My Exchange with the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California in Los Angeles (04/2023)
Application:
As students of the Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School we get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to participate in an exchange program with one of the best medical schools in the United States. The application process starts by the end of 5th year, the exchange happens in the second semester of 6th year. You need to submit all relevant documents to the Dean’s Office and if eligible, you will be interviewed. Finally, a small number of students will be chosen for the exchange program. Depending on their capacities, the Keck School of Medicine will offer you a variety of departments to choose from to do your one-month clerkship with. I decided to do my clerkship with the Department of Radiology.
Arrival:
I started my clerkship on 3rd of April 2023. Upon arrival I had an appointment with Human Resources and the Health Department to get me started. I received an official name badge as well as access to the hospital computer system. Afterwards, I was picked up by one of the student coordinators who showed me around and introduced me to the team. I had the possibility to choose from different sections to sit in with e.g., Body Imaging (CT or MRI), Ultrasound, Musculoskeletal Imaging, Chest Xray, Paediatric Radiology, Breast Imaging, Neuroradiology, Interventional Radiology etc. There are three hospitals on the campus: the LAC+USC Medical Center, the Keck Hospital of USC, and the Norris Healthcare Center. It was possible to sit in with the respective teams at all three hospitals to see as many cases as possible.
Body Imaging (MRI & CT) at LAC+USC Medical Center:
I chose to spend the first week of my clerkship at Body Imaging. My day started at 9am and I was paired up with a resident. While reading out multiple studies they would explain what they were seeing and documenting, answering all my questions to their best knowledge. Multiple times a day residents would meet with their attendings to discuss their findings, which I found to be very educating. After lunch there was the possibility to sit in at the resident conference where they discussed interesting cases and prepared for their upcoming board exams.
Ultrasound at LAC+USC Medical Center:
I spent two weeks with the Ultrasound Team. Similar to Body Imaging I would sit with a resident or attending while they read out their studies. In addition to that they would perform ultrasound guided minimal invasive procedures e.g., fine needle aspiration, biopsy, paracentesis, drainage of superficial and deep abscesses etc. I was able to observe and assist those procedures and do ultrasounds by myself with the help of the ultrasound technician. I enjoyed meeting patients and learning about their medical history as well as indications and contraindications of each procedure.
Interventional Radiology at Keck Hospital of Medicine:
For my last week I switched to the Keck Hospital of USC. Since the LAC+USC Medical Center is a public hospital and Keck is private, it was interesting for me to see the difference in patient clientele and care. Their team for Interventional Radiology was by far the most fun team I ever visited, they even had a disco ball in their reading room. Here I was able to assist and perform procedures under supervision e.g., balloon angioplasty or paracentesis.
