The inaugural cohort of Randolph-Macon Physician Assistant students recently completed their first clinical rotation, a milestone in the progression through the PA program. 

The second year curriculum of RMC’s 24-month program sees students complete seven different six-week clinical rotations, spanning the core areas of family medicine, behavioral medicine, emergency medicine, surgery, women’s health, pediatrics, and internal medicine.

During these clinical opportunities, PA students work in conjunction with preceptors to get hands-on experience in a variety of skills. They complete problem-focused medical histories and patient exams, develop differential diagnoses, order and interpret diagnostic studies, and work with preceptors to develop and communicate a management plan for the patients. 

“It’s been great working with the PA students. They’re bright, eager, and bring a lot of energy to the office,” said Dr. Tom Hubbard ’75, who served as a preceptor at Ashland Medical Center. “The patients love to see them.” 

Ultimately, clinical rotations provide an environment for the students to connect the knowledge they gained in the classroom during the first year of the program to real-world situations.

“I learned so much during the didactic year but applying that knowledge during real patient encounters and through hands-on experiences has allowed me to solidify that knowledge” said Sydney Bent ‘24PA. 

“My preceptors aren’t just providers, they’re wonderful educators. I’m beyond grateful for their guidance shaping me into a better future PA,” added Syaani Harris ‘24PA. “While providing care for our patients, I discovered that behind every diagnosis and treatment lies a unique story. And within every patient encounter, I learned not only about medicine, but a glimpse into the diverse spectrum of our journey as human beings.” 

The list below displays the full breadth of medical facilities where RMC PA students completed the first round of clinical rotations: 

Pediatrics

–          VCU PICU

–          Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughter

–          West End Pediatrics

–          Dr. Richard Bennett

Internal Medicine

–          Henrico Doctors’ Hospital

–          VCU Hospitalists

–          VCU Community Memorial Hospital

Emergency Medicine

–          Henrico Doctors’ Hospital

–          Chippenham Hospital Emergency Department

–          Johnston Willis Emergency Department

Family Medicine

–          Ashland Medical Center

Behavioral Health

–          VCU Virginia Treatment Center for Children

–          Insight Physicians

–          Psychiatric Institute of Washington

Surgery

–          St. Mary’s Hospital

–          VCU Burn Surgery

–          Virginia Urology

Women’s Health

–          Virginia Women’s Center

–          Virginia Urology

After their first rotation ended on Feb. 14, students returned to campus for two days to debrief and take an exam specific to their completed rotation. In some rotations, students are also required to offer a case study presentation on a patient. Their time on campus also includes a workshop that will help them transition to practice at the end of their studies; in February, the topic was creating a professional resume and interviewing. 

The second clinical rotation began on Monday, Feb. 19.