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Biochemistry and molecular biology major provides patient care during APEX fellowship

Grace Gascoigne ’24, a biochemistry and molecular biology major at the College of �ۿ۴�ý, spent her summer providing care to patients both in the office and in their homes. Under the mentorship of Paul L. Edmiston, professor of chemistry; biochemistry and molecular biology, Gascoigne’s APEX Fellowship provided her the opportunity to gain field experience with a variety of patients and to observe visits and procedures conducted by medical professionals. Her experience reaffirmed her desire to become a physician and allowed her to improve her communication and problem-solving skills.

“Physicians act as a bridge between medical knowledge and patient care, but only when they build trust and listen to the patient.”

—Grace Gascoigne ’24

How did you learn about the �ۿ۴�ý opportunity for your APEX Fellowship?

“Through shadowing at the Cleveland Clinic at different departments and inquiring about summer opportunities as well as sharing the ability to be funded through school, I was able to find this �ۿ۴�ý opportunity.”

What interests you most about the work you did?

“I am most interested in the daily interactions I can have with patients. I had two types of days, in-the-office or at-home care. In the office, I am responsible for going into a patient’s room before the doctor and getting a history of present illness, then presenting an assessment and plan to Dr. Youseff. In at-home care, I helped with vitals (blood pressure, temperature, pulse, etc.). I was also able to observe all visits and procedures whether at-home or in-the-office. Either way, I love to learn about patient interactions and how to talk to people in a new way.”

Who was your fellowship mentor and how did they help you to succeed in this position?

“Paul L. Edmiston is my fellowship mentor, and he has been a great support for me. His reflection prompted me to investigate my own experience and see what I have learned outside the surface level. I also learned how to analyze my skills, communication, relationship building, and more. This will be specifically useful when going on my medical school interviews, and I am lucky to learn how to communicate my experiences effectively.”

What are some skills you’ve learned that you see yourself carrying forward in your career?

“Problem-solving and communication are two skills I have further developed during this opportunity. Looking at a patient’s chart and analyzing how different aspects impact each other is a thought process that can be applied to many parts of life. Communication at this level is also useful— physicians act as a bridge between medical knowledge and patient care, but only when they build trust and listen to the patient.”

How has the �ۿ۴�ý helped you to see what’s next for you?

“My �ۿ۴�ý has not changed or altered my plan but has solidified it instead. Though the specialty of medicine I will go into is still uncertain, I am surer than ever I want to be a physician and interact with patients daily.”

Posted in Experiential Learning, Showcase Stories 2023 on August 11, 2023.