Whitney Nguyen is already finding her place in the medical world as the newest practice Gap Year Scribe and Practice Assistant. She is a recent Boston College graduate with a degree in biology.
Her passion for medicine began with reading physician biographies about their research and experiences. The interest to help people strengthened through her work experience as a pharmacy technician and administrative assistant.
Whitney’s Medical Humanities college course was one of her most impactful ones.
“The class focused on patient perspective, the importance of establishing patient trust and also explored physician stories of their medical school experiences,” she said. “It went beyond the science aspect.”
It is the holistic approach that drew her to the role at Dr. Novikov Wellness and Skin Care.
“I admired Dr. Novikov’s approach to patients,” Whitney said. “Medicine is more than test results. It takes into account the whole patient – diet, exercise, age and other factors when treating them. That perspective is something I will apply in my own practice.”
Her role will give her the unique opportunity to be exposed to a different aspect of healthcare that she has not seen before.
“I have been able to observe different departments in nursing facilities and see how they work together,” Whitney said. “I interact with patients and have gained valuable experience that was missing in college and previous work roles. Everyone has a function and routine and it is admirable to see them at work.”
Her advice to others considering a similar scribe role? “There is a learning curve, but be open to new experiences and be willing to improve yourself,” she said. “Making mistakes is common but it’s important to be able to receive feedback.”
Although her area of concentration as a future physician is undecided, her interest lies with the functions of the heart.
In the meantime, she is already studying for her MCAT exam and continues to be open to new experiences.
In her limited free time, she enjoys reading suspense and mystery novels and staying active outside with hiking and tennis with friends.
Welcome Whitney Nguyen.