Today we have the final guest blog comments from CCOM student Alan Shahtaji, MS-III. A student leader and interesting person, Alan offers his insights on clinical rotations and how they compare to Hollywood's depiction of life as a medical student.

Q: The MWUNow blog has featured discussions of several medical TV shows, like ER, House, and Grey's Anatomy. What might a med student expect to see while doing a rotation? Is there any comparison to these shows?

ALAN: Most of my nonmedical school friends always ask me how my life compares to "Grey's." I tell them that it is exactly the same and that I wouldn't be surprised if the show was based off my experiences. I am able to hold a straight face for about four seconds and then start laughing. From the little I've seen of Grey's, it is about as far from the real thing as it gets (unfortunately!). I am a big fan of "House," although Dr. House is a huge jerk. There are some good medical aspects to the show.

What to expect from rotations? It totally depends on your individual rotation and what you make of it. You get some great exposure on most rotations, and it is so refreshing to have daily interactions with patients after having spent two years in the classroom. Obviously, along the way, there are some great stories from the hospital but nothing that would crack a Grey's script!

Q: What rotation are you currently doing?

ALAN: I am in the middle of my OB/GYN rotation at Weiss Memorial Hospital in the city. OB/GYN was not something I had considered, but I truly enjoy several aspects of this field of medicine. I am looking into doing some electives next year in maternal-fetal medicine and reproductive endocrinology to gain more experience. I would have to say that OB/GYN has made a surprise surge to the top of my list!

I just finished doing my PEDS rotation with Dr. Faith Myers at her private practice in Lemont. She was great and I enjoyed my time with her. Previously, I did family medicine with Dr. Kathryn Burke in Olympia Fields. My time with the Burke Medical Group coincided with my Super Bowl experience, and everyone was so great the entire time. I was with my good friend, Julie Lanphere, and our 12 weeks there was such a wonderful experience! I am thinking of family medicine in large part because of that rotation.

Q: Do you have any general advice for prospective medical school applicants?

ALAN: Find what works for you! Advice is great, and here I am providing some of my own, but every person is unique and therefore needs to find their own way. No matter what that way may be, routine and priorities are paramount. Once you establish your priorities, you can form a daily routine that allows you to dedicate yourself to medical school without forsaking those things that are important to you.