So I probably spend at least 4-6 hours a day studying. Except this week. Double that. First round of exams are next week!! It's so nerve-wracking not knowing what to expect!!! I'd like to think I'm gonna do well...but yeah. I was having a really hard time with my study routine, and I was really worried. I was falling asleep all the time no matter how much sleep I got, and I just couldn't pay attention. But I think I finally found the solution thanks to a very nice little revelation. I was very worried after they gave a practice gross anatomy practical with all the impossible structures to scare us into studying. It worked. It made me cry when I realized what I scored on it. But I have a wonderful roommate, who had a private cry time too, and now I think we're back to grind. It's kind of funny to think that we actually consider scheduling designated times to cry each week lol. This is why I love Sandra! :)
On the upside, I got to work in the free clinic last Sunday. I was working in a team with a 2nd and 3rd years student and we get about an hour to give a full body exam and work up the patient before presenting to the attending. It's nice practice with really low stress/pressure for essentially what I get to do everyday 3rd and 4th year. I also got a jump start on the full body exam and taking patient histories! Ah the things I find exciting now...kinda sad lol. I think the highlight of my week is when I get to leave the normal 3 mile radius and make the 15 minute excursion to church! Yes, I'm that lame these days.
I did, however, own on a derm case we had at the clinic! It was a definite ego-booster, and very much needed before what's left of my self-esteem is destroyed by next weeks exams! Lol... It was basically a patient had painful nodules on his feet that resembled callouses, and the 2nd and 3rd year had no clue, but I spent 2 years with a dermatologist...and skin things just make me giddy. I love the field so much! I diagnosed the patient all by myself...and I was right! It was just plantar warts, and nothing spectacular, but it made me feel like I was doing a good job, and reminded me about the end goal. :)
Today I also went to an elementary school with a program they have for med students and we taught 1st graders about dinosaurs!! They were so cute! I like teaching little kids, I think they're a lot of fun, and I can't wait to go back! It was also a VERY welcome study break...which reminds me that it's 9pm and I still have at least 3 more hours of studying before I can crawl in bed and start all over at 6am tomorrow. :P I just might be a doctor!! Agh!! Please pray for me this week and next!!!
