Tenzin Palkyi
Hi! My name is Tenzin Palkyi, and I’m a junior double majoring in Biology and Psychology. I’ll be an intern for fall 2019, and I’m also involved with Girlstart, Health Science Scholars, and the Project.
Describe a shadowing experience that has impacted you the most:
A shadowing experience so far that has impacted me was when I observed a urologist and he was informing some of his patients that they had prostate cancer. Although receiving a diagnosis like this can be extremely jarring, the doctor made a point to offer a wide variety of options to go about addressing the disease, allowing the patient to express their opinions and how different treatment options could affect their lifestyles. I think that patient-centered care is so important in an age where the healthcare field is becoming more business-oriented. Taking a person’s background and beliefs is so valuable in making the patient feel autonomous and supported by the physician. Having the opportunity to witness this intimate moment between doctor and patient was really eye-opening and I hope to be as understanding and culturally aware of patients’ values as I can in the future.
How has HCMP benefited your professional or individual goals?
HCMP has given me so many opportunities to explore a variety of specialties in medicine and the healthcare field in general that I would never have been able to come by myself. For example, I was able to do some administrative shadowing with a Chief Medical Officer and got to see the behind-the scenes work that these individuals do to keep improving the hospital system. I feel like this and other non-physician shadowing gives me a breadth of experiences that helps me understand how the role of a physician intersects with other professions in the healthcare field, such as administrative leaders, public health workers, and paramedics.
What has been your favorite aspect of HCMP?
My favorite aspect of HCMP has been the community of inspiring, hard-working, and fun individuals that make up the organization. Everyone in HCMP has a similar professional goal that we’re working towards, and with this commonality, we all understand the struggles that others could be facing. The other members, whether it be interns, coordinators, or directors, never hesitate to reach out to support each other, and I’m so grateful for that!
What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time, I enjoy playing golf, hanging out with my friends, and reading a good book.