Where Did You Work While in Medical School?
In the mid-1970s, my medical school saw the establishment of a neighboring hospital. As someone who needed to traverse the entire hospital to take a census, this role not only introduced me to various departments but also marked my first steps into the world of hospital administration.
Initially, I made friends and built connections. My influence extended over time, leading me to a notable achievement: programming the computer that managed the billing system. This role was more than just a job; it was a significant opportunity to understand the intricacies of billing and hospital operations.
One of the more memorable experiences was assisting a fellow programmer who had written the billing system for the "General Stores" department, where all the medical supplies such as gauze, dressings, and tubes were stored. The original program wasn't performing as expected, and he admitted that it needed a fresh perspective to tackle the issues.
After successfully debugging and optimizing his system, he instructed the Biomedical Computing department to pay me for 20 hours a week, regardless of whether I was actively working on the project. This arrangement lasted for about two and a half years, during which I had the unique opportunity to deepen my understanding of hospital operations and billing systems.
MUMPS, the programming language of the era, became a defining aspect of my experience. It taught me the importance of clear and efficient coding, which is crucial even in today's healthcare IT landscape.
Key Takeaways from My Medical School Work Experience
1. Understanding Hospital Operations: My experience provided a hands-on understanding of hospital billing and operations, which is invaluable for future medical careers.
2. Building Relationships: The roles I took on allowed me to build meaningful relationships with colleagues and administrators, which is crucial for a collaborative work environment.
3. Programming and Debugging: Working with MUMPS taught me essential debugging and problem-solving skills that are still relevant today.
Conclusion
My work experience during medical school was not just an extension of my studies but also a critical stepping stone in my career. It taught me the nuances of hospital operations, the importance of clear communication, and the value of programming in healthcare. My experience with MUMPS and the billing system remains a memorable and impactful part of my medical school journey.
These experiences have influenced my later career choices and have made me a more well-rounded healthcare professional.