So It Begins......

Today marks the end of the first 2 weeks of medical school. Now, technically, we've only had "one" week of schooling, as the first week, orientation, was counted as "zero week" (It sure didn't feel like a "zero week" to me). Regardless, so much has happened....

From what I'm told through the Class Rumor Mill (CRM for short - a VERY formidable force in medical school) we began on July 29th with 264 students. By the end of the first week (again that ignominious "zero week") we were already down to 258. Apparently, after a week of orientation, six folks already decided that this was not for them. 

A few days into "zero week" (I mean, seriously, who does that?) we had already begun our formal studies into MGA (Mean Gross Anatomy and, yes, it can be very gross) to include working on our donors. A quick note about these amazing men and women who have dedicated their bodies for our learning: God bless them. In the couple of short weeks we've been working with them, they have taught us so much, not merely about the human body, but about humanity. I wish there was some way I could thank them. I will do my best to be express my gratitude by honoring their memory by becoming the best physician I can be.

Already, only two weeks in, the amount of material we are being given to digest defies comprehension. This week alone we will be digesting more Mean Gross Anatomy (MGA), Foundations of Modern Health Care (FMHC), Molecular Fundamentals of Medicine (MFM), Essentials of Patient Care (EPC), and Osteopathic Principles and Practices (OPP). We spend all morning (8:00 am - noon) in the lecture hall and most of the afternoon (1:00 pm to 4:00pm or 5:00pm ish) in labs. 

So, what's a typical day like? Its different for everyone but for me, I get about six hours of sleep a night, awakening early. My lovely wife and I have coffee together, I leave for school at 7:30am to arrive to class early. After morning classes I change for lab (usually wear scrubs to most of the labs) and make it home about 5:00pm. I study until it's time to eat, the family and I have supper, the kids are put to bed about 8:00pm and I spend the next four hours or so studying.  I go to bed around midnight or 1:00am. The next day rinse and repeat. Fortunately there is no class on Sunday, so I have all day to study (a good 10-12 hours). 

Today we had our first day of testing, being measured over MGA both in written and practical forms. Yes, I was nervous, but I think I passed. We should get the results by Thursday.

I guess I'll leave you, dear reader, with this: I love medical school. Lincoln Memorial University Debusk College of Osteopathic Medicine (LMU-DCOM: say that fast 10 times....) is an amazing place. Already I've met incredible people, both in my colleagues and in the faculty and staff at the school. Every place has its ups and downs certainly, but this is a special place. Who gets to become a doctor nestled in the bosom of the Appalachians of Eastern Tennessee? I am so grateful to God who brought me here and to my family who is supporting me. I look forward to what the future holds.

Now....back to the books......