Hi Sir! Your reflection brings to light the complex and multifaceted role of a clinical instructor, especially in a specialized and high-intensity area like the Operating Room. Your expectations for 4th year students are well-founded at this stage, we anticipate a higher level of competence and independence. However, your experience shows that not all students progress at the same rate, and even senior students may need foundational support and close supervision.
You also highlighted an important reality: the clinical instructor is not only an educator but often becomes part of the hospital workforce, especially when staff shortages arise. Balancing teaching responsibilities with operational demands, while maintaining patient safety and ensuring meaningful student learning, is indeed a challenging task.
Your emphasis on communication and pakikisama is particularly valuable. Clinical teaching doesn’t happen in isolation—it requires collaboration, diplomacy, and mutual respect within the healthcare team. Your ability to adapt, delegate, and build relationships makes a significant difference not just in student outcomes, but also in fostering a supportive and effective learning environment. It’s a reminder that in the OR, both technical skill and emotional intelligence are essential for success as a clinical educator.
You also highlighted an important reality: the clinical instructor is not only an educator but often becomes part of the hospital workforce, especially when staff shortages arise. Balancing teaching responsibilities with operational demands, while maintaining patient safety and ensuring meaningful student learning, is indeed a challenging task.
Your emphasis on communication and pakikisama is particularly valuable. Clinical teaching doesn’t happen in isolation—it requires collaboration, diplomacy, and mutual respect within the healthcare team. Your ability to adapt, delegate, and build relationships makes a significant difference not just in student outcomes, but also in fostering a supportive and effective learning environment. It’s a reminder that in the OR, both technical skill and emotional intelligence are essential for success as a clinical educator.