A Change Of Pace

   On Friday we took the last test of our last rotation of third year.  That's right, we're officially done with third year.  The end was pretty anticlimactic, considering how long I had waited for it to be over.  The Internal Medicine shelf was really hard, so I'm not really sure what my final clerkship grade will be, but I'm almost positive I passed.  We spent the weekend celebrating with classmates and finally getting to those "lifey" things we've been putting off for months.  We finally put in our garden for 2013, which I'm particularly jazzed about.

DIY succulent garden (inspired by pinterest) 

African daisies

Pink carnations (had to represent G Phi up in my garden)

Hydrangeas 

Napping puppy - oops, that's not part of the garden!

   Anyway, the weekend was really nice, and I feel like I got a bit of my "lazy" out, but tomorrow will entail a very different change of pace.  Tomorrow begins my very short study period for Step 2 CK.  Yes, I am freaking out about how few days I have to prepare for the big test, but I'm just going to keep pushing a little bit longer, and then have a real vacation after the test.  Funny enough, I think it will actually be nice to just study all the time for a change.  I won't have to try to impress anyone, and I can be on my own schedule and decide when I wake up, eat, sleep, etc.  

   In addition to my study crunch for the next couple of weeks, I have decided that I'm also going to use this time to lose some weight.  I was pretty healthy in the beginning of the year, but in the last month, Internal Medicine left me feeling exhausted, drained, and anxious - which is the perfect recipe for triggering stress eating.  So I've crept up on my weight again... But it's nothing I can't fix with a few weeks of diet and exercise, which I'm actually looking forward to.  So here goes!  Tomorrow is day one of working hard for a couple of weeks, but this hard work will definitely be rewarding in the end.  

Final Finals

   So here I am, in "med student limbo".  It's the awkward transition between second year and third year - where you've finished finals (and most likely passed), so you are no longer a second year... BUT you still have the huge hurdle to overcome (USMLE Step 1 board exam) before you are officially a third year.  So now I am an MS2.5?  It still hasn't hit me yet that second year is over.  Finals went pretty well, so I'm not worried about passing Block 5.  

   There was a really strange vibe throughout Block 5.  Nobody wanted to study for classes (which is totally normal), however, the weird part was that everyone wanted to be studying for boards.  Some of us joked around that the school must have been performing reverse psychology on us: making us so sick of Block 5, that we were itching to study for boards instead.  I'm really glad Block 5 is over, especially because I had a really hard time putting effort towards studying ortho or derm.  Don't even get me started on how ridiculous it is that our curriculum spends the same amount of time (50 minutes) presenting all of contraception as it does presenting "cosmetic dermatology".  Yep, we spent the same amount of time in lecture learning about ALL the contraception methods out there (in an outdated, inadequate lecture, mind you) as we spent learning about freaking Botox and Latisse.  Seriously?! Thank goodness for our MSFC Contraception Lecture Series that supplements our inadequate curriculum.  Anyway, I'll keep the rest of my derm-is-stupid rant to myself. 

   Second year was even better than first year, I'd say.  This year I got a lot closer to my med school friends.  It's really cool to think about the fact that these are the people that I am going to be friends with for years to come - these are my future colleagues that I will call up to ask quick questions about things outside my expertise, or to ask for quick favors.  And I'm sure they will do the same to me, and I hope they do!  

The MS1s made us a slide show and sang to us on our last day of class

Last day of class with my anatomy buddies (+ D)

Baby Z, being her usual silly self during finals week

   So now that finals is over, I am taking a few days off, except for a practice test tomorrow.  After our last final ever was over, my friends and I went beer-tasting at Sierra Nevada in Chico.  This weekend has been super fun, vegging out with BF.  Last night, I hosted a UCLA Alumni Dinner For 12 Strangers, which was hilarious and entertaining - look out for a post on that soon.  After our practice test tomorrow, my friends and I are going to make a little trip to San Francisco, so that will be our "last hurrah" before we hibernate in our study caves for a month.  I think I'm ready.  I hope I am, at least!

BF and I at beer-tasting

Sierra Nevada

Sierra Nevada

I'm 3/8 A Doctor!

    I've been wanting to write a post for a while now, but Block 4 got the best of me.  It was particularly time-consuming and difficult, especially since I was feeling really burned out, but I made it through, as usual!  Block 4 was one of those "semesters" in school where you 'half' understand everything most of the semester - and it's not until the end, when you are studying for finals, that everything really comes together and that lightbulb goes on in your head.  I ended up doing surprisingly well on all my finals, so I'm feelin' good.  It's funny because during Block 4, I didn't feel like I had a lot to blog about, so I just never did, but now looking back, there are definitely some highlights I could have mentioned.  Better late than never!

    I went to Baltimore, MD with the other MSFC officers for the Annual National Meeting.  We had a blast, met a lot of extremely impressive people, and left feeling recharged and re-inspired.  One of my favorite parts about the conference was that we got to take home plastic uteri and IUD insertion kits (Mirena and Paraguard!).  You're probably wondering why anyone would be so excited about something like that, but I was so giddy, so judge all you want!  My plastic uterus has a very nice home, displayed out in the open on my desk now.

Contraception Workshop

Manual Vacuum Aspiration On a Papaya

Plastic Uterus For IUD Insertion Practice

I like this picture, even though almost everyone is blinking

Our Swag

    A few weeks ago, roomie and I had our second annual Class of 2014 Festivus Ugly Sweater Party.  If you recall from last year's party, it was so fun that someone's hair caught on fire.  If you can believe it, this year was even crazier.  It was really fun to see everyone let loose towards the end of an exhausting block and before buckling down/getting serious about finals.  For this year's ugliest sweater contest, someone suggested a Zoolander-inspired runway walk-off, and man was it a HIT!  It started out innocent enough, but shirts started to come off, etc.  It was HILARIOUS.  I hope we continue this traditional festive gathering for all four years of med school. 

They even did the Zoolander underwear trick

    Now back to some school related thoughts.  As you may or may not know, the USMLE Step 1 exam (aka "boards") is coming up for me in April.  If you don't know about this test, think about the MCAT, but on steroids.  Yep, it's like that.  At least the material on it is more interesting and relevant to my interests than some of the stuff on the MCAT (i.e. phySUCKS).  Anyway, it's a HUGE deal, and the score we get on it determines what kind of residency program we will be able to get into, so it's pretty damn important.  I have been dreading boards since we started our first year, but after meeting with one of our student advisors, I am actually feeling ready for it.  I'm not excited to devote even more of my precious time to studying, but after the advisor encouraged me, I'm feeling pretty confident that I can rock it if I put in the effort, so I'm feeling pretty ambitious at this point.  (I hope this energetic feeling stays for a while!)  Now I just need to decide on a date!  For some reason April 1 is sticking out for me - we'll see!

    That's all for now.  Look out for a "2011 Recap" post, and a "2012 Resolutions" post.

Made it through my first semester of med school!

I spent this afternoon working on my very last assignment for the "semester" at Old Soul at 40 Acres.  Love that place!  The food, tea, and atmosphere is great, but you always leave reeking of bacon... :/ lol.  I had the special of the day: a spicy vegan sandwich with corn chowder and Golden Thread tea.  Delish!

Yep, I'm officially done with Block 1!  I made it! This should be considered a medical school milestone, right?!  Looking back, I can't believe how much information we learned, and yet somehow we all managed to pull it off.  I'm a little glad to be done with the wonderful smells of anatomy lab, but I will miss Colonel Mustard.  Its so amazing how much we learned from his body.  What a wonderful gift to give!  I am very appreciative that people like him are so generous.  I am signed up to be an organ donor, but one of these days, I might just sign up to be a body donor (too)?

So... overall opinion of med school so far: ITS SO INCREDIBLE! I feel so lucky to be here.  I am so thankful for all of it.  To all of those pre-meds out there wondering if its ever gonna get better... IT IS SO WORTH IT!  I still pinch myself every day.  If medicine is your dream, don't listen to anyone tell you that you can't do it.  There were times when people doubted me (none of the important people  ;) of course) but here I am!  If you truly want it, and for the right reasons, the stars will align for you (as they did for me).

Ready For Finals?

So today, after month of no coffee, I finally got back on the coffee train.

My sweet, sweet espresso machine and I were blissfully reunited.  Like the sticker that I accessorized it with?  I feel like it describes me well.  

I homeschooled yet again today (I love doing that).  Not only did I go over the lecture I missed in 1/4 the time, but I also ran a bunch of errands, went to a great lunch time MSFC talk, and went on a wonderful jog down T street (where a lot of my "fall" pictures from a few posts ago were from).  I just love Sacramento sometimes.  The people here are so damn friendly!  I went to the post office in Oak Park today to pick up my diploma from UCLA, and every single person there smiled at me and told me to have a nice day, workers and customers.  Also, when the worker handed me the envelope, he holds his hand out for me to shake it and says "Congratulations!"... I asked him how he knew what it was, and he just said, "I've been doing this a long time".  And how fun is it to run down a street where everyone who is out working in their yard says hello to you and smiles as you run by?  I could get used to this!  I was also very entertained on my jog by very funny animal habits.  I saw dogs sitting on window sills, but the funniest thing I saw was a huge wolf-like dog laying on the roof over a porch.  I actually stopped and did a double take because it was so odd looking.  I should have taken a picture, but I didn't want to stop too long.  Maybe I will catch him up there again some other time?!

Also, had a wonderful dinner and coffee date with my big sib.  She always gives such great advice.  :)

And yes... next week is finals.  *sigh* too bad my mind is already on winter break.  At least I'm not too stressed... more apathetic and tired than anything.  Hopefully they go by fast!

Red October

Flu Shots!

The second years warned us that October would be a crazy month, and I don't think I realized it until this week.  The first week, we had Quiz #5 and our second anatomy practical in the same week.  Next up, biochem final on Monday, then we have Quiz #6 the next Tuesday, which covers three weeks worth of material instead of two.  And personally, I have my anatomy oral presentation the week after Quiz #6.  This month has absolutely no breaks whatsoever, and it's getting exhausting!  On the other hand, I can't believe that Block one is over half way done!  I have learned so much in such a short time.  But I guess that is what med school is all about!  I have loved every step of the way so far... I can't wait to see what else is in store for me.

I am feeling relatively okay with the upcoming biochem final.  Luckily, I only need less than 50% on it to pass the class (there are no grades at UCD).  That has not helped with motivating me to study, but at least I am not stressed out.  To be honest, I'm not really feeling very stressed about school anymore, just a little tired.  I'm still getting the hang of having tests so often.  And going from a 10 week quarter system to a 4.5 month block has been an adjustment in itself.  If I was still in undergrad, I would already be done with the quarter!

The one downside of "Red October" has been that I have sort of been putting off exercising and eating healthy.  Being busy is no excuse not to exercise, I know.  I am working on it!  Tomorrow I am getting back into it.  I especially love zumba... it's so fun you forget you are exercising.  As far as not eating healthy anymore, I don't really know what happened between the beginning of school and now.  I am less stressed than I was then, so that isn't it.  I am definitely an emotional eater though (*gasp* my secret is out!) but I am still learning what triggers it.  I noticed that I tend to want to "console" myself with comfort food after a long, exhausting, draining day.  Or when I am feeling restless/bored with studying.  I was doing so well a few months ago, and the only thing that has really changed is that I am just worn out now.  I am often behind on sleep and I have been in much need of a real, true, non-studying break.  Well, I am aware of it now, and I am making an effort to not eat when I'm not truly physically hungry.  Also, I am going to go back to not buying any sort of junk food.  It's so much easier not to eat crap when it's not waiting for you in the fridge.

Enough about my issues (haha, bet you didn't think I was gonna get all self-analytical on you, did you?)... I have achieved some more medical school milestones!  On Monday, I gave my first real female pelvic exam.  I actually did a pretty good job (verified by our preceptor).  Yes, I did have the advantage of going last, but at least I learned from everyone's mistakes - unlike one person in my group haha.  I thought the procedure was pretty cool (in a non-creepy way) and I am looking forward to seeing more ob/gyn related stuff!  I also shadowed a doctor in family practice/OB this week, which was an inspiring experience.  Although we mostly saw family practice patients, I thoroughly enjoyed my day following her around.  The whole time I just kept thinking, "I can't wait to be a doctor".

Okay, I know this has been a long post, but one more funny story: so in a doctoring lecture, we were learning about examining ears.  The physician needed a volunteer and no one wanted to do it, so I volunteered and showed the whole class my tympanosclerosis!  It looked just like the slides the doctor showed us right before!

I lied... ONE last thing.  Our friend Eric dropped off pumpkins for all of us on our porch to wish us luck on the final! So nice! :)

If You Like Pina Coladas....

     I have survived yet another finals week!  I think they went relatively well, I am just waiting for my grades now.  I realized this is my last finals week of college because next quarter the classes I am taking don't have finals (or they are 10th week vs. finals week), so I am definitely looking forward to that.  Amidst all the stress and boredom of studying 24/7, there are some things I actually love about finals week.  For instance, since you barely get any sleep, you get super delirious, which is fun because then EVERYTHING is funny.  Also, living in the sorority is fun during finals because instead of not seeing anyone for two weeks (like you would in the dorms or apartments), you actually end up spending quality time with everyone else while you study.  Ok, kinda cheesy, I know... but that's just me!  The few of us at the house who had Friday finals (barf) were starting to go a little crazy, so we held mini dance party study breaks in the dining room and oak room, which was hilarious!  And a few of us put our bikinis on an studied while tanning in the courtyard.  I'm really going to miss stuff like that.

    Since the house is closed for Spring Break, J and I are staying at our other friend's apartment before our flight on Sunday afternoon.  Last night after we were completely done with finals, you would think we would go out or something, but we were both so tired we just watched Gangland and went to bed.  What a life I live!  But about Cabo, I am so excited!  I haven't been on a real vacation like this in a really long time!  I have absolutely nothing to stress about and it is going to be so relaxing!  I will be sure to put a few pictures and stories up on here!

It's so simple, yet so hard...

    So today I went to donate blood on a study break, and when they were taking my stats, I realized what an impact my weight loss and healthy lifestyle change has actually had on my health.  I lowered my resting heart rate to 60, which is very good!  I am not sure exactly what my heart rate was before, but I know for sure it wasn't as low as 60 beats per minute.  Also, and probably more exciting, I lowered my blood pressure to 110/70.  I used to be anywhere around 120/80 (which is about "normal", although they are changing the definition of "normal" to more around 110/70).  Having a blood pressure this low is exciting because it means that I am further away from being hypertensive, which is very unhealthy.  It is amazing to see what an impact healthy eating and exercise has made on my health and general well-being. 
    On another note, I have hit a slight slump in my weight loss, in that I have been strictly following my plan, but haven't lost any weight in the past week.  This is okay though, because after all, it is finals.  And staying at the same weight instead of gaining several pounds from stress and overeating is fine by me.  Also, I've noticed I'm a lot stressed this finals season, but that could be due to my senioritis.  Unfortunately I will probably gain some weight in Cabo from drinking and eating out, but I'll continue my healthy eating once I get back, so it should be okay.
     Speaking of Cabo, I am really excited! I keep imagining myself in the warm sun on the beach, and I can't wait!  Today, some reporters from NBC News knocked on my sorority's door asking if anyone who was going to Mexico for Spring Break would say a few words for their story.  Now first of all, I was in my typical finals get-up, which meant g-phi shirt with obnoxious yellow sweatpants and no make-up.  And the guy was like, "You look fine!"... YEAH RIGHT!  I am not about to go on the news to look like an absolute scrub.  Second of all, the story they were doing was about the danger in Mexico right now.  So obviously, I would look like some idiot sorority girl who is too ignorant to know what is going on down there because all I care about is getting drunk.  Let me just go on the news and make a complete fool of myself... NOT!  I mean, I know Mexico is dangerous right now, and believe me, I AM a little nervous, but we are going to Cabo, which is super white-washed.  And the story they wanted to relate me to was about some couple who got killed in a Mexican town called Ciudad Juarez, which is no where near Cabo.  Anyway, the guy was really pushy and I didn't appreciate it.

So, it's been a while...

Though it seems like I have been neglectful of this blog, my most recent lack of entries has more been due to the fact that there isn't much to write about, so I have been "saving up" in a sense.

It is the end of 9th week, and finals are upon us.  My first one is biochem on Tuesday, which I haven't even thought about yet... oops!  It shouldn't be too bad though.  I ended up doing really poorly on my Cardiovascular Health midterm, so I kinda have to rock the final to get a decent grade in the class.  I'm a little worried; I don't want to get kicked out of med school before I get in!  I am just going to bust my ass for the final, and hopefully I can pull it off!

Other than that minor setback, things have been going pretty well.  My weight loss plan has been working, and as of today, I have lost 19 pounds since January!  I can notice a difference, but I still don't feel like I have lost that much weight.  I think I don't look that different, but it's definitely an improvement.  While I have been working pretty hard, it has actually been easier than it ever has been for me.  For some reason, this time I am just really motivated to keep going.  I think a lot of the inspiration has come from my Physiology of Nutrition class this quarter, in that it has really opened my eyes to how I needed to change my eating habits just for my future health.  That's probably why this time has been so successful, because instead of temporarily "restricting" myself, I have made a conscious effort to actually change my eating habits.  One of the things we talked about in class was some of the psychological factors behind overeating and what triggers it.  Our professor told us to try and figure out what triggers our urges to binge, so that we can either address the cause, or be prepared to consciously resist.  I have come to the conclusion that one of my triggers is stress over upcoming midterms/finals.  In the past, around these times I tend to eat lots of junk food as a sort of consolation to dealing with the stress and negativity of studying for tests.  But this habit is not healthy, and obviously took its toll on me in that I gained about 25 pounds in college.  Now, when I get the urge to binge on copious amounts of delicious junk food, I just remind myself why I am feeling that way, and continue to eat normally.  I've been successful so far, but who knows if I can resist in med school.  At least I am excited to hopefully be able to start med school off "fresh".  After all, as a doctor it is important to keep up with your own health.  I wouldn't feel right if I was an overweight MD telling my patients to live a healthy lifestyle that I wasn't even living. 

 I have continued on my ER project, watching episodes here and there when I can squeeze them.  I am now on season 3, but I still have a long way to go.  I think my favorite character is Carter, who starts the series as a third year medical student.  I just really like how the show follows him in his progression from student to doctor, although I have seen some of the later episodes, and I'm not looking forward to all the trouble he gets in later on.  I know tv shows and movies are not indicative of what a doctor's life is really like, but they still get me excited for the future, so I will continue to guiltlessly indulge!