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Rheumatology Research Foundation Helps Medical Student Find Direction, Purpose

  |  Issue: December 2014  |  

In an effort to help him learn more about the field, Dr. Carbone urged Brian to apply for the Foundation’s Medical Student Clinical Preceptorship, an award that supports a mentored, full-time clinical experience for students, which Brian received. He worked closely with Dr. Carbone and a handful of other faculty members and fellows to learn more about all the different aspects within the field. Brian was involved in adult rheumatology clinics, a pediatric rheumatology clinic, an osteoporosis clinic, a research project involving spinal cord injuries and a short course on biostatistics and epidemiology.

Dr. Carbone says she could tell the preceptorship had a big influence on Brian’s perception of rheumatology. “When Brian first started, I could see he was still undecided about his future,” she explains. “During his preceptorship, he learned a lot about clinical and research rheumatology. He is even a co-author on a paper. It was an outstanding experience that clearly lit a spark in him.”

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Brian says the preceptorship allowed him to explore a wide range of opportunities and interests. “I had the ability to pursue interests in research and writing, in addition to patient care. Truly, it is my passion to be able to make a difference in patients’ lives on a personal level, but also be able to create change or leave a legacy more globally.”

Brian says because of the preceptorship, he has regained his focus and enthusiasm for medicine. “I really wanted to know for myself whether or not I had it in me to really commit and if I could see myself doing this for the rest of my life. … For the first time in a long while, I was very hopeful and confident about the future.”

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Now, Brian knows where he’s going in life and is looking forward to his career as a rheumatologist, helping improve the health of people with rheumatic diseases.

“The Rheumatology Research Foundation has given me a great gift,” he says. “I do feel as though this preceptorship was a lifeline and a second chance. Now the future is exciting and full of possibilities.”

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