Rotation Ready: Navigating Your Clinical Training with Confidence, Competence, and Connections

Transitioning from didactic training to clinical training is a defining milestone for PA students. This engaging session combines presentation, roleplay, and small-group discussion to equip students with the tools they need to excel on their rotations. Through a mix of humor, practical strategies, and reflective conversation, students will explore essential skills for professionalism, effective communication, feedback exchange, and appropriate use of social media.

The session begins with a brief humorous skit, illustrating "what not to do" on the first day of rotations, setting the stage for a real-time analysis and discussion of best practices. Second, students will break into small groups to tackle common real-world clinical challenges in an interactive format, with each group presenting their solutions to foster a collaborative and insightful discussion. Following this, students will receive evidence-based guidance on how to set appropriate goals during clinical training and how to both give and receive constructive feedback professionally—with an emphasis on the importance of these skills for lifelong growth—through audience participation and roleplay. Finally, the session will conclude with an exploration of the critical role professional appearance, attire, and social media use play in shaping clinical practice and professional reputation. Through a review of established guidelines and real-world legal precedents, students will evaluate how their choices in these areas impact patient trust, team dynamics, and future career opportunities.

By the end of the session, participants will gain valuable insights into navigating common clinical challenges with professionalism, developing a goal-oriented framework for approaching clinical training, and cultivating a proactive attitude toward clinical success.