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Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center - Claire Ducatte

Where are you placed this year?

Headshot of fourth year Claire Ducatte

I am currently at Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center in Aurora, CO

Describe your "typical" day (or lack of "typical" day)

I work with Vets Monday through Friday every week. Most days of the week I am providing
hearing tests, hearing aid fittings/checks, or tinnitus appointments/group sessions (gaining lots of
cerumen removal experience too!). Right now I am also doing vestibular testing each week which
is interesting. Before my vestib rotation, I was in a telehealth rotation for the first part of the
summer. After vestib, I will begin my CI rotation. I am grateful to be getting experience in all of the
things that interest me!

What's something important that you've learned at your placement so far?

Taking a moment to reassess/evaluate the "big picture" is okay! As a student, I'm not expected to
know all the answers, so providing the best care to a patient then and there is my priority.

Any words of wisdom?

Be flexible when you are at your externship! Things do not always go according to schedule, and
it's good to be able to just go with the flow when things are out of your control.