Last week I started my paediatrics rotation at Humber River Regional Hospital, a community hospital in the Jane and Finch area of Toronto. Over the course of the week I came to realized just how much I love being a medical student – although my colleagues tell me that love may turn to despair when I begin my medicine and surgery rotations.

As a medical student you are an important part of the team but not essential. Last week I spent 15 minutes talking to a 3 year old boy about dump trucks (coincidentally he has actually ridden in a backhoe). Last year I spent 40 minutes talking to a 6 year old girl about princesses and Barbies – it was her birthday and needless to say she was a huge Barbie fan. It would be unimaginable for a staff physician to spend that much time with a patient. But that’s what I love about being a medical student, you have the time to build that rapport, have fun with the patient and their family while taking a detailed history and physical exam. Experienced clinicians can find that balance and do it all in 5 minutes. I have some great teachers as well as some great patients. I look forward to rest of the rotation!