As a scribe for ECC, I was able to work in both the Emergency department and with the hospitalists. Through both of these roles I was able to see the decisions and factors that go into each part of a patient’s hospital journey, from presentation to discharge. I was also able to learn how to put together a concise physical/history. Working as a scribe was one of the best decisions I made during my pre-PA path- I never imagined I would learn and experience so much!

Margaret S., St. Catherine University PA Program Class of 2020, scribe ’17-18

My past year working as a scribe has been the most incredible experience. Even in the first two weeks on the job, I felt like I learned more than in the entirety of the previous 22 years. I am tenfold more prepared for medical school and know more about what areas of medicine I would like to pursue. In addition to the amount of knowledge I have gained, I have also developed great relationships with many of the providers at ECC. I am going to miss both the people and the work flow of this job, but I am very happy to have worked here at this scribing company.

John-David S., scribe ’17-18

My experience with the Scribe Program of ECC was tremendously beneficial in exposing me to the pace and feel of the Emergency Department and Urgent Care. In addition to this, I learned the ins and outs of the documentation process, utility of various labs, and creative techniques to assess pediatric patients. Amidst soaking in all of this knowledge, I felt that I was a truly appreciated and genuinely helpful part of the healthcare team. Beyond that, the healthcare providers and fellow scribes I worked with served as teachers, role models, and friends. They showed interest in my experiences, shared stories about their lives and career paths, and celebrated my success of getting into PA school. After my experience with ECC, I more thoroughly understand the role of a PA and cannot wait to one day contribute to the healthcare team as a PA.

Melissa P., Indiana University PA Program Class of 2020, scribe ’17-18

The ECC program has given me the opportunity to shadow physicians and PA’s alike and observe how they interact with patients and how they approach each individual’s condition. From being able to learn how to adjust to this fast paced environment, I have learned so much about what healthcare is about, and how providers can go about that efficiently throughout the day. From this experience, I also believe that this position has taught me how to apply what I have learned in my coursework to what I have observed in the ED in all the facilities that I have had the opportunity to work in. Additionally, by being able to learn how to work with a team of medical professionals, and working in different hospital facilities I believe that this position has given me a broader perspective of what a career in medicine can look like. Ultimately I believe the ECC Scribe program has helped me build the necessary skills set and clinical experience that I will need in order to thrive in a medical profession in the future.

Crystal M., scribe ‘18

My experience being an ECC medical scribe has been amazing. I have had a plethora of opportunities to get to know the providers, ask them questions regarding medicine and their career path, and learn about charting, writing a good history, and the important aspects of the examination. Through this experience I was able to confirm my initial interests in pursuing a career in medicine. During my interviews I was able to talk about my experiences as a scribe, and I believe the knowledge I have learned will serve as a strong foundation for all of the information I will be learning in my studies at St. Louis University School of Medicine.

Dylan L., St. Louis University School of Medicine Class of 2021, scribe ’16-18

I started off not knowing much medical terminology or about the day-to-day operations of the emergency department. It was also a little intimidating because of the fast pace and steep learning curve, but my trainers made sure I was confident going into my first solo shift. It also helped that all the providers I came across were extremely patient while I learned their preferences for patient charts. Over the last few months, I have learned so much on bedside manners, taking a history, the physical exam, and all about emergency medicine protocols. Beyond the job of a scribe, I have talked to different providers about the paths they took to their current careers and I have received some great advice too. I will be starting at UMN for med school this fall and I have met a few ECC scribes who will be my classmates, so that is an added bonus.

Michelle K., University of Minnesota School of Medicine Class of 2021, scribe ’17-18