you call to make an appointment you mention that you are a med student, and they make sure that only certain providers deal with you (and your medical record). This ensures privacy.

 

[ringerslactate]

I once saw an EM attending at the outpatient psych clinic during 3rd year, got a detailed history of her depression, extramarital affair, and other REALLY twisted personal problems along with the history of meds she uses, then had her last month as one of my attendings/ clinical instructors for my EM clerkship.. needless to say, that was an awkward situation for both of us

 

[Non-TradTulsa]

As other posters have said, you ALWAYS have the right to dismiss a medical student - even if they forget to ask. That's not a policy that can vary by school, it's a basic patient right that is always yours. My school, however, recently adopted a policy that students and residents have to be seen by the attendings in their private clinics or by a nurse practitioner who does not round with students or residents. You are not supposed to see an attending who is, or will be, grading you.

I purposely asked for a resident the other day when I had a bad case of poison ivy from mowing my back yard - I didn't want to have to wait for an appointment with an attending. I'm sure the intern appreciated my helping her get her schedule caught-up - it was the shortest visit on record:

Me: "Poison ivy, mowing lawn last weekend, got a tube of triamcinolone from a resident three days ago - helping, but not enough. ROS: I itch, bad. (Briefly lift shirt and display tummy and arm.) Severe contact dermatitis. Need a medrol dose pack NOW. Thank you."

Intern: (After staring at me for a minute in complete silence) "Okay. I can do that."

3 minutes tops <grin>.

 

[Droopy Snoopy]

I purposely asked for a resident the other day when I had a bad case of poison ivy from mowing my back yard - I didn't want to have to wait for an appointment with an attending. I'm sure the intern appreciated my helping her get her schedule caught-up - it was the shortest visit on record:

Me: "Poison ivy, mowing lawn last weekend, got a tube of triamcinolone from a resident three days ago - helping, but not enough. ROS: I itch, bad. (Briefly lift shirt and display tummy and arm.) Severe contact dermatitis. Need a medrol dose pack NOW. Thank you."

Intern: (After staring at me for a minute in complete silence) "Okay. I can do that."

3 minutes tops <grin>.

You're welcome at my clinic anytime. My patients want me to delve into why they've been constipated for 6 years and have trouble sleeping and their ankles swell and their joints hurt and they sometimes get headaches and... Jesus it's because YOU'RE OOOOOOOOOOLD!!!

 

[CaMD]

At my med school med students and residents were not allowed to rotate at the student health clinic for this very reason.

 

[Acabee]

I go to a dermatology clinic where med students rotate. I just say when I check in that I would like not to be seen by any other medical students, and this has never been a problem. Conversely, I have occasionally seen fellow medical students names on the lists at clinics I've been rotating at and have declined to see them. The attendings never had a problem with this. The weirdness is kind of obvious.

 

[Bacchus]

I think here it could happen as we have a required healthcare shadowing experience and one rotation site is the clinic on campus. More than likely, you wouldn't see a student, but I'm sure there is a chance you could cross paths.

How does everyone feel (to slightly divert) about having administration and faculty see you? Our dean and FP professors practice on campus.

 

[Jolie South]

I think here it could happen as we have a required healthcare shadowing experience and one rotation site is the clinic on campus. More than likely, you wouldn't see a student, but I'm sure there is a chance you could cross paths.

How does everyone feel (to slightly divert) about having administration and faculty see you? Our dean and FP professors practice on campus.

Weird. That's another reason I go to the other med school's system. I know these folks are professionals, but I don't want anyone's opinion of me as a medical student to be colored by my medical history/issues. Not that I have anything embarassing in there, but it still weirds me out.

 

[Depakote]

Weird. That's another reason I go to the other med school's system. I know these folks are professionals, but I don't want anyone's opinion of me as a medical student to be colored by my medical history/issues. Not that I have anything embarassing in there, but it still weirds me out.

I've seen a few faculty internal and family docs that were rotating through student health. I'm less concerned about that than if they were my peers. I haven't had to work under any of them yet, I don't know if it would be awkward or not, but I believe there is a policy at my school allowing you to decline to work under a faculty physician that has seen you.

 

[Non-TradTulsa]

Weird. That's another reason I go to the other med school's system. I know these folks are professionals, but I don't want anyone's opinion of me as a medical student to be colored by my medical history/issues. Not that I have anything embarassing in there, but it still weirds me out.

It gets extremely important when there are mental health issues involved. At my health sciences campus, we had counselors to help with school stress, but they were all mid-level providers - you had to be really crazy to be referred to a university psychiatrist.

So... I had to go to the student health clinic for meds when I was having severe panic attacks in my first semester of school. I'm not ashamed of it now - Effexor worked wonders for me in my first year... but I was always very careful to see the Physician Assistant who never taught medical students. I certainly didn't want anyone teaching me to know what a hard time I was having at home.

I didn't believe it at the time, but I learned later through talking to classmates that what they told me at the clinic was true: "Don't be embarrassed... 50% of your class is on some kind of medication for stress!"