Semester 2 Completed Classes!
Cardiology
Pediatrics
Pharmacology
Pathology
Pulmonology
Ophthalmology
Final Exams on Deck:
OB/GYN
Lab Medicine
Radiology
Surgery (2 finals)
Hematology
Rheumatology
Dermatology
Physical Diagnosis
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Monday, May 08, 2006
The Simple Life
I was talking to a friend the other day about how I feel like the weight of the world is back on my shoulders. He questioned why I felt that way and I didn't really have an answer. Besides the 10 final exams that are waiting for me, life is good. But, there is a heaviness that comes with this program, with this responsibility...with practicing medicine. And some days that heaviness simply wears you down.
But then my friend broke it down for me, in very simple terms. "You will study, you will pass these exams, and then you'll start the 3rd semester. You will study, you will pass exams, and then you'll start your rotations. You'll study, you'll pass your exams, and learn during your rotations. And then you will graduate, and study, and pass the board exam. And then you will work as a PA."
I couldn't argue with him, because he was right. But, it does not feel that simple. There is so much to learn about medicine and it's impossible for one person to know it all. And therein lies the responsibility...the heaviness.
On the flip side, if it were that simple...I wouldn't be interested anyway!!
But then my friend broke it down for me, in very simple terms. "You will study, you will pass these exams, and then you'll start the 3rd semester. You will study, you will pass exams, and then you'll start your rotations. You'll study, you'll pass your exams, and learn during your rotations. And then you will graduate, and study, and pass the board exam. And then you will work as a PA."
I couldn't argue with him, because he was right. But, it does not feel that simple. There is so much to learn about medicine and it's impossible for one person to know it all. And therein lies the responsibility...the heaviness.
On the flip side, if it were that simple...I wouldn't be interested anyway!!
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Semester 2 Countdown
I really cannot believe that Semester 2 is coming to a close. Three finals are done...only 10 more to go!!
This week was a rough one though. I spent the majority of the week recovering from a stomach virus. That was not fun and it made last week's jet lag seem like a piece of cake! When you're not feeling great, it's hard to focus on anything...especially studying.
Today was our Pediatrics final exam. I did really well on the first two exams but I had a feeling that this exam was going to be a doozy. And, although my gut was out of whack this week...I was right. One of the best things about my class is that we all seem to react to the exams in the same way. And it feels really good when you walk out of the classroom and see your classmates in the hallway with expressions on their faces that match exactly how you're feeling.
After several minutes of moaning, groaning, and bickering about answers, we wind up laughing at each other and at ourselves for the different reasons why we chose an answer. My personal favorite is, "when in doubt...pick all of the above!" We've learned by now, that life goes on after ridiculous exams...especially on Fridays when Happy Hour begins at noon!
I have learned some very useful skills over the last few weeks. I've learned how to insert foley catheters, nasogastric tubes, and draw blood. Learning how to draw blood has been my least favorite experience. I do not have a problem dealing with the sight of blood...as long as it's someone else's blood! I do not like to have my blood drawn. I do not like needles going into my own arm. And I do not like having students practice drawing blood on my arm!
I was lucky though since my partner was an experienced phlebotomist!
Trust me, that was not a lucky coincidence! ;)
This week was a rough one though. I spent the majority of the week recovering from a stomach virus. That was not fun and it made last week's jet lag seem like a piece of cake! When you're not feeling great, it's hard to focus on anything...especially studying.
Today was our Pediatrics final exam. I did really well on the first two exams but I had a feeling that this exam was going to be a doozy. And, although my gut was out of whack this week...I was right. One of the best things about my class is that we all seem to react to the exams in the same way. And it feels really good when you walk out of the classroom and see your classmates in the hallway with expressions on their faces that match exactly how you're feeling.
After several minutes of moaning, groaning, and bickering about answers, we wind up laughing at each other and at ourselves for the different reasons why we chose an answer. My personal favorite is, "when in doubt...pick all of the above!" We've learned by now, that life goes on after ridiculous exams...especially on Fridays when Happy Hour begins at noon!
I have learned some very useful skills over the last few weeks. I've learned how to insert foley catheters, nasogastric tubes, and draw blood. Learning how to draw blood has been my least favorite experience. I do not have a problem dealing with the sight of blood...as long as it's someone else's blood! I do not like to have my blood drawn. I do not like needles going into my own arm. And I do not like having students practice drawing blood on my arm!
I was lucky though since my partner was an experienced phlebotomist!
Trust me, that was not a lucky coincidence! ;)
Scrubs
If you took the cast of Scrubs and filmed them during the didactic year of medical school, you'd get a really good sense of what it's like to be in my class! Tonight was yet another episode full of laughter!
We had two hours of Physical Diagnosis lecture tonight and the MD featured the entire two hours on the RECTUM. Normally this MD gives us powerpoint handouts, but tonight he told us that he just wanted us to sit back and learn by observation. Yup, that meant that we looked at slides of different rectal disorders for 2 hours!!! It was downright disgusting!!!!
The doc lecturing us has a great sense of humor so that encouraged the other comedians in the class to bring it up a notch. I laughed so hard that tears were streaming down my face.
It's nights like this that carry us through...
We had two hours of Physical Diagnosis lecture tonight and the MD featured the entire two hours on the RECTUM. Normally this MD gives us powerpoint handouts, but tonight he told us that he just wanted us to sit back and learn by observation. Yup, that meant that we looked at slides of different rectal disorders for 2 hours!!! It was downright disgusting!!!!
The doc lecturing us has a great sense of humor so that encouraged the other comedians in the class to bring it up a notch. I laughed so hard that tears were streaming down my face.
It's nights like this that carry us through...
Sunday, April 30, 2006
Last week was a long week but I got through it and the jet lag is gone. But, I'm still getting to bed before midnight and I'm kind of liking the extra sleep! I wound up doing really well on the cardiology and ophthalmology final exams. Which is ironic since I didn't study as much as I usually would for them. So, perhaps I don't need to study as much as I think I do?!?! (wouldn't that be nice?)
We got our May schedule and the semester ends on the 26th. We have 12 final exams to get through in 26 days! At this point in the game, I'm not even phased. We do have 5 exams back to back in 5 days though, so that will be rough no matter what. But, all things considered I feel like I'm on auto pilot now and cruising through. I'm not saying it's gotten any easier, but I know what to expect at this point.
I really enjoy being around my classmates, we're a quirky bunch, and that makes all the difference in the world. When things get ridiculously stressful, someone will break the ice and make us laugh. Spit balls and passing notes has become a favorite pasttime. Before I started the program, I never would have thought that spit balls would be part of the equation! But, when you're bombarded with 9 hours of lecture, day after day, your brain turns to mush and wacky things start happening. And I wouldn't have it any other way...until, of course, I get nailed in the head with a spit ball!
So, I get a week off in between semesters, then it's full throttle until August 10th. Then we actually get a 3 week vacation before clinical rotations start September 5th. And although the thought of rotations is scary...I'm ready to move out of the classroom and into the field. They say the first year is learning how to pass exams in order to pass the PANCE (PA National Certification Exam). And the second year is when the real learning begins. All of the MD and PA instructors keep reiterating that medicine is not learned from a book...it's learned in practice. And, quite frankly, I'm ready to start practicing!
But, before I get to that hurdle I have get through the next 12 exams!!!
We got our May schedule and the semester ends on the 26th. We have 12 final exams to get through in 26 days! At this point in the game, I'm not even phased. We do have 5 exams back to back in 5 days though, so that will be rough no matter what. But, all things considered I feel like I'm on auto pilot now and cruising through. I'm not saying it's gotten any easier, but I know what to expect at this point.
I really enjoy being around my classmates, we're a quirky bunch, and that makes all the difference in the world. When things get ridiculously stressful, someone will break the ice and make us laugh. Spit balls and passing notes has become a favorite pasttime. Before I started the program, I never would have thought that spit balls would be part of the equation! But, when you're bombarded with 9 hours of lecture, day after day, your brain turns to mush and wacky things start happening. And I wouldn't have it any other way...until, of course, I get nailed in the head with a spit ball!
So, I get a week off in between semesters, then it's full throttle until August 10th. Then we actually get a 3 week vacation before clinical rotations start September 5th. And although the thought of rotations is scary...I'm ready to move out of the classroom and into the field. They say the first year is learning how to pass exams in order to pass the PANCE (PA National Certification Exam). And the second year is when the real learning begins. All of the MD and PA instructors keep reiterating that medicine is not learned from a book...it's learned in practice. And, quite frankly, I'm ready to start practicing!
But, before I get to that hurdle I have get through the next 12 exams!!!
Un Dia Sin Inmigrantes
Wow. I apparently missed a lot of news while I was away.
I'm tempted to skip school and show support for the "Day Without Immigrants" rallies planned across the country. Or perhaps I'll just boycott big business for the day.
I'm hoping that a lot of good comes out of these demonstrations.
Every girl has a dream...
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060430/ap_on_re_us/immigration_boycott_day
I'm tempted to skip school and show support for the "Day Without Immigrants" rallies planned across the country. Or perhaps I'll just boycott big business for the day.
I'm hoping that a lot of good comes out of these demonstrations.
Every girl has a dream...
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060430/ap_on_re_us/immigration_boycott_day
Monday, April 24, 2006
Jet Lag Recovery
I will never complain about last minute scheduling changes again!! (yeah, right!)
Well, luck is on my "Jet-lag recovery" side. Today's opthalmology exam was fair. And our Dermatology class from 4-8pm was cancelled! Then we were informed that our Cardiology final exam was being rescheduled for Wednesday morning! Apparently, the MD forgot to fax the exam to the office before he left for his Las Vegas vacation!
Thank God MDs are human!!!
This gives me another night to get back on track. I'm finding it really odd that I've been in bed by 10pm and up by 6am every day...I know that's normal for most normal people...but, it's really odd for me. Especially since I'm studying early in the morning instead of late at night.
But, I'm sure I'll be back to my normal 2am, lights-out, routine by the end of the week.
Oh, there's also a rumor that we will be getting a 3 week vacation in August...right before we start our clinical rotations in September!
I'm already trying to figure out where to go next...
Well, luck is on my "Jet-lag recovery" side. Today's opthalmology exam was fair. And our Dermatology class from 4-8pm was cancelled! Then we were informed that our Cardiology final exam was being rescheduled for Wednesday morning! Apparently, the MD forgot to fax the exam to the office before he left for his Las Vegas vacation!
Thank God MDs are human!!!
This gives me another night to get back on track. I'm finding it really odd that I've been in bed by 10pm and up by 6am every day...I know that's normal for most normal people...but, it's really odd for me. Especially since I'm studying early in the morning instead of late at night.
But, I'm sure I'll be back to my normal 2am, lights-out, routine by the end of the week.
Oh, there's also a rumor that we will be getting a 3 week vacation in August...right before we start our clinical rotations in September!
I'm already trying to figure out where to go next...
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Post-Nippon Blues
My trip to Japan was wonderful. Unfortunately, I do not have the time to write about it. Which is a real shame. I have two exams over the next two days and Jet Lag is kicking my butt. It's always harder coming home...even harder trying to study!!!
My greatest piece of advice to prospective PA students has been to simplify your life as best you can. Well, my trip to Japan blew open the doors I had steadfastly closed shut for the last couple of years. Now that they're open, I'm not so willing to close them back up.
I'm distracted. I'm daydreaming. I'm totally preoccupied. I'm longing for another chance to go..."on the road."
I did have a lucid nightmare in Japan, about showing up to school totally unprepared for an exam. So, school was never too far from my mind. And I know that once I see my classmates tomorrow, reality will sink in and I'll get back into the race.
But, for now...I'm dreaming of cherry blossoms and clinging to the love that radiates from a country 6,000 miles away.
Most things in Japan get "lost in translation"...but love never does.
It just never does.
My greatest piece of advice to prospective PA students has been to simplify your life as best you can. Well, my trip to Japan blew open the doors I had steadfastly closed shut for the last couple of years. Now that they're open, I'm not so willing to close them back up.
I'm distracted. I'm daydreaming. I'm totally preoccupied. I'm longing for another chance to go..."on the road."
I did have a lucid nightmare in Japan, about showing up to school totally unprepared for an exam. So, school was never too far from my mind. And I know that once I see my classmates tomorrow, reality will sink in and I'll get back into the race.
But, for now...I'm dreaming of cherry blossoms and clinging to the love that radiates from a country 6,000 miles away.
Most things in Japan get "lost in translation"...but love never does.
It just never does.
Monday, April 10, 2006
Full Circle
I've been pretty busy studying and preparing for my trip to Japan. By preparing, I mean bringing over enough "omiyage" (gifts) in order to make sure I don't offend anyone. I basically have to bring a gift to every home that I visit...and it's also wise to have some extra gifts handy just in case I wind up somewhere unexpected (like back at the school where I used to teach etc. )
I've been really enjoying getting to know my classmates. First semester was about surviving and proving to myself (and others) that I do indeed belong there. Second semester has been about stressing less about passing tests and more about strengthening bonds with people in the class. Before you start PA school, everyone tells you that your PA class will become your second family....and that truly is the case once second semester rolls around.
I feel as though the experiences I've had in the past are definitely carrying me through this semester as well as enriching my life as far as being able to connect with others. My experiences traveling the world is on top of the list. My Cambodian classmate is going back to Cambodia during spring break but must fly to Vietnam first. I've been helping him out with his plans. He originally planned on crossing the Mekong Delta in a canoe, but realized over the weekend that because of the "Dry Season", there's not enough water to carry him over and walking it would take too long. My father bought him the Lonely Planet travel "bible" on Cambodia and I sat down with him this morning and we mapped out a plan for him. It's also a much safer plan than the one he originally proposed. There are still plenty of mines that haven't been detonated in the forest between Vietnam and Cambodia...something he hadn't considered.
I also have a classmate that was a corpsman in Iraq. He saw a lot of death and destruction and he asked me about my father's experiences in Vietnam. So, I showed him an article that I wrote about my father's trip back to Vietnam in 2000 and now they're email buddies.
My experiences working for an AIDS organization has given me the opportunity to work more closely with some of the administrators/instructors of my program. I've been asked to help out in finding a Doc/PA/NP to come in and teach our class about HIV medications. I'm also hoping that I will be able to lecture my classmates on HIV/AIDS disease progression and dispelling the myths that still surround HIV. Unfortunately, some of the experienced medical professionals that have taught us about HIV are addressing topics insensitively and misinterpreting the laws regarding partner notification.
So we'll see how that goes...
I've got one more exam and three classes to get through before I can focus on my trip! I'll be up late Tuesday night packing....then heading to the airport Wednesday morning. I'm psyched about this trip. I've had my head in the books for the last 8 months and I need to get a grip on the BIG PICTURE. Leaving the U.S. always does it for me! I did have a hard time making the decision on whether or not to go...but I've definitely learned that I function better when I have more stuff on my plate. And my plate is definitely full...2 exams the first two days after break!!
But, I have two 14 hour flights....that's plenty of time to study!
This is my time to get back to living my life...
I've been really enjoying getting to know my classmates. First semester was about surviving and proving to myself (and others) that I do indeed belong there. Second semester has been about stressing less about passing tests and more about strengthening bonds with people in the class. Before you start PA school, everyone tells you that your PA class will become your second family....and that truly is the case once second semester rolls around.
I feel as though the experiences I've had in the past are definitely carrying me through this semester as well as enriching my life as far as being able to connect with others. My experiences traveling the world is on top of the list. My Cambodian classmate is going back to Cambodia during spring break but must fly to Vietnam first. I've been helping him out with his plans. He originally planned on crossing the Mekong Delta in a canoe, but realized over the weekend that because of the "Dry Season", there's not enough water to carry him over and walking it would take too long. My father bought him the Lonely Planet travel "bible" on Cambodia and I sat down with him this morning and we mapped out a plan for him. It's also a much safer plan than the one he originally proposed. There are still plenty of mines that haven't been detonated in the forest between Vietnam and Cambodia...something he hadn't considered.
I also have a classmate that was a corpsman in Iraq. He saw a lot of death and destruction and he asked me about my father's experiences in Vietnam. So, I showed him an article that I wrote about my father's trip back to Vietnam in 2000 and now they're email buddies.
My experiences working for an AIDS organization has given me the opportunity to work more closely with some of the administrators/instructors of my program. I've been asked to help out in finding a Doc/PA/NP to come in and teach our class about HIV medications. I'm also hoping that I will be able to lecture my classmates on HIV/AIDS disease progression and dispelling the myths that still surround HIV. Unfortunately, some of the experienced medical professionals that have taught us about HIV are addressing topics insensitively and misinterpreting the laws regarding partner notification.
So we'll see how that goes...
I've got one more exam and three classes to get through before I can focus on my trip! I'll be up late Tuesday night packing....then heading to the airport Wednesday morning. I'm psyched about this trip. I've had my head in the books for the last 8 months and I need to get a grip on the BIG PICTURE. Leaving the U.S. always does it for me! I did have a hard time making the decision on whether or not to go...but I've definitely learned that I function better when I have more stuff on my plate. And my plate is definitely full...2 exams the first two days after break!!
But, I have two 14 hour flights....that's plenty of time to study!
This is my time to get back to living my life...
Monday, April 03, 2006
DVT
So we're sitting in Pathology class and the prof is talking about DVT (deep vein thrombosis) and his example for DVT was, "a passenger on a 14 hour flight to Tokyo is at risk for DVT!"
I cracked up laughing and so did my friends around me. Although I have no other risk factors for DVT, it's definitely going to be on my mind. I'll be the annoying passenger telling others on the plane to walk around!
I have 4 exams to bulldoze through before I leave next Wednesday! Exams have been going really well and I'm encouraged by the fact that most have been board exam scenarios. I cannot believe the amount of material we have blasted through over the last 7 months...it's enough to make my head spin.
And it's enough to give me insomnia. Other than that...things are well.
I'm hoping jet lag will cure me!!!
I cracked up laughing and so did my friends around me. Although I have no other risk factors for DVT, it's definitely going to be on my mind. I'll be the annoying passenger telling others on the plane to walk around!
I have 4 exams to bulldoze through before I leave next Wednesday! Exams have been going really well and I'm encouraged by the fact that most have been board exam scenarios. I cannot believe the amount of material we have blasted through over the last 7 months...it's enough to make my head spin.
And it's enough to give me insomnia. Other than that...things are well.
I'm hoping jet lag will cure me!!!
Saturday, April 01, 2006
Friday, March 31, 2006
Japan Bound!!
We finally got our April schedules...on March 31st. Waiting for the following month's schedule is perhaps the most frustrating aspect of my program. Especially when spring break is fast approaching!
I knew the dates of spring break, but I didn't know the exam schedule. To my surprise, April looks like a manageable month for exams. However, 2 more classes were added on: radiology and hematology. But, we're finishing up pathology and cardiology soon.
I've been weighing the pros and cons to taking an impromptu trip to Japan all week. The most obvious con is jet lag. BUT...I haven't slept well since the program began back in September!!! So, I know I can deal with it.
After I booked my trip, I felt relieved and excited! I have received welcoming emails from my friends in Japan. All I really want to do is visit the people that became my second family while living 3,000 miles from home. Life in Japan can be a very isolating experience. If you want a glimpse as to what I'm talking about, rent the movie "Lost in Translation".
When I decided to extend my teaching contract for a second year, I decided I would really focus on solidifying my relationships with my Japanese friends and surrogate families. And that decision has brought many blessings into my life.
And that is why I want to return to Japan.
I knew the dates of spring break, but I didn't know the exam schedule. To my surprise, April looks like a manageable month for exams. However, 2 more classes were added on: radiology and hematology. But, we're finishing up pathology and cardiology soon.
I've been weighing the pros and cons to taking an impromptu trip to Japan all week. The most obvious con is jet lag. BUT...I haven't slept well since the program began back in September!!! So, I know I can deal with it.
After I booked my trip, I felt relieved and excited! I have received welcoming emails from my friends in Japan. All I really want to do is visit the people that became my second family while living 3,000 miles from home. Life in Japan can be a very isolating experience. If you want a glimpse as to what I'm talking about, rent the movie "Lost in Translation".
When I decided to extend my teaching contract for a second year, I decided I would really focus on solidifying my relationships with my Japanese friends and surrogate families. And that decision has brought many blessings into my life.
And that is why I want to return to Japan.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Spring Break
Big decision to make.
Spring break is quickly approaching. I've been thinking about going to Japan to visit my friends and "family" for some time now. I met some amazing people during the two years I lived there and it would be somewhat of a homecoming for me. I left Japan in 2000, visited in 2003...and it's now 2006.
My former JHS students are now in college! More friends have gotten married and more babies have been born.
And I'm a PA student.
It may be time to introduce the Japanese to the PA profession...
Spring break is quickly approaching. I've been thinking about going to Japan to visit my friends and "family" for some time now. I met some amazing people during the two years I lived there and it would be somewhat of a homecoming for me. I left Japan in 2000, visited in 2003...and it's now 2006.
My former JHS students are now in college! More friends have gotten married and more babies have been born.
And I'm a PA student.
It may be time to introduce the Japanese to the PA profession...
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Sunday, March 26, 2006
OB/GYN
We have an OB/GYN mid-term on Tuesday. During class today (sunday class, mind you)...the guy sitting next to me whispered, "I think I have PMS!" He was studying the OB/GYN notes and told me he was suffering from the following symptoms:
Weight Gain
Headaches
Irritability
Aggression
Tension
Anxiety
Depression
Lethargy
Insomnia
Appetite change
Loss of concentration
Poor coordination
Clumsiness
Although these are all somatic/psychological symptoms of PMS, I opted to diagnose him with the most obvious differential diagnosis: PA School Blues. Then I swiftly reminded him that his symptoms will resolve in 18 months. Unlike the rest of the females in the class...
But, perhaps that is why there are more females in PA school these days.
We're genetically programmed to handle the recurring and unrelenting stressful symptoms of both PA school and PMS!
Who knew PMS could be such a blessing?!?!?!
Weight Gain
Headaches
Irritability
Aggression
Tension
Anxiety
Depression
Lethargy
Insomnia
Appetite change
Loss of concentration
Poor coordination
Clumsiness
Although these are all somatic/psychological symptoms of PMS, I opted to diagnose him with the most obvious differential diagnosis: PA School Blues. Then I swiftly reminded him that his symptoms will resolve in 18 months. Unlike the rest of the females in the class...
But, perhaps that is why there are more females in PA school these days.
We're genetically programmed to handle the recurring and unrelenting stressful symptoms of both PA school and PMS!
Who knew PMS could be such a blessing?!?!?!
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Dept of Labor
The Dept. of Labor ranks the PA profession as one of the fastest growing occupations in the country. Because of this ranking (last I heard it was #4), it's been featured in magazines and newspapers around the country. I'm not sure which publication featured the profession in the NYC area, but everytime I'm in Brooklyn and tell someone what I'm doing...I usually get one of the following responses:
1. Why not be a doctor?
2. That's great, it's only a two year program!
3. That's great, you're going to make a lot of money!
For the sake of time, I usually only address the first statement and nod my head to the 2nd and 3rd statements. But...here's what I'd like to say...
1. The PA profession is a better fit for my personality, career goals, and personal goals. And PAs report greater job satisfaction in comparison to MDs!
2. It's not really a two year program. The professional phase is 2 years. The pre-requisite phase is 2 years. The health care experience requirement is at least 2 years. Considering my previous psych degree, healthcare experience and pre-reqs...I'm in year 10! TEN YEARS!
3. If you're motivation to become a PA is to make a lot of money, you're NOT going to make it through school. PAs do make a healthy living, but can you really equate a dollar amount to the responsibility that comes with having patient's lives in your hands? You have to be passionate about medicine, passionate about helping people, passionate about learning. Medicine is constantly changing, it is a life long educational process.
There are continuing medical education credits that need to be completed on a yearly basis as well as re-certification board exams every 6 years. In my opinion, there are easier ways to make a comparable salary...and if money is your main goal...re-evaluate your options.
You will not be a happy camper.
1. Why not be a doctor?
2. That's great, it's only a two year program!
3. That's great, you're going to make a lot of money!
For the sake of time, I usually only address the first statement and nod my head to the 2nd and 3rd statements. But...here's what I'd like to say...
1. The PA profession is a better fit for my personality, career goals, and personal goals. And PAs report greater job satisfaction in comparison to MDs!
2. It's not really a two year program. The professional phase is 2 years. The pre-requisite phase is 2 years. The health care experience requirement is at least 2 years. Considering my previous psych degree, healthcare experience and pre-reqs...I'm in year 10! TEN YEARS!
3. If you're motivation to become a PA is to make a lot of money, you're NOT going to make it through school. PAs do make a healthy living, but can you really equate a dollar amount to the responsibility that comes with having patient's lives in your hands? You have to be passionate about medicine, passionate about helping people, passionate about learning. Medicine is constantly changing, it is a life long educational process.
There are continuing medical education credits that need to be completed on a yearly basis as well as re-certification board exams every 6 years. In my opinion, there are easier ways to make a comparable salary...and if money is your main goal...re-evaluate your options.
You will not be a happy camper.
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Mach Speed
Besides the absolutely insane, mind blowing pulmonary exam 2 weeks ago....March has been a very quiet month. We had a physical diagnosis exam a few days ago and I didn't even get nervous. I had to perform a neurological exam on a fellow student and it worked out really well. We are required to memorize a ridiculous amount of information for these practical exams as well as perform a ridiculous amount of maneuvers/tests that aren't really used in practice anymore. It can be frustrating, but at the same time, it is a confidence booster once it is all done.
We have our first OB/GYN exam next week and although there is a ton of material, it's the only exam next week, so it's definitely manageable. And that's the scary thing...March has been manageable.
April and May will NOT be the same. Once again, we KNOW this is the calm before the storm. Once again, we KNOW we're going to get slammed with several back to back exams for a few weeks in a row. Once again, we KNOW we will be challenged intellectually, emotionally, and physically.
Once again, we KNOW we'll do fine...but we'll freak out anyway!! I know I will get a phone call at 2am the night before an exam from one of classmates freaking out! I know I will call one of my classmates the night before and freak out as well! And I also know that as long as I walk away from an exam knowing I tried my best...I will sleep well that night.
April will be interesting. We have 7 days of class and then we have Spring Break! Unfortunately, we will have exams the week after break. And by then, it will be the end of April...the semester ends mid-May!!
Once again, life is about to take off at mach speed!!
I'm ready!
We have our first OB/GYN exam next week and although there is a ton of material, it's the only exam next week, so it's definitely manageable. And that's the scary thing...March has been manageable.
April and May will NOT be the same. Once again, we KNOW this is the calm before the storm. Once again, we KNOW we're going to get slammed with several back to back exams for a few weeks in a row. Once again, we KNOW we will be challenged intellectually, emotionally, and physically.
Once again, we KNOW we'll do fine...but we'll freak out anyway!! I know I will get a phone call at 2am the night before an exam from one of classmates freaking out! I know I will call one of my classmates the night before and freak out as well! And I also know that as long as I walk away from an exam knowing I tried my best...I will sleep well that night.
April will be interesting. We have 7 days of class and then we have Spring Break! Unfortunately, we will have exams the week after break. And by then, it will be the end of April...the semester ends mid-May!!
Once again, life is about to take off at mach speed!!
I'm ready!
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
School Daze
School is going well again. And I'm enjoying all of my classes. Here's a list of the classes for this semester:
Cardiology
Pharmacology
Pathology
OB/GYN
Opthalmology
Dermatology
Physical Diagnosis Lab
Physical Diagnosis Lecture
Intro to Surgery
Surgical Nutrition
Lab Medicine
Pediatrics
Hematology
Pulmonology
ENT (Ears Nose Throat)
So, that's the reason why we're in school 6 days a week. At this point, I don't really mind it because I love learning about medicine. It does stifle social plans...but, I'm used to that by now. I feel really lucky to be surrounded by the classmates in my class. I've gotten to know everyone a lot more compared to last semester. Last semester for me was all about survival and making my mark. This semester is about embracing where I'm at and building confidence by gaining knowledge and next semester...next semester will be about breaking out my wings....cause in September, it's time to fly!!!
The greatest difference between this semester and last semester is the schedule. Last semester we had to be in school by 9am every morning. Each class was 3 hours long. Most days we had between 6-9 hours of lecture.
This semester, most classes start at 10am, but some days, not until 2pm! Lectures last anywhere from 2 hours to 6 hours!!! There is no routine, no flow...every week is different. We also have several instructors for one class. Nothing is routine. Nothing.
I'm handling it a lot better now. As are most of my classmates. It's so reassuring when everyone else complains about the same thing! But, it took us a while to figure out why we were all stressing out so much compared to last semester.
As excited as I am to start rotations (September), it does cause a lot of anxiety. I'm pretty confident sitting down to take exams now. If you give me a multiple choice question, I'm pretty good at picking the right answer. The real challenge for me will be when I'm doing rounds and my supervising physician asks me a question without giving me a, b, c, or d!!! I know this is a common fear shared by all of my classmates...but, the thought still freaks me out.
So, I try to keep it all in the day. I'll deal with it when I get there!
Cardiology
Pharmacology
Pathology
OB/GYN
Opthalmology
Dermatology
Physical Diagnosis Lab
Physical Diagnosis Lecture
Intro to Surgery
Surgical Nutrition
Lab Medicine
Pediatrics
Hematology
Pulmonology
ENT (Ears Nose Throat)
So, that's the reason why we're in school 6 days a week. At this point, I don't really mind it because I love learning about medicine. It does stifle social plans...but, I'm used to that by now. I feel really lucky to be surrounded by the classmates in my class. I've gotten to know everyone a lot more compared to last semester. Last semester for me was all about survival and making my mark. This semester is about embracing where I'm at and building confidence by gaining knowledge and next semester...next semester will be about breaking out my wings....cause in September, it's time to fly!!!
The greatest difference between this semester and last semester is the schedule. Last semester we had to be in school by 9am every morning. Each class was 3 hours long. Most days we had between 6-9 hours of lecture.
This semester, most classes start at 10am, but some days, not until 2pm! Lectures last anywhere from 2 hours to 6 hours!!! There is no routine, no flow...every week is different. We also have several instructors for one class. Nothing is routine. Nothing.
I'm handling it a lot better now. As are most of my classmates. It's so reassuring when everyone else complains about the same thing! But, it took us a while to figure out why we were all stressing out so much compared to last semester.
As excited as I am to start rotations (September), it does cause a lot of anxiety. I'm pretty confident sitting down to take exams now. If you give me a multiple choice question, I'm pretty good at picking the right answer. The real challenge for me will be when I'm doing rounds and my supervising physician asks me a question without giving me a, b, c, or d!!! I know this is a common fear shared by all of my classmates...but, the thought still freaks me out.
So, I try to keep it all in the day. I'll deal with it when I get there!
Monday, March 13, 2006
The "Fun" Stuff
Today was one of those days that I will remember for years to come. We learned how to perform pelvic exams!
Thankfully, we practiced on plastic models and NOT on each other! There are 2 guys in my physical diagnosis lab group and they had absolutely NO idea what women went through each year! Watching their facial expressions during the demonstration was priceless.
Although we were only practicing on plastic models, it was great practice for the real deal. And although I really am not looking forward to performing countless number of pelvic exams during my OB/GYN rotation, I'm excited that I now possess the knowledge and skills to perform such an important medical screening procedure.
Next week: Rectal exams! Once again, I'm thankful that we're practicing on practice models and not on each other!!!
Thankfully, we practiced on plastic models and NOT on each other! There are 2 guys in my physical diagnosis lab group and they had absolutely NO idea what women went through each year! Watching their facial expressions during the demonstration was priceless.
Although we were only practicing on plastic models, it was great practice for the real deal. And although I really am not looking forward to performing countless number of pelvic exams during my OB/GYN rotation, I'm excited that I now possess the knowledge and skills to perform such an important medical screening procedure.
Next week: Rectal exams! Once again, I'm thankful that we're practicing on practice models and not on each other!!!
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