When comparing my performance in Clinical Correlations 1 and 2, I have noticed meaningful growth in my ability to obtain patient histories, interpreting physical exam findings, and developing diagnoses and management plans. During Clinical Correlations 1, I primarily relied on memorization and keywords, often requiring guidance to apply concepts to patient scenarios. One area of weakness I had was that I was only focusing primarily on addressing OLDCARTS when obtaining a history, without consistently asking additional questions that were pertinent to the patient’s overall clinical presentation. However, a strength I had was that using OLDCARTS allowed me to gather a structured overview of the patient’s chief complaint, which helped me begin to generate a list of differentials. 

By Clinical Correlations 2, I became more confident in applying clinical principles, diagnostic reasoning, and creating treatment plans to patient cases.  I learned to tailor my questions by asking targeted questions, which allowed me to get a more comprehensive idea about the patient’s case. I also improved in generating more broad differential diagnoses. At this point, I became more knowledgeable in my treatment and patient education plans for the patients. I also appreciated that during this session, I was able to practice writing SOAP notes, which was a change from the typical H&Ps I was used to writing. One area of improvement would be interpreting physical exams, and knowing which ones to focus on based on the patient’s presenting complaint. 

Throughout both semesters of Clinical Correlations, my ability to interpret clinical findings and justify management decisions have improved, reflecting a stronger integration of my knowledge from didactic year with clinical application.