In a rare but highly consequential faux pas, third-year medical student Kevin Garlander gave his actual opinion when asked about the quality of his med school rotation.
“I thought that’s what they wanted,” explained a tearful Kevin. “The course director set up a meeting on my last day of the rotation specifically to talk about how things went. She asked me what I thought of the rotation and how they could improve it. I thought she wanted real feedback, so I gave it. If only I had known.”
As it turns out, rotation director Dr. Savannah Smith wanted no such feedback, and was appalled by the criticism she heard.
“You should have heard this med student,” recalls a still-infuriated Dr. Smith. “He shows up guns blazing, with what was basically a list of demands. He wants ‘more direction’ because he was ‘confused’ about his role on the team. Then he starts asking for us to ‘acknowledge’ his ‘existence.’ I mean, know your place kid.”
As it turns out, Dr. Smith has never really cared about what the medical students think of the rotation, and mainly uses the meeting to escape clinic time for an hour each block.
“Usually I take off from clinic and go grab coffee for fifteen minutes,” she explains. “Then I sit down with the students for another fifteen minutes and play with my phone while they praise the rotation I’ve put together. Then I just roll the last thirty minutes into an extended lunch. It’s a sweet deal, until someone ruins your day with unfounded criticism. I mean, don’t they know we control their grades?”
Indeed, Dr. Smith exercised that control on Wednesday when Kevin was notified by the Office of Student Affairs that he had failed the rotation – a first in school history. Kevin admits he’s learned a valuable lesson, but is saddened by the fact that he may have to remain in school longer to make up the failed course.
“I guess one mistake can really cost you here,” says a forlorn Kevin. “It was a tough lesson to learn, but I now know never to give real feedback. ”
Ditto
It does’t get any better when you graduate , kid .
I agree with dr smith, by the time you are in medical school you should be adult enough to know your place and when you can ask for and demand certain things and when you should “know your place” and shut your mouth.
Obstinate, self riotous mellinials, who live in an idiot proof society created for them are getting on my nerves….
This story sounds made up.
This story sounds made up.
Some of your responses make me think you didn’t read the top of the page that said “satirical news.” This fictional woman can’t be fired.
Some of your responses make me think you didn’t read the top of the page that said “satirical news.” This fictional woman can’t be fired.
These days you fill out your rotation evaluation online. And it must be submitted by the last day of the rotation. BEFORE the rotation director has finished your grades or comments. Just keep checking the “excellent” box unless you want a surprise when your grade comes out.
Never ask the question if you don’t want a truthful answer. It’s all about integrity for me, hardly unfounded criticism.
Kym Reid
I actually had this happen to me lol. It was really bad
I made that mistake once when I was young and stupid. Never make the same mistake twice unless you like the pain.
I hope that person is fired. You can’t improve without real feed back
Monica Mo
Haha reminds me of my feedback to the legendary Dr. Weaver! Haha, good times!
Wow, not sure who looks worse on this poor example…
this is so true. no one gives a shit about feedback in medschool or residency and if you give it honestly, it will only bite you in the ass. do yourself a favor, give 5/5 to everybody and move on.
Spot on! Ekta, Siobhan, Eleni
Constructive criticism is priceless. Thankfully it is free.
Yep nancy but the doctors running your rotation aren’t getting a cent. Let’s no get confused here….
Sam Dean
Regina Conley Hart need a chuckle?
Well!? You know what they call a med student who graduates last in his/her class?!?! …… “Doctor”!!? Or in this case “coffee sneaking”, “time wasting”, “roll into long Lunch” rotation planners!!! …. I’m just saying?!? Plus I have worked or had worked in the clinical setting and really got tired of the abuse received by “I don’t think my sh$ don’t stink” people. As I write this on the toilet!!!!!! I guess in all reality if you are not prepared for the the Answer then don’t ask the question!!!!
This is not satire. Names have been changed.
#AllTNoShade
She needs to be replaced!
Hahaha
I remember being asked in an interview what things I would do to make improvements if I were in a management position. I proceeded to answer the question truthfully, and gave what I thought was really good feedback on how to make things better. The interviewer took his glasses off, looked me right in the eye, and said “you need to be careful who you say that to young man”. I said in reply, since you asked me I thought I would answer you. Did I make a mistake by answering truthfully? Or maybe there is this unspoken game called I’m going to ask you a question, but don’t really answer it?
Mike’s Lemons
This explains the approach/exuberance of almost every med student I’ve met. Cuz I know they can’t ALL love OB and ER.
Never mind you’re paying $$$$$ for your education. NEVER, I mean NEVER EVER give anything but “best rotation ever” feedback
Abirami Mogan the truth
Prabdeep Kaur Sandhu
“As it turns out, Dr. Smith has never really cared about what the medical students think of the rotation, and mainly uses the meeting to escape clinic time for an hour each block.”
-Sounds about right..
I made that mistake once. Not pretty.
25years old…med student…and just learning rhetorical question.
Hahaha, Abbie….
Omg! Hahahah now I know- always say great things!
Jerri
How funny!