My long term care rotation was at the St. Albans VA. Veterans often present with multiple chronic medical conditions, psychiatric illnesses, and a history of trauma. This rotation has provided me experience in managing these multifaceted cases while furthering my understanding of the unique healthcare needs of older veterans.

Typically, I had to perform monthly evaluations for each resident, which consisted of a plan for each chronic disease and a head-to-toe physical exam. This reinforced the importance of the continuity of care in the geriatric population. By seeing patients regularly, I was able to track their progress, observe the effects of interventions, and adjust treatment plans based on ongoing assessments. The most challenging aspect of this rotation was managing patients with multiple chronic diseases, often combined with cognitive impairment. Polypharmacy was a constant concern, for which my preceptor worked closely with a pharmacist to manage. It became more apparent that at this stage, prioritizing interventions that improved quality of life was more beneficial than aggressively pursuing disease control at the expense of potential harm.

In conclusion, this rotation has provided me with a profound appreciation for the complexities of geriatric care in a veteran population. I hope to use these skills on my next rotation – Obgyn at Queens Hospital Center.

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