xiorcal89 Posted October 15, 2012 Share Posted October 15, 2012 I've been in my PA program for a couple of months (started in August) and I'm starting to feel like I'm not fitting in with the PA culture. I'm more reserved than most people in my class and I'm feeling like the program looks down upon those in the class who aren't outgoing/talkative/assertive. There is definitely pressure to be outgoing and perform in front of classmates/instructors (naturally) and I'm finding that really stressful. I'm starting to realize how much of the clinical year is going to be about "performing" in front of a preceptor and I'm not sure if I'll be good at that. Now I'm wondering if I should get out of the program while my debt is still relatively low. I'm good with patients, especially the elderly, so I think if I could ever get into a comfortable practice I would be okay. Academically, I'm doing great so it's really a shame that I'm struggling with the rest of it. Anyone have an experience like this? Does it get better? Is this a red flag that I'm not right for the profession? I do not have years and years of clinical experience but I have enough to know that I like working with patients. I know a lot of people will say that I should have gotten more clinical experience, but it's too late for that so it would be good to hear some other advice/experiences also. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OpSite Posted October 15, 2012 Share Posted October 15, 2012 It is not a red flag that you aren't right for the profession. It's a white flag that you ARE. You're the serious student who has perspective. You know your limits and your strengths. These qualities will serve you well in the future and earn you respect. If you know your stuff, you'll shine with your preceptors. If you have a good working relationship with patients, you've "won" half the battle. You are, however, going to have to push yourself outside your comfort zone a little. That's how you'll grow and develop. There are things we all struggle with in school. If you find yourself loving the material and knowing you are there for the right reasons, just plug away. It's education......it's supposed to be somewhat humbling. Don't let your discomfort keep you from your desires. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
briepm Posted October 15, 2012 Share Posted October 15, 2012 There are definitely a lot of uncomfortable experiences in PA school, and most people feel extremely awkward doing H&P's for the first time, interviewing classmates, etc. You haven't said specifically if you have a hard time say, performing a cardio exam on your lab partner, or answering questions in class. Either way though, I would suggest practicing with people that you're comfortable with over and over until it's second nature. (Fake it 'til you make it!) If it stresses you out to be called on in class, have a friend ask you random facts from one of your books. Find a list of pimping questions and have people ask you those - it's much more comfortable to stumble in front people you know already think you're smart and love you :;-): Don't give up though - I started in August too and can't believe how different it is than undergrad and other experiences I've had. Just keep working at it - you'll build your confidence over time and then be able to use this experience to help other 'quiet' students down the road. Keep your head up! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buffchic Posted October 15, 2012 Share Posted October 15, 2012 You have only been in school a couple of months--give yourself a chance to catch your breath and get in a groove. I can understand not feeling in sync with your class. You have just begun a huge endeavor that is a daunting task on its own. But please don't let this deter you from continuing. And try not to compare yourself to your classmates. It sounds like you will make a thoughtful clinician. You may not fit in right now with the PA student culture at your particular school, but keep in mind that doesn't mean that you won't fit in as a PA in that culture when you finish. I just started PA school last month. And there have been plenty of challenging adjustments. I, too, do not relish the challenge of "performing" before preceptors. But I trust that when we get to that point, WE will deal with it just like we are dealing with all the material and studying right now. Chin up! Stick with it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrator rev ronin Posted October 16, 2012 Administrator Share Posted October 16, 2012 One can be introverted or extroverted and be a perfectly good PA. Social Anxiety Disorder, on the other hand, will cripple your ability to build rapport quickly with 20 strangers or more per day. Mind you, not all PAs have that many interactions, especially once you start seeing the same patients for follow-up, get acquainted with the specialists, techs, etc. in your job, and so forth. If you have an actual problem with that amount of interaction, then yes, you should seek help now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hemegroup Posted October 16, 2012 Share Posted October 16, 2012 I actually agree to see it as a red flag that you SHOULD stay with this profession. It shows that you have sensitivity towards others. And I agree with Rev, your school should have some counseling availabilities for you so check into that. Or even just go speak to a faculty whom you trust. You're going to be fine. These types of butterflies are so common, you're fooling yourself if more than half the class doesn't have them (if not more). Hang in there and make sure to take some time to remove yourself, even if it's just going to the gym or to dinner with a friend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xiorcal89 Posted October 17, 2012 Author Share Posted October 17, 2012 Thanks to everyone who replied. Lots of encouraging words! It's good to know that you guys don't think my struggles mean I'm doomed necessarily. I already know that I'm interested in a particular type of practice (probably primary care, likely underserved) and I'm likely not so well suited to certain specialties (EM, surgery). I'm good with patient interactions and colleague interactions in a normal work environment. I've just found the whole academic environment of PA school to be extremely exhausting and anxiety-provoking, even though my classmates are generally supportive of one another and not maliciously competitive. But perhaps that's normal to some degree. I'm going to persevere and see how I'm doing at the end of this wild and crazy semester. Thanks again to all for the perspective! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jen0508 Posted October 18, 2012 Share Posted October 18, 2012 You'll do fine.... the others are right, there will be lots of akward, uncomfortable, and stressful moments throughout school and especially during clinicals.....just know it is all TEMPORARY, a few rotations and things I did during training were akward and I was not comfortable with them, but i took a deep breath, did the best i could, and learned the most i could. I even have those moments now in practice. Before you know it you will be a PA with a job you love. We had a few introverted people in our class and they did well in school and found great jobs...just stay away from EM.. we are all loud and obnoxious lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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