how to get through externship as an autistic introvert?
hi! i was able to land an externship at a really busy clinic and i start Monday! it has so many different areas within the same facility including urgent care, dermatology, primary care, pediatrics, and etc… so i’m honestly freaking out a little bit.
i consider myself pretty awkward and shy, especially when i’m somewhere new and surrounded by people who already know what they’re doing, but i am a relatively fast learner and i’m really hoping that helps me adjust. i’m excited to finally get some real hands-on experience, but i’m also nervous about feeling overwhelmed and forgetting something or not knowing what to do when things get busy.
i know i’m there to learn and that nobody expects me to know everything right away, but i still have that nervous feeling of wanting to make a good impression and not get in anyone’s way. i’m especially worried about the first few days while i’m trying to learn everyone’s routines and figure out where everything is.
for anyone who has completed a medical assistant externship, worked in a busy clinic, or has experience being the new person in a healthcare setting, do you have any tips for staying calm and not letting the nerves get the best of you? what helped you feel more comfortable and confident when you first started? thank you so much!
Posted Aug 21, 2026, 2:25 AM UTC