Ralph Dale S.

Dela Torre

Med III – Section A Group 6

Reflection Paper

Special Senses

Context

This module was about dealing with patients with diseases that affect the special
senses. In the first case, we dealt with a patient who has suffered from retinoblastoma.
This is relevant in the society today because retinoblastoma is the most common,
primary, malignant, intraocular tumor of childhood. We also dealt with a patient who has
suffered from neck abscess. It is also relevant to the society because neck abscesses
are complicated because of the fascial planes and spaces involved. The following
program outcomes were highlighted in this module: PO # 1, clinical competence, PO #
2, communicating effectively, PO #8, adhering to ethical, professional and legal
standards, PO #9, demonstrating nationalism and dedication to service and finally, PO
#10, social accountability.

Experience

This module focused on some of the anatomy of the eye and the neck spaces. It is
important to know the anatomy in order to understand fully which parts are affected by
these diseases. Each of us students were asked to prepare and study for the upcoming
exams and SGD which is in line with PO #1. What we have extensively studied was
then projected during SGD and that is in line with PO #2. During the SGD, we were also
asked by our facilitator to discuss about how to properly diagnose and treat a patient
with retinoblastoma or one of the neck abscesses and its importance which is in line
with PO # 8 and PO # 9. Also during our independent study, we were also reading and
learning about the epidemiology of both diseases which is in line with PO # 10. Another
very important activity we had was studying, discussing, and practicing the laboratory
portion of the module which is in line with PO’s #1, #2, and #8.

Reflection

After this module I realized that if a patient is sick, the response of the physician is
very important for the recovery of the patient. That is why I feel studying about the
diseases itself, its common clinical manifestations and how to properly diagnose is
important and that is how clinical competence, PO # 1 is demonstrated because we
students are learning and studying the importance of that. PO # 2, communication was
demonstrated because what we have learned during our independent study was
discussed concisely during SGD. I feel that PO #8, adhering to legal standards, and PO
#9, dedication to service, were highlighted in this module because we discussed more
about the epidemiology of both these diseases and they are quite common. Lastly,
practicing the skill of identifying the specimens under the microscope in the pathology
laboratory is important also because it highlights most of the program outcomes
mentioned because as doctors, we need to practice these skills in order to confirm the
diagnosis.

Action

My first plan of action is to study more on the laboratory portion of the module. The
laboratory portion of every module should not be taken lightly. I know most of the
students study the laboratory portion only the day before the actual practical exam and I
don’t think it is very effective because after the exam, everything is forgotten. It is better
to give a little bit of time each day for laboratory for not only this module, but for every
module so that we can avoid cramming. The next plan of action is to be more active in
participating in programs for the community. Whatever opportunity I have, I should take
so that I can be more experienced and I will be able to understand more on the
diseases affecting the special senses. As a future physician, I know it is important to
serve the community as much as possible because I know a little help can go a long
way, meaning it can really help make a difference in the lives of the people.

Evaluation

I think I did well in this module. I was able to read ahead of time for the SGD and I
was able to discuss also well what I have studied. I also did well in the exam for this
module. Of course I will not evaluate myself just based on how well I did during the
exam but rather on how much I have learned in this module. I learned that special
senses are very important and vital in functioning for our daily activities and should be
taken care of. Overall, this module was satisfactory because of the things I have
learned. Being a physician is not just about earning money, rather it is about serving. If
we do not serve in the future, then in my opinion, it is not as fulfilling in my opinion.
Overall, this module opened my eyes and I will do my best so that I can do my part in
serving my family and the community.