First Standardized Patient

I saw my first "patient" today! It went very well. I talked way too fast, as normal, but it went well. I did ask my patient if his eyes were sensitive to darkness, haha. I was a little concerned because when I had been practicing on my friend and then my roommate, I was taking 50-55 mins, when we only have 50. Today it only took me 35, which surprised me. My family history wasn't as detailed as it should be, but now I know for next time. All our sessions are recorded and I've already watched my video. He left me a lot of feedback! I can't imagine what he was writing...my bets are on "you need to slow down! I couldn't understand you" and probably something along the lines of more counseling...which is definitely understandable because I don't really know much medicine yet. I also didn't laugh nervously at all. After being a nanny for three years to nine boys and one girl, my humor definitely deteriorated into that of an elementary school boy, so when I've been practicing sometimes I've giggled a lot and inappropriately. ("How would you describe your stool? Black, brown, firm, soft..." yep, I get to ask questions like that). It's definitely easier though when you're with someone you don't know.

The best story is from my friend, who meant to ask her patient if he did self-testicular exams, but instead asked if he did a self-prostate exam!! (a man's prostate sits under his bladder). He said "I don't know how I would go about doing that." I would have laughed so hard.