The Sprint

It's almost impossible to believe, but we only have a mere 6 weeks left of class before the first two years of medical school are completely over. So far we have taken classes in -
Gross Anatomy and Embryology
Cell Structure and Function
Systems Processes and Homeostasis
Biological Basis of Disease
Principles of Clinical Medicine
Circulation
Metabolism
Neuroscience and Behavior
Pathology of Blood
Human Growth and Development (in right now)

So in these ten classes we have learned everything there is to know about the normal workings of the human body, the pathology that occurs, and how to treat those pathologies. We have taken somewhere around 35 exams and another 8 quizzes. For those who attend lectures, we have sat in our seats for approximately 1,500 hours (no wonder we're having to move farther out on our belt notches). For those like me, avid readers, we have bought around 40 books, and read a few thousands of pages. We have cut up a cadaver, and interviewed live patients. We have listening to the heart beats of adults, children, and even fetuses the size of a walnut. We have washed our white coat week after week, listened to many sad stories of patients in pain, and watched our teaching physicians practice amazing as well as disappointing medicine.

So where does that leave us? Happy to almost be done with the class part. Scared as hell to take the board exam in a mere 10 weeks. And totally jazzed to start working more with patients, everyday, for the next two years. It's time to see what we remember, and if we can apply what we have learned to real patients. This is what I came for medical school for! Not for the biochemisty, nor for the memorization of drugs and their side effects, nor for the exact answer to a test question (although I recognize that these are important...there is more to medicine....I hope).

I anticipate the next few weeks to be harried, hurried, with the sun outside (like today) trying to pull us away from our studies. I will say though that studying for the board exam should be easier than learning new info. Yes there is an inordinate amount of information that I don't remember, but at least I have heard or seen the words and concepts before. Because I KNOW that there is no more room in my brain for new information (which is what I am struggling with right now in our last class - I'd much rather review/study for the boards, than cram more info in). But have to learn this stuff - and so I plod on ahead, one lecture at a time, one day at a time. The same thing that I have been doing since day number one.

So if you happen to see me at all in the next ten weeks, or try to call, or email me, I may not be around, as I am out sprinting towards the finish line. Meet me there with a congratulatory bottle of wine OK? (My board exam is schedule for June 19....pray for me). Thanks for following my journey - it's comforting to know that I have fans out there. Keep in touch! Cheers!