It's a strange place, medical school. On one hand, five weeks have literally whizzed by, as every day is filled with exponentially greater amounts of information to digest (more about this in a minute). On the other hand, these past five weeks have been the longest in my life, as there are exponentially greater amounts of information to digest....
I've learned that "becoming a doctor" is much more than memorizing facts or sweating out tests. Becoming a doctor also involves learning how to deal with stress, manage time wisely, and function well under pressure. Medical school is not simply an academic exercise, it's a behavioural one, teaching us how to live lives that are focused and disciplined. After all, one day we will have human lives in our hands. I am learning to love the heat and pressure of school, knowing that it's preparing me for the future.
Thus far we have finished two written exams and two practical anatomy exams. During the practical exams we are asked to identify various structures (and sometimes their function or surroundings) that have been marked on the bodies of our generous donors. Interestingly, none of the information over which we are being tested is particularly difficult. The challenge remains the volume of information.
Despite all, I'm having a marvelous time. I relish not only my current experiences but also the hope that, one day in the not-so-distant-future, I will be able to do a great deal of good for my patients.
Just for fun, below is our class picture. Believe it or not, I am in there. A virtual gold star to anyone who can find me!
Until next time, God bless you, dear reader. For me, it's back to the books.
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