Practice Assistant Henry Zhou credits the Gap Year Scribe and Practice Assistant Education Program role for giving him the opportunity to grow as a healthcare professional.
His spark in healthcare started as he worked as an EMT.
Henry wanted to see if pursuing medical school was the right path for him. The role of scribe at Dr. Novikov Wellness and Skin Care gave him that clarity.
“It has been a pretty perfect position for me,” he said. “The best way to make sure you want to be a physician is to work with one.”
The scribing role at the practice is unique. Scribes work with providers and patients at nursing facilities and in the office while gaining insights on the operations of a medical practice.
Steep learning curve
Although Henry worked in healthcare before, he admits that the scribe role was new for him and had a steep learning curve.
“The providers are all very supportive and willing to answer questions,” he said. “They have stimulated my learning during my time here. I have felt part of the team.”
Part of the process included learning the electronic patient charting system, insurance system and how a medical practice is supposed to run. Once comfortable, it has been a “very rewarding” role for him.
“You get what you put in,” Henry said. “If you are willing to do a little work outside of typical work hours, you will benefit a lot. And ask questions–there’s never a dumb question. Senior scribes and providers are a wealth of knowledge and experience.”
Being a part of a small team has also been beneficial.
“You know the whole team,” he said. “ Your voice is heard and you have the opportunity to voice an opinion and be aware of decisions.”
Henry has engaged with patients in both nursing facilities and office settings. He said building rapport with patients is something you may not be able to do in other scribe roles.
“Being able to work with Dr. Novikov and the providers definitely helped me see what a provider deals with on a daily basis,” he said. “Once you see their bedside manner, interaction with patients and staff members, and collaboration with other providers, you pick up what you want to do as a provider yourself eventually.”
Henry plans to attend medical school in the fall of 2024. Although nothing is set in stone, his current interest is in anesthesiology.