School of Health Pre-Med Student Gains Invaluable Experience at Verstandig Pavilion

(September 12, 2024) — A School of Health student is getting a jump-start on her career goal to become a surgeon through hands-on clinical experience at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital as a paid patient care tech (PCT).

Isra Satiar (H’26), a premedical student, chose the job as a PCT in the Intermediate Care Unit because of the opportunity and experience the clinical work offered. As part of her work, she has trained to do blood draws, start IVs, do wound care, perform EKGs, and communicate with nurses and physicians.

In addition, Satiar has spent many night shifts taking care of patients in the surgical ICU unit at the Verstandig Pavilion at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, located next to St. Mary’s Hall where she takes classes as a human science major.

“We all have skills that can make a difference,” Satiar said. “I’m able to provide intimate care for patients at their most vulnerable state — cleaning those who are incontinent, bathing, feeding, helping with wound care, or just trying to make a patient’s stay as comfortable as possible. I’ve discovered that my personality shines brightest and is the most appreciated in the units with the sickest patients.”

The Human Touch

Even with the excellent treatment patients receive at the hospital, Satiar says it’s the human aspects of the job that impact the patients most.

“When I started, I thought it’d be mostly about applying technical skills and medical knowledge I had to memorize for my EMT certification exam, or the formal procedures I’ve had to learn during MedStar’s training,” she says. “But I’ve realized quickly, more than anything else, just how far empathy and genuine care goes in shaping a patient’s experience at the hospital.”

She added, “As a caretaker, the warm energy you give out often comes back to you in the most rewarding way — the satisfaction of knowing you’ve improved a patient’s day.”

Invaluable Life Lessons

Satiar was able to shadow some of the surgeons at the level 1 trauma hospital, an experience she says strengthened her resolve to pursue a career as one.

“In the past, it’s always felt like a lofty goal, but working alongside surgeons, being in and out of ORs, supporting patients from the moment they enter the room until they’re under anesthesia, has all made this dream more tangible,” she says. “I’ve been able to more closely get a grasp of just how worth it the years of hard work and dedication will be.”

Satiar says her time at the hospital has helped her realize how much of a people person she is, and how meaningful she finds being able to provide direct patient care.

“It’s easy to lose sight of that passion when I’m buried in the demands of an organic chemistry final or an upcoming physics exam,” she says. “But every time I put on my scrubs, or share a laugh with the care team during our tireless nights, or even find ways to ease a patient’s pain, I’m reminded of why I’m on this path.

“I’m incredibly grateful to have this meaningful reminder so early in my pre-med journey.”