"Excuse me, everyone!" The lecture hall quieted down. "I have a quick announcement: There is a virus being passed around amongst the class, so please be careful."
"What??"
"That's nasty!"
"What kind of virus, and who's spreading it?"
"How is it being spread?"
"Is it safe to be in here?"
"Oh, I bet it's X. Didn't you see the outbreak he had on his lip the other day." (Gross. Seriously.)
"No, no, no. . . I'm sorry, everyone! Please quiet down. I should have been more specific: A computer virus is being passed around through our flash drives as we share files with each other."
Collective "Ooohhh. . ." and laughter.
But, seriously, some of us need to get our heads out of the gutter and into our books!
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Crock-Pot
For over eight months, a brand new Crock-Pot has been sitting in its original packaging, collecting dust in my hallway closet. I was convinced that I would burn the house down if I used it. I remember thinking, "I can't believe X would give me such a dangerous thing!" as I smiled and thanked X for the gift on Christmas morning. "Yes," I agreed, "I'm going to make really good use of this when I get back to school." Of course my next thought was, "How the heck am I going to get this thing back to Washington?"
I don't know why I thought I was going to burn the house down if I used the Crock-Pot. Thousands -- millions? -- have been sold as efficient, time-saving appliances. Where the image of sparks flying and flames bursting from the outlet came from, I don't know. All I know is that the image and feelings were strong. So, I stored the hazardous gift -- out of sight, out of mind.
A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about my efforts to maintain a better diet this school year. (BTW: Healthy eating requires a certain level of planning, but so far I've been able to stick to the program despite my crazy schedule.) In the comments, The Lone Coyote suggested that I give the Crock-Pot a try. After careful consideration (yes, I tend to mull things over), I decided I was going to make my first Crock-Pot meal. I flipped through my copy of Not Your Mother's Slow Cooker Cookbook (which was part of the Crock-Pot gift) and selected a dish. What was it? Lazy Day Braised Pot Roast. I'm not a big meat eater, but I thought it best to go with a classic.
I went to the grocery store and bought the ingredients; I read the owner's manual -- thrice; I washed the Crock-Pot; I prepared the ingredients; I dumped the ingredients into the stoneware liner. Good, now I was prepared to start the cooking. I place the lid on the stoneware liner and turned the dial to "LOW". Nothing happened. Wait -- wasn't there a light to let me know that it was working? Nope, no light. See, I knew this thing dangerous! I placed my hand on the side of the cooker. Warmth. Yep, it's working. I let it do its thing for 8 hours, as directed.
Eight hours (and 8 "check-ins") later I returned to the kitchen to find a very nice looking pot roast. I made myself a plate and was pleasantly surprised by how tender the meat was. It just broke apart effortlessly with a fork. (I know, I know, that's the whole point of slow cooking!) So, now I had a tasty meal to last at least 5 meals, prep and clean up were easy, and I didn't burn the house down! The Crock-Pot may become my new best friend in the kitchen.
Lesson learned: Sometimes irrational fears are just that. Overcome them and you may be pleasantly surprised.
I don't know why I thought I was going to burn the house down if I used the Crock-Pot. Thousands -- millions? -- have been sold as efficient, time-saving appliances. Where the image of sparks flying and flames bursting from the outlet came from, I don't know. All I know is that the image and feelings were strong. So, I stored the hazardous gift -- out of sight, out of mind.
A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about my efforts to maintain a better diet this school year. (BTW: Healthy eating requires a certain level of planning, but so far I've been able to stick to the program despite my crazy schedule.) In the comments, The Lone Coyote suggested that I give the Crock-Pot a try. After careful consideration (yes, I tend to mull things over), I decided I was going to make my first Crock-Pot meal. I flipped through my copy of Not Your Mother's Slow Cooker Cookbook (which was part of the Crock-Pot gift) and selected a dish. What was it? Lazy Day Braised Pot Roast. I'm not a big meat eater, but I thought it best to go with a classic.
I went to the grocery store and bought the ingredients; I read the owner's manual -- thrice; I washed the Crock-Pot; I prepared the ingredients; I dumped the ingredients into the stoneware liner. Good, now I was prepared to start the cooking. I place the lid on the stoneware liner and turned the dial to "LOW". Nothing happened. Wait -- wasn't there a light to let me know that it was working? Nope, no light. See, I knew this thing dangerous! I placed my hand on the side of the cooker. Warmth. Yep, it's working. I let it do its thing for 8 hours, as directed.
Eight hours (and 8 "check-ins") later I returned to the kitchen to find a very nice looking pot roast. I made myself a plate and was pleasantly surprised by how tender the meat was. It just broke apart effortlessly with a fork. (I know, I know, that's the whole point of slow cooking!) So, now I had a tasty meal to last at least 5 meals, prep and clean up were easy, and I didn't burn the house down! The Crock-Pot may become my new best friend in the kitchen.
Lesson learned: Sometimes irrational fears are just that. Overcome them and you may be pleasantly surprised.
Monday, August 27, 2007
10 Years
Do you remember the movie "Romy and Michele's High School Reunion" starring Lisa Kudrow and Mira Sorvino? Romy and Michele have spent the ten years since high school graduation living nondescript lives when they receive invitations to their ten year high school reunion. In an attempt to impress their former classmates, they decide to attend the affair as successful business women -- the inventors of Post-its. LOL, I loved that movie!
Coincidentally, the movie came out the year I graduated from high school, and this summer, my ten year high school reunion was held. When I received the invitation, I couldn't believe that the time had come. Had it really been ten years already?
Unfortunately, I couldn't make it out West for the weekend of festivities. Thankfully, however, I did receive a link to the reunion photo album, which provided all the highlights. Let me tell you, I was stunned by some of the physical changes that some of my former classmates had made. I could hardly recognize some of them. My favorite shots, though, were those of the babies playing together at the family picnic. It was simply amazing to see where we all had ended up over the past ten years.
For me, the past ten years hold the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Highs: getting into and graduating from "a fancy east coast college", semester abroad, first long-term relationship (2+ years), getting into medical school. Lows: the death of my mother and the subsequent complicated grief. (My mother's death was earth-shattering -- and I mean earth-shattering. It was two full years before I was able to stand on my own two feet again. I'm very grateful to my friends, professors, deans, therapists, and those I consider family for supporting and guiding me through that tumultuous period.)
I wonder what the next ten years will hold for me. Where will I end up for residency? Will I end up back on the west coast, where I want to be? What specialty will I pursue?
Two things I know for sure: I'm proud of what I've accomplished and my future is bright. No Post-it inventing story needed here.
Coincidentally, the movie came out the year I graduated from high school, and this summer, my ten year high school reunion was held. When I received the invitation, I couldn't believe that the time had come. Had it really been ten years already?
Unfortunately, I couldn't make it out West for the weekend of festivities. Thankfully, however, I did receive a link to the reunion photo album, which provided all the highlights. Let me tell you, I was stunned by some of the physical changes that some of my former classmates had made. I could hardly recognize some of them. My favorite shots, though, were those of the babies playing together at the family picnic. It was simply amazing to see where we all had ended up over the past ten years.
For me, the past ten years hold the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Highs: getting into and graduating from "a fancy east coast college", semester abroad, first long-term relationship (2+ years), getting into medical school. Lows: the death of my mother and the subsequent complicated grief. (My mother's death was earth-shattering -- and I mean earth-shattering. It was two full years before I was able to stand on my own two feet again. I'm very grateful to my friends, professors, deans, therapists, and those I consider family for supporting and guiding me through that tumultuous period.)
I wonder what the next ten years will hold for me. Where will I end up for residency? Will I end up back on the west coast, where I want to be? What specialty will I pursue?
Two things I know for sure: I'm proud of what I've accomplished and my future is bright. No Post-it inventing story needed here.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Tips
A friend, who attends one of the two other medical schools in the District, recently forwarded to me the June 2007 AAFP Student Update. The Update, from the American Academy of Family Physicians, highlighted the following 9 Tips to Surviving Medical School:
Last year, I wasn't good about exercising and keeping a good diet. This year I have a plan and have been sticking to it fairly well. Now that I have this blog, I will be reflecting about my medical school experience often, and hopefully that will be a rewarding experience. I try to maintain a good sense of humor, but it can be difficult at times. The same goes with keeping in touch with family and friends. I'll have to work on those two. And, I need to find a faculty adviser/mentor (though my 3rd year mentor is great).
To the other medical school bloggers out there: Has blogging been a positive experience for you?
To medical students at large: Do you have any other tips for surviving medical school?
I would probably add "Become a better test-taker" to the list. Perhaps I'll write about that soon (such a backlog of ideas for posts). The AAFP offers some other tips (e.g. time management skills, life balance) which may be accessed here.
- Eat healthy
- Exercise
- Stay connected with friends and family
- Maintain a sense of humor
- Find time for a hobby or non-medical talent
- Meditate
- Celebrate holidays or special occasions
- Find a mentor
- Reflect on why you are becoming a doctor and find solace in your motives
Last year, I wasn't good about exercising and keeping a good diet. This year I have a plan and have been sticking to it fairly well. Now that I have this blog, I will be reflecting about my medical school experience often, and hopefully that will be a rewarding experience. I try to maintain a good sense of humor, but it can be difficult at times. The same goes with keeping in touch with family and friends. I'll have to work on those two. And, I need to find a faculty adviser/mentor (though my 3rd year mentor is great).
To the other medical school bloggers out there: Has blogging been a positive experience for you?
To medical students at large: Do you have any other tips for surviving medical school?
I would probably add "Become a better test-taker" to the list. Perhaps I'll write about that soon (such a backlog of ideas for posts). The AAFP offers some other tips (e.g. time management skills, life balance) which may be accessed here.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Roller Coaster
In the introduction to my medical school blog, I stated that the purpose of this blog would be to chronicle the ups and downs of my medical training experience. Only one month into my second year and already you've seen at least one example of the highs and lows. Of course (if you've been following along these past few weeks), I'm referring here to Dr. A (high) and Dr. B (low).
A couple of weeks ago I experienced the low of an unsatisfactory quiz score. I wrote a post about the disconnect I felt between the amount of studying I did for that quiz and the grade I received. Yesterday I received my scores for this week's examinations.
Going into the exams, I felt confident about the first, but was worried about the second which covered a lot more information. I first went to get the second exam score: I passed -- barely. Not cool, considering the hours I put into it. But, yes, I passed. My confidence shaken, I went to get the score for the first examination. The result: I did very well! In fact, it was the first time I broke 90% on an examination in medical school (excluding histology and anatomy practicums)!
I can't tell you how reassuring this was. I really needed to see something positive come out of all of those hours of study. My spirits needed a lift and that high score supplied it. Now, with my spirits lifted, I'm ready to face the next challenge. I've seen what's possible.
During medical school, and indeed during life, there are going to be many ups and downs. "What goes up, must come down." That's just one of the many universal laws. Let's just hope that I get to coast up here for a while -- and that the drop to come is more like a dip.
A couple of weeks ago I experienced the low of an unsatisfactory quiz score. I wrote a post about the disconnect I felt between the amount of studying I did for that quiz and the grade I received. Yesterday I received my scores for this week's examinations.
Going into the exams, I felt confident about the first, but was worried about the second which covered a lot more information. I first went to get the second exam score: I passed -- barely. Not cool, considering the hours I put into it. But, yes, I passed. My confidence shaken, I went to get the score for the first examination. The result: I did very well! In fact, it was the first time I broke 90% on an examination in medical school (excluding histology and anatomy practicums)!
I can't tell you how reassuring this was. I really needed to see something positive come out of all of those hours of study. My spirits needed a lift and that high score supplied it. Now, with my spirits lifted, I'm ready to face the next challenge. I've seen what's possible.
During medical school, and indeed during life, there are going to be many ups and downs. "What goes up, must come down." That's just one of the many universal laws. Let's just hope that I get to coast up here for a while -- and that the drop to come is more like a dip.
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