During my urgent care rotation, I was able to experience firsthand how important this setting is as a front-line point of care. Many patients come to urgent care before going to the emergency department, often because they are anxious about hospitals, worried about long wait times, or unsure how serious their symptoms are. This made me realize that urgent care providers play a key role in early evaluation and decision-making, often determining who can be safely managed and who needs to be sent to the ER. Throughout the rotation, I saw a wide range of cases. While we managed many common complaints such as influenza, gastritis, and routine physical exams, I also encountered more serious conditions including suspected testicular torsion, appendicitis, heart failure exacerbations, pneumonia, dehydration and more. These experiences reinforced how important it is to keep a broad differential and not become complacent, even in a setting where many complaints initially seem routine. It showed me that urgent care is not just about treating minor illnesses, but also about recognizing high-risk presentations early and acting quickly.

What stood out to me most was how much we were able to do for patients right away. We were able to provide immediate care, whether it was initiating treatment, stabilizing symptoms, or simply reassuring patients, while also helping guide them to the next level of care when needed. I saw how providers took time to explain their reasoning when sending patients to the ER, which helped reduce patient anxiety and made them more comfortable with that decision. Being able to both treat and ease patient concerns in the moment is something I have always found very impactful. Another highlight of this rotation was the team dynamic. The MAs, providers, and staff worked closely together, and there was a strong sense of collaboration throughout the clinic. The providers were very engaged in teaching and consistently took time to explain their thought process, the etiology behind different conditions, and why certain treatments were chosen over others. This made a big difference in my learning, as it helped me move beyond memorization and better understand how to apply clinical reasoning in real patient scenarios.

One area I continue to work on is strengthening my physical exam skills and building confidence in my clinical reasoning. At times, I find myself doubting my assessments and plans due to limited experience and fear of being wrong. However, I am learning that rotations are meant for growth, and it is important to share my thought process even if it is not perfect, as there is always guidance available and a provider to make the final decision. I appreciated that I was able to see many patients independently initially and then present my cases, which helped me develop both confidence and clinical judgment. Overall, this rotation helped me grow in both my clinical confidence and efficiency. I became more comfortable gathering focused histories, performing targeted physical exams, and making timely decisions in a fast-paced environmentMoving forward, I want to continue improving my ability to recognize subtle but serious conditions early, think critically through my differentials, and build greater confidence in my clinical decision-making.