FAMILY / RURAL MEDICINE

 

There’s not much to put here since each preceptor has his/her own quirks.  Some locations are very pediatrics oriented, some have an obstetrics component, while others may be your typical “doc in the box.”  Talk to your big sibs and other fourth years to get the scoop on which locations to choose because you will definitely have a better experience with some preceptors than others.

 

Your rural month is pass-fail, although you do have a project to complete and type up.  This can be as involved or simple as you want it to be.  Again, talk to your big sibs and classmates who have done the rural rotation to see what they did.

 

Another thing to keep in mind is that if you do your family month in a “rural” location, you will be paid $500 for that month.

 

Completion of the DXR cases is “required.”

 

Useful Mnemonics

 

X-ray findings on PTE

A = Atelectasis

E = Effusion (small, unilateral)

I = Infarct (wedge shaped)

O = Oligemia (Westermark’s sign)

U = Upriding diaphragm (Hampton’s hump)

 

Indications for Dialysis

A = Acidosis

E = Electrolytes (hyperkalemia)

I = Ingestions (salicylates, alcohol, amphetamines,

lithium, theophyline)

O = Overload (volume)

U = Uremia (chronic renal failure)

 

Rx of Pulmonary Edema / Volume Overload

U = Upright (sit)

N = Nitropaste (¯ preload)

L = Lasix

O = Oxygen (nasal cannula, etc.)

A = ACE inhibitor (¯ afterload)

D = Diuretic

M = Morphine (¯ smothering/dyspnea; vasodilator)

E = Enalaprat (IV ACE inhibitor)

 

Most common bugs causing UTIs

Klebsiella

E. coli

Enterobacter

Proteus mirabilis

Generic Differential Diagnosis Mnemonic

Vascular

Infection

Trauma

Allergy/ Autoimmune

Metabolic / Musculoskeletal

Iatrogenic/ Ingestions

Neoplasm

Special

Degenerative / Drugs

Congenital