High-Intensity Rotations Offer Real World Experience

The Soso, Mississippi, native chose areas that she believes will sharpen her clinical skills and offer an idea of what life after graduation in May 2027 might look like.

“I wanted to have an open mind about where I could end up, because I knew these rotations would be competitive and I might not get in,” Shows said. “I’m excited about gaining hands-on experience in areas that I haven’t had much exposure to, and getting a broader perspective on career paths.”

Shows, a self-described night owl, is intrigued by the rhythm of hospital work. She’d like to try overnight shifts at some point, and is looking forward to the clinical intensity of the critical care and infectious diseases rotations.

At Forrest General, Shows will spend August under the direction of Brittany Mallini, a critical care pharmacist. Shows will join multidisciplinary rounds, take on assigned patients, and work alongside a team of physicians, nurses, and respiratory therapists.

“This is an invaluable rotation, because there’s no typical day in critical care. Everything changes, every day,” Mallini said. “I love showing students how integral we are to direct patient care.”

Shows's infectious diseases rotation officially begins in September under clinical quality pharmacist Samantha Clark, but the groundwork starts before then. Throughout August, while immersed in critical care, Shows will also meet with Clark for daily antibiotic-focused topic discussions. In September, she’ll join infectious disease physicians for rounds, help clinical pharmacists review patient medication lists, and work on special projects.

“We give students the opportunity to really get into the weeds and focus on learning as much as they can,” Clark said. “By the time Emma starts my rotation, she’ll be able to hit the ground running.”

Shows expects the rotations to help prepare her for a future career path, even though she hasn’t decided which direction to choose. Wherever she lands, Shows believes the time at Forrest General will be well spent.

“There are lots of career options, and this gives me a chance to learn more about them,” Shows said. “This is a great opportunity to explore what’s right for me.”