I've tried quite hard to raise a blog post... but every time I come here I just leave disenchanted, text-box empty.
But since I have managed to put some text to screen, I may as well be self-indulgent and mention that I have passed my exams. Equal top! In as much as a non-graded pass leaves everyone with the same grade!
*Car does massive burn out in the distance* That reminds me of something delicious. I was doing some Christmas shopping with Rohan on Friday night. As we were crossing Rundle street, your sterotypical hoon decided it would be a great time to put the pedal to the metal and gun it, with a huge screech of rubber and engine noise. He sped past us pretty quickly, in his commodore (of course). I caught a glimpse of the large, bald tattooed man and his equally bogan companion as they sped past quite quickly. People, dining on the street (not literally) all stopped and glared angrily. And then, justice! Sitting in the side street between two cafes was a stealthily hidden patrol car with a radar. He was off, lights flashing and pulling the car over straight away. My heart rejoiced! I enjoy seeing idiocy punished. Especially when it drives a commodore.
We then went shopping and had a grand old time. There was a cool band playing in the mall, called 'Jimmy and the Mirrors.' They were the best entertainment I've ever seen in the mall. I especially liked the guy playing the little piano you blow in to. So I purchased the CD. I was saddened to find that the CD version has that chap playing an actual piano though. But the mall music was good, and set the tone for some some equally amusing jewelery shopping experiences. I do enjoy bargaining people down for fun, but I can only do it when it's not money being spent. Weird.
Oh well, here's that band. It's not my favourite song, but it has a video.
The best part is that it wasn't Christmas carols.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
I haven't blogged for awhile. And I don't care! I'm in New Zealand, having a break. Something I have not had in a few years. *smile*
Dreading getting back to reality and getting the exam results. I'll blag about it when I get back, but clinical measurement and I did not part on great terms. Very annoying!
However, the beaches here are nice. I walked up mount doom. I caught a hobbit. It's an amazing country.
Some of what I have said is true.
Dreading getting back to reality and getting the exam results. I'll blag about it when I get back, but clinical measurement and I did not part on great terms. Very annoying!
However, the beaches here are nice. I walked up mount doom. I caught a hobbit. It's an amazing country.
Some of what I have said is true.
Friday, November 25, 2011
Sunday, November 20, 2011
A foramen
Far out. Medical students are highly strung! All these people are just stress, stress, stress. All doom and gloom, everyone is complaining they don't know enough! Unusual people to be around! But their stress makes my stress seem less bad...
Meanwhile, I'm wigging out. I hope I know enough not to fail, but there is always a chance!
Tuesday is the practical station exam.
Wednesday the touchy feely law/ethics/epidemiology.
Thursday the written.
I have a bag of jellybeans the size of my head. It's helping.
Meanwhile, I'm wigging out. I hope I know enough not to fail, but there is always a chance!
Tuesday is the practical station exam.
Wednesday the touchy feely law/ethics/epidemiology.
Thursday the written.
I have a bag of jellybeans the size of my head. It's helping.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
24x60x60x7 seconds later
Ahhh, this time next week. Not only will it be this time next week, but my exams will be over. Yay! I'm really looking forward to it. I've totally manged to achieve a whole new level of stress already. I have no idea why, I feel like I might be able to drag myself through most of these exams...
I fear I may over-confident though, there's a reason 90% of people failed the exams last year...
Gosh I'm nervous.
I fear I may over-confident though, there's a reason 90% of people failed the exams last year...
Gosh I'm nervous.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Bernard!
I was just sitting in the anatomy lab, doing some anatomy. When one of the anatomists came in carrying a really big model of an ear. All I could think of was that scene in Black Books, where Fran, in desperate need of gossip, tells Bernard "I am a giant ear."
And I burst out laughing...
And I burst out laughing...
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Facial vains
There's a very good reason I walk around with a constant level of stubble on my face. No, it's not laziness. No, it's not that it makes me look devilishly handsome (which it may do?) and it's certainly not that I, or others enjoy the feel of it.
No, it's because I'm not very good at shaving. I just seem to give myself a lot of ingrown hairs and cut myself. It's not a great look! So this Movember season is shaping up to be an interesting month!
I have found it very unusual to look in the mirror at the clean shaven (ish) guy looking back at me. It's weird. I find myself disturbingly young looking, and not at all like my mental image of myself. It's kind of like waking up from a coma with a face transplant.
On the plus side, the mo' is coming in happily. I'll update with some pictures if and when I get time. But exam season is upon me, so between growing a mo, shaving around the mo, and doing some revision, I'm not sure how much time I'll have! Har.
Finally, thank you. You know who you are.
No, it's because I'm not very good at shaving. I just seem to give myself a lot of ingrown hairs and cut myself. It's not a great look! So this Movember season is shaping up to be an interesting month!
I have found it very unusual to look in the mirror at the clean shaven (ish) guy looking back at me. It's weird. I find myself disturbingly young looking, and not at all like my mental image of myself. It's kind of like waking up from a coma with a face transplant.
On the plus side, the mo' is coming in happily. I'll update with some pictures if and when I get time. But exam season is upon me, so between growing a mo, shaving around the mo, and doing some revision, I'm not sure how much time I'll have! Har.
Finally, thank you. You know who you are.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Saturated Phat
Hey!
I realise this is a saturated market! But if you want to sponsor my Movemeber mustache, I'd be super keen for the support!
As a former/current? cancer researcher myself, I know how much the goons in the lab could do with the dosh. Heaven knows the brown ribbon sales haven't been a great success! But at least they weren't scratch and sniff.
Also, I'm a man. And I have heard I have a mind of my own. So I guess I have a vested interest in men's mental health.
So give some dosh!
http://mobro.co/Lumpage
Heck, if you give a lot. I might even offer to give you pash-rash in exchange.
Cheers!
I realise this is a saturated market! But if you want to sponsor my Movemeber mustache, I'd be super keen for the support!
As a former/current? cancer researcher myself, I know how much the goons in the lab could do with the dosh. Heaven knows the brown ribbon sales haven't been a great success! But at least they weren't scratch and sniff.
Also, I'm a man. And I have heard I have a mind of my own. So I guess I have a vested interest in men's mental health.
So give some dosh!
http://mobro.co/Lumpage
Heck, if you give a lot. I might even offer to give you pash-rash in exchange.
Cheers!
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Jump up, jump up
I had a really good day at med school last week. There aren't heaps of days at med school where you come home and go "I really learned something today." The knowledge just seems to accumulate most of the time, so it's hard to feel you're learning anything. The best part though, was that it wasn't necessarily about medicine, but about life.
We are on to our genetics block at the minute. This is after what can only be described as a very quick blast through cardiac, resp and renal. It is proving to be an interesting stage in my education. I did a semester of genetics as a young man. So a lot of it is familiar. But our case for the week was Trisomy 21, Down syndrome.
I think, for a lot of people, the thought of having a kid with a birth defect is akin to a nightmare. I personally, don't know how I would cope. It's a scary prospect. I guess every parent hopes their kid will be 'normal.' Every parent has certain preconceptions about what their child will be like. Every parents has ambitions, hope and dreams for their children. And to have those shattered in moments is gut wrenching.
Because of this, and the availability of tests, a lot of kids with Down syndrome are aborted before they get to term. The majority in fact. I have my ethical qualms about abortion, but I certainly had a wrestle with the issue about what I would do. But for many people, a Down syndrome child comes to term.
A lot of people in my year were scared by the prospect having to raise a DS kid. So the School of Medicine organised a BBQ with some families and kids from the Downs syndrome society. And you know what? It was amazing. Absolutely amazing.
It was great to meet the families and the kids over a BBQ. It was amazing to see how the families had gone about raising their children. About how they had coped, come to terms with what it means for them, and how they still had dreams for their child. Albeit new ones. The highlight was the panel discussion. Hearing the parents candidly discuss their views on abortion, and whether, if they had known they would have terminated their baby. It was really heavy stuff. But really encouraging. It was just so obvious how much the parents loved their kids.
The point that reinforced this for me, was hearing about how the blokes coped. One bloke held it together while his wife had a break down. The other guy went home and shifted 8 tonnes of gravel. But the guy, who wept while recalling his story to us was the most interesting. He was talking about he finally got a daughter, after having three sons. And he had all the dreams of walking his daughter down the aisle, and watching her grow up. And how when the doctor walked in and told them their brand new baby girl had Downs, it just gutted him, and it took six months for him to come to terms with it. Now though, she is his pride and joy. It was really moving.
I have so much more to say about the arvo. But I came home buzzed. I was left with the impression, that although it's tough. It's not the end of the world. And for lots of these parents, they still have a brand new baby. And that's pretty grand regardless of their chromosomal makeup!
I wish I could be a big man about it. But I'm still torn as to what I would do when I found out though. Perhaps every father to be should get a pile of gravel just in case.
We are on to our genetics block at the minute. This is after what can only be described as a very quick blast through cardiac, resp and renal. It is proving to be an interesting stage in my education. I did a semester of genetics as a young man. So a lot of it is familiar. But our case for the week was Trisomy 21, Down syndrome.
I think, for a lot of people, the thought of having a kid with a birth defect is akin to a nightmare. I personally, don't know how I would cope. It's a scary prospect. I guess every parent hopes their kid will be 'normal.' Every parent has certain preconceptions about what their child will be like. Every parents has ambitions, hope and dreams for their children. And to have those shattered in moments is gut wrenching.
Because of this, and the availability of tests, a lot of kids with Down syndrome are aborted before they get to term. The majority in fact. I have my ethical qualms about abortion, but I certainly had a wrestle with the issue about what I would do. But for many people, a Down syndrome child comes to term.
A lot of people in my year were scared by the prospect having to raise a DS kid. So the School of Medicine organised a BBQ with some families and kids from the Downs syndrome society. And you know what? It was amazing. Absolutely amazing.
It was great to meet the families and the kids over a BBQ. It was amazing to see how the families had gone about raising their children. About how they had coped, come to terms with what it means for them, and how they still had dreams for their child. Albeit new ones. The highlight was the panel discussion. Hearing the parents candidly discuss their views on abortion, and whether, if they had known they would have terminated their baby. It was really heavy stuff. But really encouraging. It was just so obvious how much the parents loved their kids.
The point that reinforced this for me, was hearing about how the blokes coped. One bloke held it together while his wife had a break down. The other guy went home and shifted 8 tonnes of gravel. But the guy, who wept while recalling his story to us was the most interesting. He was talking about he finally got a daughter, after having three sons. And he had all the dreams of walking his daughter down the aisle, and watching her grow up. And how when the doctor walked in and told them their brand new baby girl had Downs, it just gutted him, and it took six months for him to come to terms with it. Now though, she is his pride and joy. It was really moving.
I have so much more to say about the arvo. But I came home buzzed. I was left with the impression, that although it's tough. It's not the end of the world. And for lots of these parents, they still have a brand new baby. And that's pretty grand regardless of their chromosomal makeup!
I wish I could be a big man about it. But I'm still torn as to what I would do when I found out though. Perhaps every father to be should get a pile of gravel just in case.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Ach
I'm tired. Now probably isnt the best time to be developing a social life, exams are only 4 weeks away and I know nothing.
Cool.
Cool.
Saturday, October 8, 2011
What's medical school like?
Scarily, I'm heading rapidly toward the end of my first year in medical school. Suffice to say, I'm feeling a little overwhelmed.
One question I get asked a lot, once people find out I'm a medical student is "how are you finding it?" I find it an unusual question - as if there is an ideal answer that we're meant to conform to. So far I've managed to stick with "It's fascinating, really interesting. But a lot of work!" Which if we're honest, is a pretty fair assessment!*
But what's it really like? Well, I can only speak for my own experience: It's fun!
The whole med student experience has so far been good to me. The people are nice, and being a post-grad course, there is never a shortage of interesting life experiences of tangible relevance to the current PBL case.
A PBL case I hear you ask? Well, if you've not heard of PBL before, I'll give you the gist. Basically, each week we get a new 'patient.' We follow the trials and tribulations of that patient. But because we know nothing, we have to ask and answer the fundamental questions, before we can decide how to treat. The case then plays out in front of you over three sessions, and every session you go away with 'issues' and spend the first half of the next session answering the issues.
Running concurrently (at least in theory) are lectures and practicals that support the material you cover in PBL. There is also a clinical skills element that teaches you the relevant physical exam techniques for the culprit organ system. All in all, a crash course in medicine ensues.
Other subjects get thrown in as well, and these draw the most ire of medical students. The touchy feely subjects are painful, and probably reflects the lack of objective assessment (I guess that's why I did science and not arts!) There are also maths subjects, law and ethics. Things that are meant to make you a well rounded doctor, but on the whole feel like they are getting in the way of you learning the finer points of counter-current multiplication.
The reality is - it's a lot of work. Jamming all of this stuff in takes effort. There are also a lot of people who have families, relationships, recreational activities, jobs or other studies happening simultaneously. So it's tough. Especially if you want to throw being social and partying a lot on top of it!
It's a fun system - and it works well when it works well. A functional PBL group is highly beneficial. But get stuck with a crap group and it can feel as though you are on your own. Luck of the draw I guess! My present group is a barrel of laughs. We have a good time and still learn a heck of a lot. Having two intensive care nurses, five scientists and a pharmacist, we're a well balanced group! But the composition does vary wildly between groups, and much like life it does encourage some group work. A lot of the arts students and mature agers have been out of the maths game for a long time. So having to relearn the concept of 'e' has been a real shock for many! Thankfully, there will always be the occasional PhD or chemical engineer floating around, ready to explain things. The theory is - it all balances out.
As for me? It's probably still a bit early for me to be giving tips out on how to get through medical school. Do the work, is probably the best advice I can give. In PBL, there is the danger of being quashed by vocal members, so never be afraid to ask a question, or write something up on the board. Even though I'm working pretty consistently, I'm still missing stuff, with the intention of going back to it but never getting there. I just hope the end of year exams are kind to me!
So if ever an aspiring doctor reads this post. Chin up! This aspiring doctor fell asleep during one of our histology pracs! Top bloke!
* I speak only of the educational activities in this blog. If you're up for student politics, societies, dating your class mates and more! There are heaps of these things happening too!
One question I get asked a lot, once people find out I'm a medical student is "how are you finding it?" I find it an unusual question - as if there is an ideal answer that we're meant to conform to. So far I've managed to stick with "It's fascinating, really interesting. But a lot of work!" Which if we're honest, is a pretty fair assessment!*
But what's it really like? Well, I can only speak for my own experience: It's fun!
The whole med student experience has so far been good to me. The people are nice, and being a post-grad course, there is never a shortage of interesting life experiences of tangible relevance to the current PBL case.
A PBL case I hear you ask? Well, if you've not heard of PBL before, I'll give you the gist. Basically, each week we get a new 'patient.' We follow the trials and tribulations of that patient. But because we know nothing, we have to ask and answer the fundamental questions, before we can decide how to treat. The case then plays out in front of you over three sessions, and every session you go away with 'issues' and spend the first half of the next session answering the issues.
Running concurrently (at least in theory) are lectures and practicals that support the material you cover in PBL. There is also a clinical skills element that teaches you the relevant physical exam techniques for the culprit organ system. All in all, a crash course in medicine ensues.
Other subjects get thrown in as well, and these draw the most ire of medical students. The touchy feely subjects are painful, and probably reflects the lack of objective assessment (I guess that's why I did science and not arts!) There are also maths subjects, law and ethics. Things that are meant to make you a well rounded doctor, but on the whole feel like they are getting in the way of you learning the finer points of counter-current multiplication.
The reality is - it's a lot of work. Jamming all of this stuff in takes effort. There are also a lot of people who have families, relationships, recreational activities, jobs or other studies happening simultaneously. So it's tough. Especially if you want to throw being social and partying a lot on top of it!
It's a fun system - and it works well when it works well. A functional PBL group is highly beneficial. But get stuck with a crap group and it can feel as though you are on your own. Luck of the draw I guess! My present group is a barrel of laughs. We have a good time and still learn a heck of a lot. Having two intensive care nurses, five scientists and a pharmacist, we're a well balanced group! But the composition does vary wildly between groups, and much like life it does encourage some group work. A lot of the arts students and mature agers have been out of the maths game for a long time. So having to relearn the concept of 'e' has been a real shock for many! Thankfully, there will always be the occasional PhD or chemical engineer floating around, ready to explain things. The theory is - it all balances out.
As for me? It's probably still a bit early for me to be giving tips out on how to get through medical school. Do the work, is probably the best advice I can give. In PBL, there is the danger of being quashed by vocal members, so never be afraid to ask a question, or write something up on the board. Even though I'm working pretty consistently, I'm still missing stuff, with the intention of going back to it but never getting there. I just hope the end of year exams are kind to me!
So if ever an aspiring doctor reads this post. Chin up! This aspiring doctor fell asleep during one of our histology pracs! Top bloke!
* I speak only of the educational activities in this blog. If you're up for student politics, societies, dating your class mates and more! There are heaps of these things happening too!
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Arf arf
Had a bit of a fun weekend. Went off on 'Man camp' with some of the blokes from church. It was really good fun. There was fire, meat, beer, fishing, football. A tree was chopped down with an axe. I came home smelling like smoke and my car was filled up with sand. All in all a pleasant weekend.
The best part was the driving. Finally got to take the jeep off road and in to the sand, which was just good clean fun.
Got home and squirted the car off with the hose. It left a pleasingly large pile of sand and mud on the driveway.
On the downside, I did hardly any study this weekend. I went to PBL this morning and positively stunk up the place with my lack on knowledge about the kidney. Apparently 'magic' isn't an answer for how it works.
My favourite organ this year has definitely been the heart. The lungs were boring, and the kidney, though logical in its function... is just a bit dull so far. Sigh!
It is however infinitely better than my current medicine and culture assignment. I'm meant to critically review an article about various aspects of intercultural communication in medicine. Which is fine in theory, but all the aspects they want me to review are not really open for criticism. If anything, they are looking for personal opinion again, and by personal opinion, I mean sheepish following. I can't believe I'm being forced to pay ridiculous amounts of money for this ridiculous, yet mandatory non-medical subject. It could be taught so much better!
And that's my rant about poor teaching. Oh actually, one last thing. They originally decided it would be a good idea to release the assignment on Saturday morning, for it to be e-submitted by Monday night. Thus wasting a whole long weekend. A stupid idea from "academics" that don't live in the real world if ever I have hard one. But that would have been okay had they told us in advance, and not sprung it on us without warning. The school must have copped a lot of flack because they extended the deadline to Wednesday. Grmph.
Oh the humanities!
The best part was the driving. Finally got to take the jeep off road and in to the sand, which was just good clean fun.
Got home and squirted the car off with the hose. It left a pleasingly large pile of sand and mud on the driveway.
On the downside, I did hardly any study this weekend. I went to PBL this morning and positively stunk up the place with my lack on knowledge about the kidney. Apparently 'magic' isn't an answer for how it works.
My favourite organ this year has definitely been the heart. The lungs were boring, and the kidney, though logical in its function... is just a bit dull so far. Sigh!
It is however infinitely better than my current medicine and culture assignment. I'm meant to critically review an article about various aspects of intercultural communication in medicine. Which is fine in theory, but all the aspects they want me to review are not really open for criticism. If anything, they are looking for personal opinion again, and by personal opinion, I mean sheepish following. I can't believe I'm being forced to pay ridiculous amounts of money for this ridiculous, yet mandatory non-medical subject. It could be taught so much better!
And that's my rant about poor teaching. Oh actually, one last thing. They originally decided it would be a good idea to release the assignment on Saturday morning, for it to be e-submitted by Monday night. Thus wasting a whole long weekend. A stupid idea from "academics" that don't live in the real world if ever I have hard one. But that would have been okay had they told us in advance, and not sprung it on us without warning. The school must have copped a lot of flack because they extended the deadline to Wednesday. Grmph.
Oh the humanities!
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
A few awkward experiences
Had one of those terrible moments in life. Started filling up the jeep, before realising I left my wallet at home. Fortunately I had only just commenced filling up. I had put in a total of 78c worth of fuel!
I scrambled through the car, looking for enough change to pay for my huge debt. Unfortunately I had just cleaned my car and stripped it of all but 15c! So I pleaded with the man in the petrol station to let me go get my wallet, and he kindly shouted me the petrol. It was all very hilarious. I came back ten minutes later with my wallet, and filled the car up and paid for it.
I've never done that before in my life.
Still, on the topic of new experiences. I went to centrelink today! I mentioned my plan to go there to a friend, who foretold to me the inevitable journey of waiting amongst, teenage mothers, bogans and students. And it really was such a pleasant mix of people! I particularly enjoyed the man constantly canvassing everyone's opinion on who would win the football. When eventually his name was called, the gruff looking man across the bay proclaimed "Thank F**k, that guy was annoying." To which several heads nodded.
Apart from the man who sat next to me coughing constantly, and the other person who smelled like funny smelling cigarettes, it wasn't too unpleasant. Alas I have to go back there in a week again, she'll be right!
I scrambled through the car, looking for enough change to pay for my huge debt. Unfortunately I had just cleaned my car and stripped it of all but 15c! So I pleaded with the man in the petrol station to let me go get my wallet, and he kindly shouted me the petrol. It was all very hilarious. I came back ten minutes later with my wallet, and filled the car up and paid for it.
I've never done that before in my life.
Still, on the topic of new experiences. I went to centrelink today! I mentioned my plan to go there to a friend, who foretold to me the inevitable journey of waiting amongst, teenage mothers, bogans and students. And it really was such a pleasant mix of people! I particularly enjoyed the man constantly canvassing everyone's opinion on who would win the football. When eventually his name was called, the gruff looking man across the bay proclaimed "Thank F**k, that guy was annoying." To which several heads nodded.
Apart from the man who sat next to me coughing constantly, and the other person who smelled like funny smelling cigarettes, it wasn't too unpleasant. Alas I have to go back there in a week again, she'll be right!
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Embrolojoy
Here's an obscure thought.
If someone told you that you had x years/days/minutes to live. At what point would you start changing the way you live?
If someone told me I had 12 months to live. I probably would stop going to uni and start doing things I've always wanted to do. See the world, spend as much time with friends and family as possible etc.
But what if you had ten years to live? Ten years is a fair bit of time... Enough to finish my education and work for a bit. It perplexes me. Having a deadline changes things. Would I really want to do that though?
The thing is, we all have a clock hang over our heads. We just aren't able to read the time on it. So we live as though we will live forever, forgetting we all have a very finite amount of time on this earth. Certainly though, not dwelling on ones inevitable demise is a good thing. Or else we would never get anything worthwhile done. But it's an interesting thing to ponder.
I had the privilege of talking to a patient who had had and MI, dropped dead, was revived, triple bypassed, valve replaced, heart failured and then heart transplanted. Fascinating fellow! Very aware of the clock above his head, having had his reset on numerous occasions. He was a really insightful guy, and was just tearing off all these profound observations about making the most of life, and treasuring every minute. It's always nice to learn things from patients!
I guess I'm not really adding anything new to the dialogue, it has all been said before. We all have a terminal disease of some kind, but interesting to see how awareness can change people, change their values, and in the case of my patient, change their heart!
If someone told you that you had x years/days/minutes to live. At what point would you start changing the way you live?
If someone told me I had 12 months to live. I probably would stop going to uni and start doing things I've always wanted to do. See the world, spend as much time with friends and family as possible etc.
But what if you had ten years to live? Ten years is a fair bit of time... Enough to finish my education and work for a bit. It perplexes me. Having a deadline changes things. Would I really want to do that though?
The thing is, we all have a clock hang over our heads. We just aren't able to read the time on it. So we live as though we will live forever, forgetting we all have a very finite amount of time on this earth. Certainly though, not dwelling on ones inevitable demise is a good thing. Or else we would never get anything worthwhile done. But it's an interesting thing to ponder.
I had the privilege of talking to a patient who had had and MI, dropped dead, was revived, triple bypassed, valve replaced, heart failured and then heart transplanted. Fascinating fellow! Very aware of the clock above his head, having had his reset on numerous occasions. He was a really insightful guy, and was just tearing off all these profound observations about making the most of life, and treasuring every minute. It's always nice to learn things from patients!
I guess I'm not really adding anything new to the dialogue, it has all been said before. We all have a terminal disease of some kind, but interesting to see how awareness can change people, change their values, and in the case of my patient, change their heart!
Monday, September 12, 2011
A secret!
Sadly, I must disclose a secret! Well, it's not that exciting - just ridiculously awkward:
I can't sleep on my side.
I used to be able to, but I just can't anymore! It physically destroys me! My shoulder kills me, and my neck it aches! I think I have become too broad across the shoulders to stay on my side!
Is it a ridiculous notion, or do other people suffer this unusual condition? I'm starting to appreciate why I sleep on my front so much!
I can't sleep on my side.
I used to be able to, but I just can't anymore! It physically destroys me! My shoulder kills me, and my neck it aches! I think I have become too broad across the shoulders to stay on my side!
Is it a ridiculous notion, or do other people suffer this unusual condition? I'm starting to appreciate why I sleep on my front so much!
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Media fatigue
I think I'm fatigued. Not from life, but 9/11 commemorations. I don't aim to take anything away from the magnitude of the events that occurred that day, and in response to them. But the media saturation the last few weeks has just been a little much for me.
I certainly remember that day as much as anyone else who was kicking around then, I don' really need to be reminded of it constantly.
Perhaps an observation then... It had to be New York. If those buildings had been in any other city it just wouldn't have been the same. When you watch the videos, and you hear the people reacting in shock and horror. They all have such amazing stereotypical accents, and they cut straight to what they feel with their 'Hey! I'm walking here!' attitude. They don't sit their quietly and whimper so much, but the rawness of their emotion comes right out and hits you in the face. Often when I see the horrific videos of that day replayed, it's not the explosions, the people looking dazed and confused, or the disaster that follows that makes me stop and think. It's the audio in the background. The delay between seeing and vocalising their inner feelings. And then subsequently grasping the magnitude of the outcome.
Normally I'd link a video, but I'm pretty sure you know what I mean already. It's an amazing piece of history.
I certainly remember that day as much as anyone else who was kicking around then, I don' really need to be reminded of it constantly.
Perhaps an observation then... It had to be New York. If those buildings had been in any other city it just wouldn't have been the same. When you watch the videos, and you hear the people reacting in shock and horror. They all have such amazing stereotypical accents, and they cut straight to what they feel with their 'Hey! I'm walking here!' attitude. They don't sit their quietly and whimper so much, but the rawness of their emotion comes right out and hits you in the face. Often when I see the horrific videos of that day replayed, it's not the explosions, the people looking dazed and confused, or the disaster that follows that makes me stop and think. It's the audio in the background. The delay between seeing and vocalising their inner feelings. And then subsequently grasping the magnitude of the outcome.
Normally I'd link a video, but I'm pretty sure you know what I mean already. It's an amazing piece of history.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Huh.
Very very interesting weekend. But I have done no work at all. No wonder I feel so happy!
This year has been a really interesting year for me. The whole time I was doing science I don't think I was ever really the person I wanted to be. I was more akin to shut in than a human being.
I've changed a bit this year, I'm a little more open. A little more mellow, but mostly I think I'm a bit more me! Sure, I haven't changed dramatically, maybe I've just become more accepting of myself. I just feel more at ease with life.
One thing I have learned this year, is that confidence is key. Even when you're not confident! This is especially true when you ghost the wards. As one of the doc's said to us:
"Dress like a doctor, put on your badge and throw a stethoscope around your neck, and just go talk to patients. There's nothing to be scared of."
Or more concisely, as my GP told me as we chatted about medicine "90% is looking the part."
If you can't be confident, look confident, and the rest will come trickling back!
I'm starting to get a wrangle on this medicine dealy. But I'm trying not to be consumed by it. Wouldn't want to get obsessed (again!) I really hope this balance can be maintained!
Mostly though, I'm just thankful for the opportunity.
This year has been a really interesting year for me. The whole time I was doing science I don't think I was ever really the person I wanted to be. I was more akin to shut in than a human being.
I've changed a bit this year, I'm a little more open. A little more mellow, but mostly I think I'm a bit more me! Sure, I haven't changed dramatically, maybe I've just become more accepting of myself. I just feel more at ease with life.
One thing I have learned this year, is that confidence is key. Even when you're not confident! This is especially true when you ghost the wards. As one of the doc's said to us:
"Dress like a doctor, put on your badge and throw a stethoscope around your neck, and just go talk to patients. There's nothing to be scared of."
Or more concisely, as my GP told me as we chatted about medicine "90% is looking the part."
If you can't be confident, look confident, and the rest will come trickling back!
I'm starting to get a wrangle on this medicine dealy. But I'm trying not to be consumed by it. Wouldn't want to get obsessed (again!) I really hope this balance can be maintained!
Mostly though, I'm just thankful for the opportunity.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
sunshine and lollypops
This weather is nice! Took the top off the jeep and drove with the sun in my face and the wind in my hair, and I was happy. Then spent the night at a fun birthday where I got to know some of my classmates a bit better. I'm finally starting to realise a balance between work and recreation is probably healthier than a balance between work and contemplation (about work).
But because this is a medical themed blog, supposedly, I should at least drop a bit of medicine in. You might remember some time ago I talked about my first experience with CPR. Essentially they threw me in to the deep end, and let me push on a dummy's chest for a bit. I felt awful afterward, and would later find out that I had succeeded in pushing on my mans chest sufficiently just once, out of my 120 times. I'd also been unable to get any reasonable puffs of air in to him! All in all it was a disaster, but a really good learning experience.
On Thursday I had my final basic life support assessment - a virtual rerun of the original scenario (with a few changes for spice!) Except this time I had skills! It was really nice to feel confident about some life saving skills, and rather happily I passed. They give you a little picture of how you performed, which I find the most interesting part of all.
Basically, it's just craziness. The top waveforms are the ventilations, the bottom is the compressions. You have to get each one in to the right volume or depth for it to be successful, and you have to be pushing on the chest at a rate of 100 compressions per minute. So if you're doing CPR, go hard and fast, and forget being gentle.
Suffice to say, I'm really looking forward to doing some more advanced life support stuff in the future!
But because this is a medical themed blog, supposedly, I should at least drop a bit of medicine in. You might remember some time ago I talked about my first experience with CPR. Essentially they threw me in to the deep end, and let me push on a dummy's chest for a bit. I felt awful afterward, and would later find out that I had succeeded in pushing on my mans chest sufficiently just once, out of my 120 times. I'd also been unable to get any reasonable puffs of air in to him! All in all it was a disaster, but a really good learning experience.
On Thursday I had my final basic life support assessment - a virtual rerun of the original scenario (with a few changes for spice!) Except this time I had skills! It was really nice to feel confident about some life saving skills, and rather happily I passed. They give you a little picture of how you performed, which I find the most interesting part of all.
Basically, it's just craziness. The top waveforms are the ventilations, the bottom is the compressions. You have to get each one in to the right volume or depth for it to be successful, and you have to be pushing on the chest at a rate of 100 compressions per minute. So if you're doing CPR, go hard and fast, and forget being gentle.
Suffice to say, I'm really looking forward to doing some more advanced life support stuff in the future!
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Some kind of fruit company
One of the other articles I liked in this mornings paper was one by Hugo Rifkind. Jobs or no Jobs, that Apple culture really makes me shudder
Don't know if you caught it, but highlights the discreet evilness of apple. I'll quote some of the last few column inches.
""Being the richest man in the cemetery doesn't matter to me" is another fine Jobs quote, also in reference to Gates. "Going to bed at night saying we've done something wonderful," he continues, "that's what matters to me."
This was a comment made before Gates started pouring his money into vaccinations, obviously. Still, there's something about it that goes right to the heart of why the Apple cult makes me shudder.
These are phones and computers we're talking about. Trinkets and things. Is it right that our wonder should be so lightly spent?
Well, maybe. And maybe, in a world where information saves lives just as much as vaccinations do, inventing something like the iPhone is, indeed, doing something wonderful in every sense. But buying one isn't. I'm not sure for how much longer Apple will get away with blurring the two."
You can check the whole article out here
Don't know if you caught it, but highlights the discreet evilness of apple. I'll quote some of the last few column inches.
""Being the richest man in the cemetery doesn't matter to me" is another fine Jobs quote, also in reference to Gates. "Going to bed at night saying we've done something wonderful," he continues, "that's what matters to me."
This was a comment made before Gates started pouring his money into vaccinations, obviously. Still, there's something about it that goes right to the heart of why the Apple cult makes me shudder.
These are phones and computers we're talking about. Trinkets and things. Is it right that our wonder should be so lightly spent?
Well, maybe. And maybe, in a world where information saves lives just as much as vaccinations do, inventing something like the iPhone is, indeed, doing something wonderful in every sense. But buying one isn't. I'm not sure for how much longer Apple will get away with blurring the two."
You can check the whole article out here
Monday, August 22, 2011
Maaaate
It's official! I'm an idiot! (argh)
On the plus side we get to defibrillate a manikin on Wednesday. Joy.
On the plus side we get to defibrillate a manikin on Wednesday. Joy.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Doctors In Training!
Had a hilarious practical tute today. They were teaching us 'injection techniques.' There was a group of nine of us, two of whom were already needle veterans. So for all intents and purposes there were seven novices. I shall include myself as a beginner as I've only ever given injections to mice.
It was all going well, only one needle stick. But then they let us practice opening the glass ampoules. These are little glass vials, that are really good for keeping drugs stable. They also have the added benefit that you have to crack the top off of them as there is no lid. Hence you can't exactly steal the morphine inside.
They are however tricky to open. This was evidenced by the two people in my tute group who managed to cut themselves while breaking the tops off. Nothing overly bad, but somewhat amusing that the most hazard part of the morning came from the package rather than the needle.
On the plus side we got to immunise some faux skin covered sponges. They were very grateful and are now fully vaccinated against saline.
Another thing on the list of things I can't wait to try on actual people!
It was all going well, only one needle stick. But then they let us practice opening the glass ampoules. These are little glass vials, that are really good for keeping drugs stable. They also have the added benefit that you have to crack the top off of them as there is no lid. Hence you can't exactly steal the morphine inside.
On the plus side we got to immunise some faux skin covered sponges. They were very grateful and are now fully vaccinated against saline.
Another thing on the list of things I can't wait to try on actual people!
Monday, August 8, 2011
Leonard Lilly, my one and only
Trying to learn the basics of cardiology in one month is a bit of a nutty task. It's really interesting material though.
I think I've pretty much read the whole cardiology text now. It's all too much though, I don't think I've taken anything on board!
Actually, another one of our imaginary patients died. She had a heart attack, and was recovering in hospital when she blew a papillary muscle in her damaged heart and died within an hour or so. I was telling Dr. Dad the story of our fictitious patient, when he recalled his own version.
A patient, several days post MI; Rapid onset shortness of breath and a new onset systolic murmur. Dad diagnosed the same condition and the patient met the same fate. Crazy to think these things you learn about actually happen. I'm clearly not mentally ready to be on the wards with peoples lives in my hands. As I told someone today 'I have just enough knowledge to kill someone, but not enough to save them.'
On another note, I forget Dad was a once a young doctor cruising the wards! The perks of being the boss I guess ;)
I think I've pretty much read the whole cardiology text now. It's all too much though, I don't think I've taken anything on board!
Actually, another one of our imaginary patients died. She had a heart attack, and was recovering in hospital when she blew a papillary muscle in her damaged heart and died within an hour or so. I was telling Dr. Dad the story of our fictitious patient, when he recalled his own version.
A patient, several days post MI; Rapid onset shortness of breath and a new onset systolic murmur. Dad diagnosed the same condition and the patient met the same fate. Crazy to think these things you learn about actually happen. I'm clearly not mentally ready to be on the wards with peoples lives in my hands. As I told someone today 'I have just enough knowledge to kill someone, but not enough to save them.'
On another note, I forget Dad was a once a young doctor cruising the wards! The perks of being the boss I guess ;)
Monday, August 1, 2011
Normal tension
We're learning about hearts. So far I've picked up a bit. But it has pandered to my medical student hypochondriacness. But that's okay, because other people hear my non-existant systolic noise as well. Who would have thought three first years putting their heads together could be wrong!
Anyway, as you may have inferred from the title, I finally got my results back about my hypertension. It's coatyness is as white as the pure driven snow. It turns out I'm just easily excited. If I was a doctor I'd give myself some beta blockers and mellow the heck out.
Anyway, as you may have inferred from the title, I finally got my results back about my hypertension. It's coatyness is as white as the pure driven snow. It turns out I'm just easily excited. If I was a doctor I'd give myself some beta blockers and mellow the heck out.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
lub dub
Well, great work by Cadel! After staying up and watching Cadel fall short in 2008, I was worried what might happen this time around! Fortunately, all was well and we can not talk about cycling till The Tour Down Under hits town.
I am once again well. I think I get a rather sick joy out of being sick. I hate being sick, don't get my wrong. But with such a strong background in immunology, I can appreciate being sick on so many more levels. So here is a crash course in to what goes on for you regular plebs:
On day 0 I wasn't aware I was sick, but my rhinovirus was having quite the party, procreating wildly and unchecked. But then on Day 1 my immune system cottoned on and switched on my generic defenses - fever and anti-viral interferons. Later that day, my neutrophils were flooding in as my vessels in my sinuses became more permeable and my nose consequently ran like a tap. The classic inflammatory response was evident in my sinuses and throat, though the Virus was still firmly in control.
By day 2 my lymph nodes were up as my adaptive immune response tried to get itself organised. Having not seen this foe before, it began the process of pulling apart some captives and finding their weaknesses. Meanwhile my macrophages had made the move, helping my neutrophils but awaiting further orders. The cough began, to complement my enhanced mucus secretion in order to get the gunk from my throat.
By day 3, the battle was well underway, and I still felt gross. Only now coughing up excitingly colored stuff - my immune cells and epithelial cells that hadn't survived the fight mostly. Though I was feeling worse, ground against the virus was being regained.
By about day 4 though, things were starting to change. The battle was lost for the virus, as the T helper cells started to coax my immune system to fight tactically. My Killer T cells were becoming more abundant, punching holes in my virally infected cells, causing them to die and depriving the virus of a place to live and multiply.
Meanwhile my B cells were ambushing my rhinovirus as it tried to move to a different position away from the firefight. The B cells, were throwing out sticky antibodies, pinning the virus down so that the macrophages could pull a Mike Tyson v Evander Holyfield, and gobble them up. Now any movement by the virus was met with continual harassment.
Having stomped all over the virus, my immune system continued to dominate and showboat, just to be sure. My Antibody kept being churned out, and by tomorrow, the new and improved version will start making an appearance so that I'll be forever immune to this pest. However, I'm feeling much better now. In fact, I'm back to normal apart from a bit of a lingering dry cough. The virus has gone, though my immune system waits like soldiers on leave, just cruising for a fight.
And that's it really. Picking a fight with one enemy, and beating him soundly. Fortunately, this time at least. Mr. Bacteria didn't try have a go while my troops were busy with virus. Always pleasing not to have a chest infection!
If you enjoyed me pretending my immune system was a battleground, feel free to donate to any charity of your own choosing. I hope you accidentally learned something too! I'll never do it again.
I am once again well. I think I get a rather sick joy out of being sick. I hate being sick, don't get my wrong. But with such a strong background in immunology, I can appreciate being sick on so many more levels. So here is a crash course in to what goes on for you regular plebs:
On day 0 I wasn't aware I was sick, but my rhinovirus was having quite the party, procreating wildly and unchecked. But then on Day 1 my immune system cottoned on and switched on my generic defenses - fever and anti-viral interferons. Later that day, my neutrophils were flooding in as my vessels in my sinuses became more permeable and my nose consequently ran like a tap. The classic inflammatory response was evident in my sinuses and throat, though the Virus was still firmly in control.
By day 2 my lymph nodes were up as my adaptive immune response tried to get itself organised. Having not seen this foe before, it began the process of pulling apart some captives and finding their weaknesses. Meanwhile my macrophages had made the move, helping my neutrophils but awaiting further orders. The cough began, to complement my enhanced mucus secretion in order to get the gunk from my throat.
By day 3, the battle was well underway, and I still felt gross. Only now coughing up excitingly colored stuff - my immune cells and epithelial cells that hadn't survived the fight mostly. Though I was feeling worse, ground against the virus was being regained.
By about day 4 though, things were starting to change. The battle was lost for the virus, as the T helper cells started to coax my immune system to fight tactically. My Killer T cells were becoming more abundant, punching holes in my virally infected cells, causing them to die and depriving the virus of a place to live and multiply.
Meanwhile my B cells were ambushing my rhinovirus as it tried to move to a different position away from the firefight. The B cells, were throwing out sticky antibodies, pinning the virus down so that the macrophages could pull a Mike Tyson v Evander Holyfield, and gobble them up. Now any movement by the virus was met with continual harassment.
Having stomped all over the virus, my immune system continued to dominate and showboat, just to be sure. My Antibody kept being churned out, and by tomorrow, the new and improved version will start making an appearance so that I'll be forever immune to this pest. However, I'm feeling much better now. In fact, I'm back to normal apart from a bit of a lingering dry cough. The virus has gone, though my immune system waits like soldiers on leave, just cruising for a fight.
And that's it really. Picking a fight with one enemy, and beating him soundly. Fortunately, this time at least. Mr. Bacteria didn't try have a go while my troops were busy with virus. Always pleasing not to have a chest infection!
If you enjoyed me pretending my immune system was a battleground, feel free to donate to any charity of your own choosing. I hope you accidentally learned something too! I'll never do it again.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Let the insomina end
I'm not usually one to write about sport. I might give the token sentence to how much I love the Tour de France. But I don't think I've ever written long tributes to it. Well, today is your day friends! Wait, don't leave!
Before that I must quickly grumble. I've captured myself a rhino and have been a little sick. This at the first week of the term, which is okay I guess. But my new PBL group has a completely different make up than my old one. Having a couple intensive care nurses, a pharmacist and a lot of scientists has greatly changed the dynamic from my old group. Probably just as well, as I want to feel challenged. Though, for the first time I feel inadequate! Time to hit the books, which is convenient because:
Le tour is about to finish! Devastating I know. But in my mind this has been the most interesting tour for ages. If you haven't been watching it - shame on you! But I understand. It is on late, and I have taken to tivoing it and watching it over breakfast the next day.
Still, without the sideshow of Lance Armstrong, the focus this year has been purely on the heads of state. A spirited nine day showing by the Frenchman Voekler kept him in yellow for 9 days, defying his critics on a daily basis, who said he would never last in the mountains. Only yesterday, on the final mountain stage did he finally lose the coveted number one spot.
Contador, who has won the event on previous occassions hasn't really turned up this year - but keeps causing trouble amongst the three main contenders. If you have seen a little cycling in recent years, you'll know that two brothers - Andy and Frank Schleck are freakish athletes. Unfortunately for the Aussie Cadel Evans, they are his fiercest competitors, working to deny the Australian victory.
So it has been fascinating to watch, the Aussie fighting hard trying not to let the Schleck brothers get away, and the Schlecks punching and counter punching their way up mountains trying to destroy Cadel.
The whole story has been complicated by their vastly different riding styles. Cadel is like a diesel, he goes and goes, but takes awhile to get up to speed. The Schleck's however have a very rapid acceleration, so watching the game of cat and mouse play out on the beautiful backdrop of the French countryside has been fascinating.
The race as a whole has been excellent this year, though I don't deny I'm a Cadel fan, and hoping desperately that after twice being runner up, this year will be his year. Although Cadel has finally got himself a half decent team, he is still the best on his team, which has left to do so much of the grunt work by himself.
After 19 days of racing, the last competitive stage (The final stage is more like a celebratory ride than a race) is about to begin. And this time it's every man for himself. The final stage is an individual time trial. Whereas the previous stages have allowed riders to work as a team in order to share the load and conserve energy. The final stage is a 40 odd kilometre race, every man for himself. Ultimately, the clock is the enemy. Cadel sits 57 seconds deficit of Andy Schleck, who holds the yellow Jersey. Schleck is not renowned for his time trialling, whilst Cadel is a road race champion. The hope tonight, is that Cadel can gain back that minute, and I know I'll be watching earnestly. If Evens can do it, there will be much excitement in this house.
So I urge you to watch it, it will be interesting to say the least. I haven't even mentioned the beautiful scenery, the tactics, the fact that this is the ultimate test of a persons physiology, and the incredible emotion that becomes evident amongst the winners and losers.
9:30 Tonight, grab a drink, settle in front of the TV and yell for Cadel.
Le tour is about to finish! Devastating I know. But in my mind this has been the most interesting tour for ages. If you haven't been watching it - shame on you! But I understand. It is on late, and I have taken to tivoing it and watching it over breakfast the next day.
Still, without the sideshow of Lance Armstrong, the focus this year has been purely on the heads of state. A spirited nine day showing by the Frenchman Voekler kept him in yellow for 9 days, defying his critics on a daily basis, who said he would never last in the mountains. Only yesterday, on the final mountain stage did he finally lose the coveted number one spot.
Contador, who has won the event on previous occassions hasn't really turned up this year - but keeps causing trouble amongst the three main contenders. If you have seen a little cycling in recent years, you'll know that two brothers - Andy and Frank Schleck are freakish athletes. Unfortunately for the Aussie Cadel Evans, they are his fiercest competitors, working to deny the Australian victory.
So it has been fascinating to watch, the Aussie fighting hard trying not to let the Schleck brothers get away, and the Schlecks punching and counter punching their way up mountains trying to destroy Cadel.
The whole story has been complicated by their vastly different riding styles. Cadel is like a diesel, he goes and goes, but takes awhile to get up to speed. The Schleck's however have a very rapid acceleration, so watching the game of cat and mouse play out on the beautiful backdrop of the French countryside has been fascinating.
The race as a whole has been excellent this year, though I don't deny I'm a Cadel fan, and hoping desperately that after twice being runner up, this year will be his year. Although Cadel has finally got himself a half decent team, he is still the best on his team, which has left to do so much of the grunt work by himself.
After 19 days of racing, the last competitive stage (The final stage is more like a celebratory ride than a race) is about to begin. And this time it's every man for himself. The final stage is an individual time trial. Whereas the previous stages have allowed riders to work as a team in order to share the load and conserve energy. The final stage is a 40 odd kilometre race, every man for himself. Ultimately, the clock is the enemy. Cadel sits 57 seconds deficit of Andy Schleck, who holds the yellow Jersey. Schleck is not renowned for his time trialling, whilst Cadel is a road race champion. The hope tonight, is that Cadel can gain back that minute, and I know I'll be watching earnestly. If Evens can do it, there will be much excitement in this house.
So I urge you to watch it, it will be interesting to say the least. I haven't even mentioned the beautiful scenery, the tactics, the fact that this is the ultimate test of a persons physiology, and the incredible emotion that becomes evident amongst the winners and losers.
9:30 Tonight, grab a drink, settle in front of the TV and yell for Cadel.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Meanwhile, back on planet earth
I'm back in the lab. It hasn't changed at all. Feels weird to be there though. Even if I am just writing and not on the bench.
Also, passed my exams and the first semester. So If ever you need 1/8th of a doctor... I'd probably still see a very drunk regular doctor actually.
Lumpage out.
Edit: Also check this out, c/o Ashby www.lifechurchunley.org.au
Also, passed my exams and the first semester. So If ever you need 1/8th of a doctor... I'd probably still see a very drunk regular doctor actually.
Lumpage out.
Edit: Also check this out, c/o Ashby www.lifechurchunley.org.au
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Best day of my life candidate
Well, I just finished my recovery room placement. And it was perhaps the most fun and interesting time I've had in a while. I'm not really sure how to relive the experience through this blog. I realise, as I expressed in my last post, that in but a few years the whole morning will be viewed as mundane. And yet, the first time you get to see things, feel things, hear things and smell things... mind blowing.
That said, I rocked up anticipating to watch people wake up from surgery, be groggy and complain about post operative pain. And this is pretty much what I saw. A lot of pain rating, consciousness evaluation and doling out meds. Alas I didn't get to do much but ask a few questions and talk to a couple patients as a distraction. One of the nurses noticed by seeming idleness and asked me if I wanted to go jump in to theatre instead. And I certainly said yes.
I'd never been to theater before, nor seen any blood and guts glory. So I was off the chart excited. The aneasthetist was quite jovial and keen to let me do some hands on stuff.
"How much do you know about airway management?" He asked me.
"Enough to do basic life support, but that's about it."
"That'll be heaps! Now I've just stopped him from breathing so you might want to put this mask on him."
And so I did, but the guy seemed to resist it.
"Oooh we've got a fighter here! Love that!" And the Doc grabbed the mask back and fiddled with knobs. A nurse then came and got me and taught me how to scrub in. I'll be honest - I was bamboozled by the sterile gloves. They're all neatly folded and confusing, and I wasn't sure which part I should touch with my clean hands. All I've been taught from television is - don't contaminate yourself by touching something you shouldn't.
The operation was fascinating, got to watch an ACL be reconstructed. The orthopods were good teachers, and explained everything as they went. I asked questions, and most importantly didn't pass out or throw up. If anything I felt hungry.
I then got to cut stitches and staple the wound closed. I then followed the patient through to recovery and all was well. But then a doc from theatre came out and grabbed me again, offering me the opportunity to drop a tube down the next guys airway. It was sooo cool. I've seen it done on ER lots of times, but to actually jam the tongue down with the metal dealy, see the cords and then pass a tube through them - so cool! Best of all, it went in first shot, in the right spot. The surgeon then let me remove the screws from the guys metal plate and staple the wound closed. "I was working on the jeep yesterday, so this feels familiar." I said to the surgeon whilst removing the screws. He laughed. Man, it was blood on your hands type fun. So fun!
I'd wondered what surgery was going to be like, and I really enjoyed it. I always thought I'd end up doing a pseudo science/medical job. I thought surgery would be a bit too much time at work. But who knows!
I'm happy today!
That said, I rocked up anticipating to watch people wake up from surgery, be groggy and complain about post operative pain. And this is pretty much what I saw. A lot of pain rating, consciousness evaluation and doling out meds. Alas I didn't get to do much but ask a few questions and talk to a couple patients as a distraction. One of the nurses noticed by seeming idleness and asked me if I wanted to go jump in to theatre instead. And I certainly said yes.
I'd never been to theater before, nor seen any blood and guts glory. So I was off the chart excited. The aneasthetist was quite jovial and keen to let me do some hands on stuff.
"How much do you know about airway management?" He asked me.
"Enough to do basic life support, but that's about it."
"That'll be heaps! Now I've just stopped him from breathing so you might want to put this mask on him."
And so I did, but the guy seemed to resist it.
"Oooh we've got a fighter here! Love that!" And the Doc grabbed the mask back and fiddled with knobs. A nurse then came and got me and taught me how to scrub in. I'll be honest - I was bamboozled by the sterile gloves. They're all neatly folded and confusing, and I wasn't sure which part I should touch with my clean hands. All I've been taught from television is - don't contaminate yourself by touching something you shouldn't.
The operation was fascinating, got to watch an ACL be reconstructed. The orthopods were good teachers, and explained everything as they went. I asked questions, and most importantly didn't pass out or throw up. If anything I felt hungry.
I then got to cut stitches and staple the wound closed. I then followed the patient through to recovery and all was well. But then a doc from theatre came out and grabbed me again, offering me the opportunity to drop a tube down the next guys airway. It was sooo cool. I've seen it done on ER lots of times, but to actually jam the tongue down with the metal dealy, see the cords and then pass a tube through them - so cool! Best of all, it went in first shot, in the right spot. The surgeon then let me remove the screws from the guys metal plate and staple the wound closed. "I was working on the jeep yesterday, so this feels familiar." I said to the surgeon whilst removing the screws. He laughed. Man, it was blood on your hands type fun. So fun!
I'd wondered what surgery was going to be like, and I really enjoyed it. I always thought I'd end up doing a pseudo science/medical job. I thought surgery would be a bit too much time at work. But who knows!
I'm happy today!
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Ummm, is that normal?
"It's useful as an introduction to shake a patient's hand when meeting him or her. Apart from being polite, this may help the diagnosis of dystrophia myotinica, a rare muscle disease in which the patient may be unable to let go." T&O'C
I like medical books. They always contain these hilarious anecdotes of speculative value. I wish I could fill my thesis with observations like these. Oh well!
I'm excited, and it's sad. My first semester of medical school has been entirely theory. Very little in the way of hands on. It would be fair to say that I could have acquired more hands on experience at an over zealous church, of interesting denomination. But that's okay! Because this wednesday I get to do my recovery room placement. My understanding, is that I'll get to do such exciting things as:
Calculate volumes remaining in bags, and
Suction spittle and or emesis related products.
Nah, it won't be that lame. There will be the opportunity to keep peoples airways open so they don't die. This will amuse me because the person will be unconscious initially, and I've always wanted to see what happens when people wake from unconsciousness.
The thing is, I'm keenly aware that this will soon become mundane for me. I remember the times when we got undergrads in to the lab. They loved doing mundane things like loading gels, or pouring off supernatents. And now I'm that guy! And I'm excited about it! Groan!
I guess it's a good idea to at least be keen at the start though! Starting off bitter would be a bit silly. Fingers crossed I don't kill anyone, because that would be a serious blow to the psyche at this formative stage.
What I find ridiculous though, is that this is the first time I get to wear scrubs. And that's sadly the most exciting part of all! Even though there will be countless opportunities in the future... I'm really looking forward to it. I guess it's that moment where you start connecting that dream you had as a kid to reality. I hope it will be at least a small fraction of the goodness my mind has built it up to be, and that the patients will all be as good looking and interesting as those on Grey's anatomy.
I like medical books. They always contain these hilarious anecdotes of speculative value. I wish I could fill my thesis with observations like these. Oh well!
I'm excited, and it's sad. My first semester of medical school has been entirely theory. Very little in the way of hands on. It would be fair to say that I could have acquired more hands on experience at an over zealous church, of interesting denomination. But that's okay! Because this wednesday I get to do my recovery room placement. My understanding, is that I'll get to do such exciting things as:
Calculate volumes remaining in bags, and
Suction spittle and or emesis related products.
Nah, it won't be that lame. There will be the opportunity to keep peoples airways open so they don't die. This will amuse me because the person will be unconscious initially, and I've always wanted to see what happens when people wake from unconsciousness.
The thing is, I'm keenly aware that this will soon become mundane for me. I remember the times when we got undergrads in to the lab. They loved doing mundane things like loading gels, or pouring off supernatents. And now I'm that guy! And I'm excited about it! Groan!
I guess it's a good idea to at least be keen at the start though! Starting off bitter would be a bit silly. Fingers crossed I don't kill anyone, because that would be a serious blow to the psyche at this formative stage.
What I find ridiculous though, is that this is the first time I get to wear scrubs. And that's sadly the most exciting part of all! Even though there will be countless opportunities in the future... I'm really looking forward to it. I guess it's that moment where you start connecting that dream you had as a kid to reality. I hope it will be at least a small fraction of the goodness my mind has built it up to be, and that the patients will all be as good looking and interesting as those on Grey's anatomy.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Sailing on 'the live forever'
I'm watching stage one of the Tour de France, and I looove it.
Now that we've got the obvious out of the way, I think you should know. I have seen my future. Sort of. It's shocking.
I found myself in a waiting room in Flinders private Hospital, and I saw my future. My GP, referred me to go get my blood pressure monitored for 24 hours. I've never gone to a GP frequently enough to have a GP that I could claim to be my own. The advantage of getting sick once every three years I suppose. But my GP is suitably zealous, and keen to confirm the coatyness of my white coat hypertension.
"As a medical student, you'll enjoy it on another level!" She promised me. And I hoped I would.
As I sat in the waiting room of the cardiac clinic, I got to look around at my fellow visitors.
Old people.
Lots of them.
"I'll just take you through for an ECG, and then you'll meet with the doctor."
I heard that phrase a lot, spoken loudly and clearly. And then another old person would get called upon and the process would repeat.
Finally, after half an hour of having the life sucked out of me by old people admiring my young flesh I was called upon!
'Why am I here again?' I pondered to myself. This endless questioning continued as the nurse began to explain to me what blood pressure was. Very simply, slowly and loudly. Oh dear.
'I'm young!' My internal monologue screamed.
In the end it was okay. Except being woken up every half an hour by the BP cuff inflating. Results will be in in a couple of weeks, but I had a few peeks at the device and I seemed to be floating between normal and the bottom end of high normal. I suspect I shall live through the night.
Man, the French countryside is pretty. But it's looking a bit drier this year. Has a bit of a South Australian feel to it actually!
Now that we've got the obvious out of the way, I think you should know. I have seen my future. Sort of. It's shocking.
I found myself in a waiting room in Flinders private Hospital, and I saw my future. My GP, referred me to go get my blood pressure monitored for 24 hours. I've never gone to a GP frequently enough to have a GP that I could claim to be my own. The advantage of getting sick once every three years I suppose. But my GP is suitably zealous, and keen to confirm the coatyness of my white coat hypertension.
"As a medical student, you'll enjoy it on another level!" She promised me. And I hoped I would.
As I sat in the waiting room of the cardiac clinic, I got to look around at my fellow visitors.
Old people.
Lots of them.
"I'll just take you through for an ECG, and then you'll meet with the doctor."
I heard that phrase a lot, spoken loudly and clearly. And then another old person would get called upon and the process would repeat.
Finally, after half an hour of having the life sucked out of me by old people admiring my young flesh I was called upon!
'Why am I here again?' I pondered to myself. This endless questioning continued as the nurse began to explain to me what blood pressure was. Very simply, slowly and loudly. Oh dear.
'I'm young!' My internal monologue screamed.
In the end it was okay. Except being woken up every half an hour by the BP cuff inflating. Results will be in in a couple of weeks, but I had a few peeks at the device and I seemed to be floating between normal and the bottom end of high normal. I suspect I shall live through the night.
Man, the French countryside is pretty. But it's looking a bit drier this year. Has a bit of a South Australian feel to it actually!
Monday, June 27, 2011
Choices galore!
This will be quick. Had the multiple choice exam today, it was okay. Thought I'd stamp my authority on it by leaving early. Well, actually I decided not to second guess myself because looking for coincidental patterns in your answer sheet is a stupid idea.
Tomorrow is the written exam, and it will be time to test out my ability to stitch together the random facts rolling around my head in to a coherent answer. Can't wait!
I only ever left one exam early in science, usually because I had nowhere else to be after and enjoyed a good post exam chat. At least now I can claim to have walked out of an exam early in medicine.
And get this Adelaide people - at Flinders you get fifteen minutes of reading time! Not ten! It was weird. Especially pointless for multiple choice questions too. I do miss the Adelaide routine though. The person asking if anyone would like to read the code of conduct, the scraping of crappy metal chairs, the blatant defiance of students refusing to leave quietly because other students are still completing their exams.
Good times.
Tomorrow is the written exam, and it will be time to test out my ability to stitch together the random facts rolling around my head in to a coherent answer. Can't wait!
I only ever left one exam early in science, usually because I had nowhere else to be after and enjoyed a good post exam chat. At least now I can claim to have walked out of an exam early in medicine.
And get this Adelaide people - at Flinders you get fifteen minutes of reading time! Not ten! It was weird. Especially pointless for multiple choice questions too. I do miss the Adelaide routine though. The person asking if anyone would like to read the code of conduct, the scraping of crappy metal chairs, the blatant defiance of students refusing to leave quietly because other students are still completing their exams.
Good times.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Exams
Someone once told me "i'd like to hear more about the mundane stuff on your blog."
The fool! But actually, here's something. I have an exam on monday, and tuesday. Also wednesday. But I'm very calm for some reason. Fingers crossed.
Stuff for you to google maybe:
Best words of the semester: Dyspnea, Dyspareunia (try not to get them confused, you'll be laughed at by doctors.)
Points of order: Peritoneum, perineum (Avoid confusing these. You'll be laughed at by patients, until you ask them to bend over while you examine their abdomen pain.)
Words and things I consistently forget: Anisocytosis, graded potential, Arachnoid Villi, NPY, AGRP neurons, and the one asprin breaks down to. I forget...
The fool! But actually, here's something. I have an exam on monday, and tuesday. Also wednesday. But I'm very calm for some reason. Fingers crossed.
Stuff for you to google maybe:
Best words of the semester: Dyspnea, Dyspareunia (try not to get them confused, you'll be laughed at by doctors.)
Points of order: Peritoneum, perineum (Avoid confusing these. You'll be laughed at by patients, until you ask them to bend over while you examine their abdomen pain.)
Words and things I consistently forget: Anisocytosis, graded potential, Arachnoid Villi, NPY, AGRP neurons, and the one asprin breaks down to. I forget...
Saturday, June 18, 2011
More Asbestos!
November 2006. That was the last time I sat an exam. Biotechnology practice or something. It seems like so long ago. And now the cyclical nature of the studious life has spun around again, and I find myself staring down the barrel of three exams.
Unfortunately, my casual disregard toward them is making my motivation to recram everything I have learned over the past semester a trifle more difficult. Still, it scares me that in 3 years I'll be back to being beyond exams again. Hopefully this time I'll mean it.
The one exam I'm actually concerned about the possibility of failure is the 'Health Psychology' exam. It's a ridiculous subject, that has many things in it I shall likely never use again. Still, jumping through hoops is all part of the exciting journey.
Perhaps one of the more novel forms of assessment that we have undertaken this year is the overly vague "reflective writing." Essentially they make us do some activity, in this case it has been 'cultural safety.' Then we are to write about the experience and what we have learned. I was actually impressed with the education session, as my understanding of aboriginal culture was rather limited, and now I feel like I know a little more. Furthermore, it wasn't the white bashing session I thought it was going to be. Australia obviously has a cringe-worthy history when it comes to dealing with Aboriginal and Torres straight islanders, and I think we've acknowledged that. But the session itself didn't resort to finger pointing, which was good because I didn't think any of the students were personally responsible for history. But I'm starting to wonder about the rather militant marking process.
In med, everything is NGP (non graded pass). You pass or fail. One would have thought that in a reflection, where you state your thoughts and feeling about an issue it would be rather difficult to fail. After all, how can your own thoughts and feeling be wrong in the absence of a marking criteria? Well, apparently in cultural safety, they can be.
I haven't gotten my mark back yet, but some have, and some genuinely smart people have failed! It seems the secret to passing is not to express your own thoughts, but to stick to the party line and accuse everyone you know of being racist.
Sigh. This isn't what I thought med would be like!
Unfortunately, my casual disregard toward them is making my motivation to recram everything I have learned over the past semester a trifle more difficult. Still, it scares me that in 3 years I'll be back to being beyond exams again. Hopefully this time I'll mean it.
The one exam I'm actually concerned about the possibility of failure is the 'Health Psychology' exam. It's a ridiculous subject, that has many things in it I shall likely never use again. Still, jumping through hoops is all part of the exciting journey.
Perhaps one of the more novel forms of assessment that we have undertaken this year is the overly vague "reflective writing." Essentially they make us do some activity, in this case it has been 'cultural safety.' Then we are to write about the experience and what we have learned. I was actually impressed with the education session, as my understanding of aboriginal culture was rather limited, and now I feel like I know a little more. Furthermore, it wasn't the white bashing session I thought it was going to be. Australia obviously has a cringe-worthy history when it comes to dealing with Aboriginal and Torres straight islanders, and I think we've acknowledged that. But the session itself didn't resort to finger pointing, which was good because I didn't think any of the students were personally responsible for history. But I'm starting to wonder about the rather militant marking process.
In med, everything is NGP (non graded pass). You pass or fail. One would have thought that in a reflection, where you state your thoughts and feeling about an issue it would be rather difficult to fail. After all, how can your own thoughts and feeling be wrong in the absence of a marking criteria? Well, apparently in cultural safety, they can be.
I haven't gotten my mark back yet, but some have, and some genuinely smart people have failed! It seems the secret to passing is not to express your own thoughts, but to stick to the party line and accuse everyone you know of being racist.
Sigh. This isn't what I thought med would be like!
Monday, June 13, 2011
Exhaustive research
Have you ever wondered what colour the average person wears? According to my clothes dryer, the average colour is light purple. Ah ha, yes. A math based observation. I'd be intrigued to see if everyone's lint basket was the same colour as mine*. Or as full of shrapnel.
*Actually, not really.
*Actually, not really.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
The social network
One experiment I'd really like to do, is poke all of my facebook friends. I'd like to see what % responds. Then make a graph of how long it takes for them to poke back. I'd also like to see if there is a poke decay rate if a poke war is entered. I reckon it has the potential to be the basis of a humorous internet article. Maybe I'll try it over the holidays.
Yes I used to be a scientist. The only thing is, there are some people on my list I just don't want to poke. Do I dare break social norms for science?
Here's my hypothesis:
Less than 10% of people would respond.
There will be a decay rate of 50% per poke cycle.
My friend count will decline and people will be annoyed by me :)
Feel free to conjecture madly team!
Yes I used to be a scientist. The only thing is, there are some people on my list I just don't want to poke. Do I dare break social norms for science?
Here's my hypothesis:
Less than 10% of people would respond.
There will be a decay rate of 50% per poke cycle.
My friend count will decline and people will be annoyed by me :)
Feel free to conjecture madly team!
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
I love you too Google
I'm not saying I'm completely and utterly amazing. But for some magical reason, I come up as the second search result when you google: This
Classic.
Classic.
Monday, May 30, 2011
SPSS
I haven't blagged for a bit. It's because of this stupid statistics assignment. I understand why they want us to know hot to interpret stats/data. But I'm not sure why they are making us learn how to use a computer program from scratch. It hurts me. Deeply. Truly.
Enjoy ( I hope you like radiohead!)
Enjoy ( I hope you like radiohead!)
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Hmmm
As a medical student, I feel like I shouldn't have the time to procrastinate so much. And yet here I am... Tips anyone?
Friday, May 20, 2011
It went something like this..
Colleague: " So pulmonary tuburculosis is localised to the lungs, but if the granuloma fails due to immuno-suppression you can get invasion in to the blood, which is military TB."
Myself: "Military TB?"
Colleague: "Yeah, military TB."
Myself " Do you mean Miliary TB?
Colleague "What? Miliary? I've been reading that as military all week!"
Other colleague "Me too."
Oh dear! Having it as military would make more sense though...
Myself: "Military TB?"
Colleague: "Yeah, military TB."
Myself " Do you mean Miliary TB?
Colleague "What? Miliary? I've been reading that as military all week!"
Other colleague "Me too."
Oh dear! Having it as military would make more sense though...
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
On taxes and the like.
We has our first PBL patient die today. A lot of us have been looking forward to this day for some time. Not eagerly, but just anticipating that one day our ficticous patient will be incurable.
Our dude had X-linked agammaglobulinemia, and like every other week I made the bold assertion that this was the week where our candidate would die. "One day he'll just get a mean infection, go septic and die."
I was pleased with my balanced immunological assessment, but it didn't feel so good to have boasted it when the slide revealed the guy died three years after a heart lung transplant... and the fictitious character was based on a real person. It's going to be weird when an actual patient dies on me.
I recalled to a colleague today how I just happened to rock up at a crash scene after the ambulance had left. There wasn't much to see except a smashed windscreen and a mangled bicycle. I got home and read on the news that the cyclist had died, and I felt sad about that. A guy going for a ride gets killed by a careless motorist. It seemed genuinely tragic. Unfortunately the person I related this story to was a paramedic and was very meh about the whole ordeal. It made me think though.
The great irony was that I was driving back from a breakfast at church where one of the key points was "You are... going to die." Not to be overly dramatic or anything, just getting one of those certainties of life out there. While a hundred metres away an unwitting man was breathing his last, face up on Unley Road.
What does it all mean?
Our dude had X-linked agammaglobulinemia, and like every other week I made the bold assertion that this was the week where our candidate would die. "One day he'll just get a mean infection, go septic and die."
I was pleased with my balanced immunological assessment, but it didn't feel so good to have boasted it when the slide revealed the guy died three years after a heart lung transplant... and the fictitious character was based on a real person. It's going to be weird when an actual patient dies on me.
I recalled to a colleague today how I just happened to rock up at a crash scene after the ambulance had left. There wasn't much to see except a smashed windscreen and a mangled bicycle. I got home and read on the news that the cyclist had died, and I felt sad about that. A guy going for a ride gets killed by a careless motorist. It seemed genuinely tragic. Unfortunately the person I related this story to was a paramedic and was very meh about the whole ordeal. It made me think though.
The great irony was that I was driving back from a breakfast at church where one of the key points was "You are... going to die." Not to be overly dramatic or anything, just getting one of those certainties of life out there. While a hundred metres away an unwitting man was breathing his last, face up on Unley Road.
What does it all mean?
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Crusty bitter old dean
So in the time that has past since my last entry, I have had a shower. But in that time I managed to remind myself to write more of the hilarious things that happen.
For example, I rocked up at medball, and stood outside in the line behind an older chap and his wife. Given that the line was long and we had both found ourselves seperated from our associates we introduced ourselves.
"I'm a first year." I told the guy, having never seen him before in my life. I then gave him a little bit more of my back story, as he prompted, seeming interested.
"What about yourself, I asked. Are you a student as well?" I asked politely, somewhat unsure what to ask because I'd not seen him around uni.
"No, I'm the dean."
"Uhhhh. Well you never can tell with the variety of age ranges around here..." I replied happily, trying to dig my way out. But it was okay, and we had a nice little chat.
About 20 minutes later though, a friend of mine came and said "So I hear you met the dean!" Sigh!
Better to keep your mouth closed and be thought of as a fool, then to open your mouth and prove them correct, right?
For example, I rocked up at medball, and stood outside in the line behind an older chap and his wife. Given that the line was long and we had both found ourselves seperated from our associates we introduced ourselves.
"I'm a first year." I told the guy, having never seen him before in my life. I then gave him a little bit more of my back story, as he prompted, seeming interested.
"What about yourself, I asked. Are you a student as well?" I asked politely, somewhat unsure what to ask because I'd not seen him around uni.
"No, I'm the dean."
"Uhhhh. Well you never can tell with the variety of age ranges around here..." I replied happily, trying to dig my way out. But it was okay, and we had a nice little chat.
About 20 minutes later though, a friend of mine came and said "So I hear you met the dean!" Sigh!
Better to keep your mouth closed and be thought of as a fool, then to open your mouth and prove them correct, right?
Med School Redux
For the longest time I regarded medical students with a begrudging respect. We were of course no different. Except that they had gotten in, and I had not. Now that I'm in, it's nice to see that the people aren't that different to the regular Joes. In fact, I've been pleasantly surprised with the variety of people in medical school. They all seem genuinely nice, with the great majority actually interested in the material they are trying to learn - a refreshing change from science.
I do believe I shall enjoy my present company for the next four years.
Anyway, I said I'd make a few comments about 'rural' day. Well, it was fun. We did coat ourselves with plaster, cannulate a fake arm and sew together a piece of foam in the manner in which skin can be done. And that was all well and good, as it's fun to do hands on things. But scarily, I think I may have become a bit of a convert towards doing a stint in the country.
Prior to the session, I really couldn't think of anything less desirable, I mean - the city is where all the cool stuff happens right? But now it seems as though it might not be a bad thing to spend a year in the sticks. Certainly more challenging, but perhaps more rewarding and useful for my education. I'm really torn now, and am actually hanging our for more info. How very unlike me!
Besides, I still feel positive toward one day moving out! This would be a great way of getting that underway!
I do believe I shall enjoy my present company for the next four years.
Anyway, I said I'd make a few comments about 'rural' day. Well, it was fun. We did coat ourselves with plaster, cannulate a fake arm and sew together a piece of foam in the manner in which skin can be done. And that was all well and good, as it's fun to do hands on things. But scarily, I think I may have become a bit of a convert towards doing a stint in the country.
Prior to the session, I really couldn't think of anything less desirable, I mean - the city is where all the cool stuff happens right? But now it seems as though it might not be a bad thing to spend a year in the sticks. Certainly more challenging, but perhaps more rewarding and useful for my education. I'm really torn now, and am actually hanging our for more info. How very unlike me!
Besides, I still feel positive toward one day moving out! This would be a great way of getting that underway!
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Word to your mother
Medball yesterday. Fun.
Rural day tomorrow, should be interesting. Cannulating a fake arm etc. Having said that, I wouldn't call Port Elliott rural. I'll let you know how it goes.
Went to the doctor, because one of the med students thought I had high blood pressure when we were practicing with the sphingo. I actually went to the doc to get my vaccination stuff checked off, but got her to retake my BP to confirm that first year med students don't know how to do blood pressures properly. Unfortunately, it was high again. Now I have to get it checked again over 24h, to see whether I actually have some underlying pathology or whether it's all white coat fever.
Knowing me, it's probably all in my mind... and arteries. Better to be safe than sorry right?
Rural day tomorrow, should be interesting. Cannulating a fake arm etc. Having said that, I wouldn't call Port Elliott rural. I'll let you know how it goes.
Went to the doctor, because one of the med students thought I had high blood pressure when we were practicing with the sphingo. I actually went to the doc to get my vaccination stuff checked off, but got her to retake my BP to confirm that first year med students don't know how to do blood pressures properly. Unfortunately, it was high again. Now I have to get it checked again over 24h, to see whether I actually have some underlying pathology or whether it's all white coat fever.
Knowing me, it's probably all in my mind... and arteries. Better to be safe than sorry right?
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Mike Robe's
The plus side of having experience in immunology/microbiology/biochemistry, is a feel very comfortable with most of the lecture material being thrown at me at this stage.
Apparently the lecturer today recognised my comfort, as well as my person, when pointing out the wide scale of experience in the room. The wonderful lecturer, who was until recently a researcher at Adelaide uni, even took the opportunity to wave hello to me.
Top of the class!? Gosh I hope it translates to results!
It has been really nice to revisit some good old immunology concepts though. I've missed the basic stuff, and it's nice to feel like I actually know something again.
Apparently the lecturer today recognised my comfort, as well as my person, when pointing out the wide scale of experience in the room. The wonderful lecturer, who was until recently a researcher at Adelaide uni, even took the opportunity to wave hello to me.
Top of the class!? Gosh I hope it translates to results!
It has been really nice to revisit some good old immunology concepts though. I've missed the basic stuff, and it's nice to feel like I actually know something again.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Lyse!
I had my second SP interview last week. It was okay, I didn't forget any questions, but I did fail on some follow up questions. That's okay though, as it gives me something to write about as I relive the horror over the internet.
I can't tell you too much about what my patient had (apparently) *cough cough* *wink* but when I walked in I noticed he had a medic alert bracelet on. I made a mental note of it, but then forgot about it, as you do. When I asked him about allergies, he said "strawberries," and I went "Okay!" completely forgetting about the patients medic alert bracelet.
As the faux interview finished, and I headed for the door, I suddenly remembered the stupid bracelet. "Was I meant to ask about the bracelet - it completely slipped my mind" I asked the tutor. The SP, who was still there looked down at his arm, and then back at me and laughed. "No, I'm just actually allergic to penicillin." I was greatly, and inappropriately relieved!
As I wandered off down the hall, I heard the SP telling my tutor I was a very observant student. Made me feel good! So here's my tip: If you want to positively influence the outcome of your SP interviews, clarify whether you should have asked about something quasi relevant after the fact. Try these maybe:
"I found the SP was extremely unattractive, should I have asked about depression?" or
"The SP was wearing Kappa and Fubu, should I have asked more questions about illicit drug use?"
I hope this helps.
I can't tell you too much about what my patient had (apparently) *cough cough* *wink* but when I walked in I noticed he had a medic alert bracelet on. I made a mental note of it, but then forgot about it, as you do. When I asked him about allergies, he said "strawberries," and I went "Okay!" completely forgetting about the patients medic alert bracelet.
As the faux interview finished, and I headed for the door, I suddenly remembered the stupid bracelet. "Was I meant to ask about the bracelet - it completely slipped my mind" I asked the tutor. The SP, who was still there looked down at his arm, and then back at me and laughed. "No, I'm just actually allergic to penicillin." I was greatly, and inappropriately relieved!
As I wandered off down the hall, I heard the SP telling my tutor I was a very observant student. Made me feel good! So here's my tip: If you want to positively influence the outcome of your SP interviews, clarify whether you should have asked about something quasi relevant after the fact. Try these maybe:
"I found the SP was extremely unattractive, should I have asked about depression?" or
"The SP was wearing Kappa and Fubu, should I have asked more questions about illicit drug use?"
I hope this helps.
Monday, April 25, 2011
A real shocker
I think I will never ever ever be bothered to polish a car again. That took way too much time, even if it does look amazing.
And the new fenders? It took me four hours and I only replaced one of them. It also looks amazing though. The Jeep is turning in to one sleek beast. It's just a shame about the woeful fuel economy, it's a really cool car otherwise.
Hopefully next summer will be less rainy and I can leave the top off for longer.
And the new fenders? It took me four hours and I only replaced one of them. It also looks amazing though. The Jeep is turning in to one sleek beast. It's just a shame about the woeful fuel economy, it's a really cool car otherwise.
Hopefully next summer will be less rainy and I can leave the top off for longer.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
It's all about passion
Today I met a person, who had quit there $100k+ a year job as a radiographer to study medicine. I thought that was encouraging. It's nice to know that there are lots of peeps doing it for the passion.
I went to a research night last night - highlighting something of the medical research going on in FMC. Some of it was boring, other parts weren't my cup of tea. But I felt a niggle within me. Something that I haven't felt for a long time. I think, I'm almost out of my burn out phase and am almost ready to get back on the bandwagon again. I'm not planning on rushing it though, but I felt this feeling once before during the break before starting my PhD. I'm feeling like being back on the bench... Though the thought still churns my stomach a little.
Had a cruise through the hematology labs today though, as part of my education about blood. That was interesting, and reminded me again what all that basic research is about. Discovering something useful, putting it in to practice, and making a difference.
*contented sigh*
I went to a research night last night - highlighting something of the medical research going on in FMC. Some of it was boring, other parts weren't my cup of tea. But I felt a niggle within me. Something that I haven't felt for a long time. I think, I'm almost out of my burn out phase and am almost ready to get back on the bandwagon again. I'm not planning on rushing it though, but I felt this feeling once before during the break before starting my PhD. I'm feeling like being back on the bench... Though the thought still churns my stomach a little.
Had a cruise through the hematology labs today though, as part of my education about blood. That was interesting, and reminded me again what all that basic research is about. Discovering something useful, putting it in to practice, and making a difference.
*contented sigh*
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Site update
Even though most of you read this blog through some form of feed reader, just thought I'd tell you that I've gone to the effort of changing the way everything looks. The blogger default settings are gone. Please enjoy my new visually pleasing page elements.
That's all really. Med school has hit the end of the first block. Goodbye basic biochemistry, hello immunology. Fingers crossed for some exciting medical conditions soon!
That's all really. Med school has hit the end of the first block. Goodbye basic biochemistry, hello immunology. Fingers crossed for some exciting medical conditions soon!
Thursday, April 14, 2011
You can't spell progression without progress
I'm a bit worried. Well, not really. But I've relaised that the biochem book I purchased when I was an undergrad is now out of date. Which means, rather tragically. Not only have I forgotten the stuff I learned when I was an undergrad, but the field has moved on a long way... and now I need a new book.
On the up-side. I have been using even older books, and found some of the stuff to be relevant still! Dad's pharmacology text, managed to discuss the hip new drug naloxone. The good thing about that book, is that it was written in the days before molecular biology kicked off, and they had no idea what a receptor was. Gosh, why couldn't I be older?!
In other news, I have a sore back. I shared this with my tutorial group, unwisely. They then began executing the CC method of history taking on me, curious as to how the condition was effecting my life. Didn't really give them the marks for empathy, but at least they tried!
On the up-side. I have been using even older books, and found some of the stuff to be relevant still! Dad's pharmacology text, managed to discuss the hip new drug naloxone. The good thing about that book, is that it was written in the days before molecular biology kicked off, and they had no idea what a receptor was. Gosh, why couldn't I be older?!
In other news, I have a sore back. I shared this with my tutorial group, unwisely. They then began executing the CC method of history taking on me, curious as to how the condition was effecting my life. Didn't really give them the marks for empathy, but at least they tried!
Notes *pun*
"There are two ways to kill a song. Either speed it to death, or drag it slowly to death. If you're gonna kill it, at least err on the side of caution, and kill it quickly."
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Peace like a river, joy like a fountain
Medical students are renowned for their hypochondriacal capacity to take on the disease they are studying that week. This week we're examining obesity... I'm... yeah I'm not feeling it this week.
Truth be told I have no exciting stories to tell. I had my mantoux test, where they inject tuberculin just under you skin (so your skin bubbles up visibly) to see if you have an immune response. Unsurprisingly, the result indicates I have never had TB. Hooray! Hooray, because this means I'm nearly done with the paperwork and vaccinations!
I'm not sure what I'm gonna do with my lazy Friday arvo this week. Every Friday for the last three weeks I've taken a needle to the arm. Maybe I'll go get that flu vax script filled...
Truth be told I have no exciting stories to tell. I had my mantoux test, where they inject tuberculin just under you skin (so your skin bubbles up visibly) to see if you have an immune response. Unsurprisingly, the result indicates I have never had TB. Hooray! Hooray, because this means I'm nearly done with the paperwork and vaccinations!
I'm not sure what I'm gonna do with my lazy Friday arvo this week. Every Friday for the last three weeks I've taken a needle to the arm. Maybe I'll go get that flu vax script filled...
Thursday, April 7, 2011
A day in the life of a diabetic vet
I'll be honest - today was a good day. I haven't done anywhere near as much work as I need to though, so many learning issues about to be phoned in!
Anyway, today I got to feel pseudo doctorly. First by actually having a decent interview with a patient. Secondly, we did this diabetic workshop thing, which was really informative. I think being a diabetic sucks, but its better than it used to be anyway. The highlight of the whole experience was testing our own blood glucose levels. I was 4.8, which means I've staved off diabetes for another day. Hooray! The whole experience culminated with jamming an insulin syringe filled with saline in to your own stomach. Deliberately sticking yourself with a needle is an interesting experience, but it all went okay in the end, with only a small amount of blood lost.
It was amusing, some people were unable to inject themselves, whilst others would spend time building up the courage. One guy just jammed it right in... I bet he'll turn in to surgeon.
And tonight I spent the night suturing a pig back together. That was perhaps the most fun... but boy I need some practice in order to get those brain pathways down right... For the record, my horizontal and vertical mattress sutures are beautiful. Can't wait to try them on human flesh!
Anyway, today I got to feel pseudo doctorly. First by actually having a decent interview with a patient. Secondly, we did this diabetic workshop thing, which was really informative. I think being a diabetic sucks, but its better than it used to be anyway. The highlight of the whole experience was testing our own blood glucose levels. I was 4.8, which means I've staved off diabetes for another day. Hooray! The whole experience culminated with jamming an insulin syringe filled with saline in to your own stomach. Deliberately sticking yourself with a needle is an interesting experience, but it all went okay in the end, with only a small amount of blood lost.
It was amusing, some people were unable to inject themselves, whilst others would spend time building up the courage. One guy just jammed it right in... I bet he'll turn in to surgeon.
And tonight I spent the night suturing a pig back together. That was perhaps the most fun... but boy I need some practice in order to get those brain pathways down right... For the record, my horizontal and vertical mattress sutures are beautiful. Can't wait to try them on human flesh!
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Empathetic nods all 'round!
Apparently being able to communicate is a necessary skill, if you are to function as a successful doctor, and not be sued. Most lawsuits apparently pertain to certain aspects of treatment and potential outcomes not being communicated effectively. So there is an understandably strong focus in trying to get us to communicate well with patients from the beginning.
One technique is just to sit there quietly and not, allowing an awkward silence to build so that the patient is forced to tell you what's on their mind. If this doesn't work you are then allowed to ask them if they have something on their mind that might be concerning them. It actually works horribly well, as patients tend to keep giving you information if you don't cut them off, and everyone feels great.
So with the task of attentive listening at hand, I set off to perform a patient history in front of my tutorial group (eight people) and a tutor. Unfortunately, the patient who was randomly selected - which is a story in itself owing to some confusion regarding where certain wards end and others finish, was a rambler. He was great though, but he went in painstaking detail, even mentioning the weather, about the previous seven days where he had been in and out and then back in to hospital. Regrettably, my task of attentive listening, general politeness, as well as my lack of authority as a medical student, meant I was disarmed as I tried to direct the conversation back around to specific symptoms. On the upside, and before I even knew what was happening, he was proudly showing us his epic rash! It was hilarious, and the guy was pretty upbeat about it all, despite being painfully itchy.
A long time later I abandoned the CC method of history taking and then escaped, much to the relief of the tute group who had to stand quietly for what seemed like 20 minutes, without glancing at their watches. The history itself was quite interesting... I just hope there is a section in the future that will teach you how to make your patients concise yet human.
I think part of the problem was that he was telling me about the disease he was being treated for. But I, being only 4% of a doctor, had no idea what he was talking about, but then chose to nod so as not to interrupt the guys narrative. Oh well! Live and learn and blog!
One technique is just to sit there quietly and not, allowing an awkward silence to build so that the patient is forced to tell you what's on their mind. If this doesn't work you are then allowed to ask them if they have something on their mind that might be concerning them. It actually works horribly well, as patients tend to keep giving you information if you don't cut them off, and everyone feels great.
So with the task of attentive listening at hand, I set off to perform a patient history in front of my tutorial group (eight people) and a tutor. Unfortunately, the patient who was randomly selected - which is a story in itself owing to some confusion regarding where certain wards end and others finish, was a rambler. He was great though, but he went in painstaking detail, even mentioning the weather, about the previous seven days where he had been in and out and then back in to hospital. Regrettably, my task of attentive listening, general politeness, as well as my lack of authority as a medical student, meant I was disarmed as I tried to direct the conversation back around to specific symptoms. On the upside, and before I even knew what was happening, he was proudly showing us his epic rash! It was hilarious, and the guy was pretty upbeat about it all, despite being painfully itchy.
A long time later I abandoned the CC method of history taking and then escaped, much to the relief of the tute group who had to stand quietly for what seemed like 20 minutes, without glancing at their watches. The history itself was quite interesting... I just hope there is a section in the future that will teach you how to make your patients concise yet human.
I think part of the problem was that he was telling me about the disease he was being treated for. But I, being only 4% of a doctor, had no idea what he was talking about, but then chose to nod so as not to interrupt the guys narrative. Oh well! Live and learn and blog!
Monday, April 4, 2011
You're mugly - a public service announcement.
Is it just me, or are the photos they show of people who have been murdered, or gone missing, on the news always terrible? Always the worst shot, often taken from a small portion of a larger photo, where the victim is the only one not looking at the camera properly. I swear it's a conspiracy.
So please, prepare for this eventuality. Lodge your favourite photo of yourself with your loved ones (unless you suspect they plan to kill you, then choose someone else) just in case your mug ever needs to go on the telly.
So please, prepare for this eventuality. Lodge your favourite photo of yourself with your loved ones (unless you suspect they plan to kill you, then choose someone else) just in case your mug ever needs to go on the telly.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
On the economics of shaving your own head
Cleaned my room today. The thing about staying at home for too long is you accumulate a lot of junk, and then let it pile up. Well, jam it under your bed. I finally had the heart to throw out my old school bag and some books, as well as my old (and rapidly deteriorating) cricket gear. It's funny the way you can be sentimental about some things for so long, and then one day decide you'd rather throw it out then get all the dust off it*. How times change!
Have come down with a wicked man cold though. It's not that debilitating, but you know... man cold. And my arm has swollen up from that stupid tetanus shot... grumble grumble.
Actually, I got my blood tests back. I have no infectious diseases and immune to everything. Also my blood showed, once again that I am as fit as a fiddle. This healthiness is making it harder to pander my hypochondriac tendencies!
*If you're trying to find deeper meaning in this blog, you might want to reflect on this paragraph, rather than the stuff to come
Have come down with a wicked man cold though. It's not that debilitating, but you know... man cold. And my arm has swollen up from that stupid tetanus shot... grumble grumble.
Actually, I got my blood tests back. I have no infectious diseases and immune to everything. Also my blood showed, once again that I am as fit as a fiddle. This healthiness is making it harder to pander my hypochondriac tendencies!
*If you're trying to find deeper meaning in this blog, you might want to reflect on this paragraph, rather than the stuff to come
Monday, March 28, 2011
Slippery dippery
One thing I didn't reflect on yesterday was the issue of lubricants. When I was putting the bushes on the sway bar, I happily followed the instructions, which were short and lacking detailed information. I applied this viscous lubricant stuff they supplied in a little tube as I saw fit. Now I'm familiar with the petroleum based lubricants, and also the water based stuff too, but...
Under the assumption that whatever I got on my hand would wash off later with water or, at worst washing detergent, I spread the goo around with my finger. The sway bar worked amazing, but I just couldnt get the traces of goo off my hands - it was like some sort of nightmare, where the blood doesnt wash off! Water, dishwashing liquid, Omo. My hands were unstoppably hydrophobic and smooth. It was horrible. To make matters worse, everything I touched seemed to be imparted with this smooth property. I feel like my face is still oddly smooth from where my hands have touched it.
Anyway, two days later and the sensation has gone. I figured it must be a silicon based lubricant, which would make sense in retrospect. Still, icky stuff! Stay away from silicone if you can! (That's a general life suggestion too.)
Amusingly, I must have gotten some silicone on my face, as when I went to shave later that night, my poorly maintained electric clippers picked up speed. Yay for silver linings!
Under the assumption that whatever I got on my hand would wash off later with water or, at worst washing detergent, I spread the goo around with my finger. The sway bar worked amazing, but I just couldnt get the traces of goo off my hands - it was like some sort of nightmare, where the blood doesnt wash off! Water, dishwashing liquid, Omo. My hands were unstoppably hydrophobic and smooth. It was horrible. To make matters worse, everything I touched seemed to be imparted with this smooth property. I feel like my face is still oddly smooth from where my hands have touched it.
Anyway, two days later and the sensation has gone. I figured it must be a silicon based lubricant, which would make sense in retrospect. Still, icky stuff! Stay away from silicone if you can! (That's a general life suggestion too.)
Amusingly, I must have gotten some silicone on my face, as when I went to shave later that night, my poorly maintained electric clippers picked up speed. Yay for silver linings!
Sunday, March 27, 2011
100 grit.
After what has been a rougher than usual week, I managed to crawl under the Jeep and replace the bushes. And it only took me two trips to the tool shop! On the plus side I now own a lot of shiny sockets, and it was an excellent excuse to use my mostly untouched torque wrench. The jeep is now a lot more steady on its feet as it goes around corners. One of the bushes had perished somewhat and was filled up with crud. Hardly helpful, I'll do the rears and the shocks next weekend.
I'm becoming more and more excited about medicine. The initial fear has started to wear off, and I seem to be keeping up with the work with the best of them, so I reckon I'll be okay. One of my greatest fears, which I shall disclose to you now is... needles. Well, needles that are going in to me. For a few times there I was getting really woozy whenever someone took my blood or vaccinated me. Since then I've lived in fear of passing out. However the last few times I've been jabbed have been great. On Friday they took my blood to see what I am, or am not immune to, and all was well. I'm keenly awaiting the time when I get to attack my fellow students to sample the claret that lies within (and then presumably trying it on real sick people!)
Having done a few IVs on mice, I think most of my patients won't wriggle so much they break their necks.
I'm becoming more and more excited about medicine. The initial fear has started to wear off, and I seem to be keeping up with the work with the best of them, so I reckon I'll be okay. One of my greatest fears, which I shall disclose to you now is... needles. Well, needles that are going in to me. For a few times there I was getting really woozy whenever someone took my blood or vaccinated me. Since then I've lived in fear of passing out. However the last few times I've been jabbed have been great. On Friday they took my blood to see what I am, or am not immune to, and all was well. I'm keenly awaiting the time when I get to attack my fellow students to sample the claret that lies within (and then presumably trying it on real sick people!)
Having done a few IVs on mice, I think most of my patients won't wriggle so much they break their necks.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
A knee? Me? Errr
I hate finding out that something you thought of as a disease, is actually a collective description for something caused by a lot of different diseases.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
The Jeep
I have a jeep. It's a fun little thing. Well, when I say fun I mean entertaining. But I enjoy driving it. The great thing about it, is that it's American. So it is made of bits. There's no fancy engineering here. The bits just bolt on to each other. There's no intricate networks of anything. This weekend I'm gonna take a crack at my sway bar bushings I think. 6 months ago I had no idea what they were. In fact I had no idea what bushes did. Now I do, and now I'm gonna take a crack at replacing them.
I find this whole concept exciting, and that's probably really lame. However, i got a quote for getting my whole suspension done, and it was about 7 times the cost of me buying the parts and doing it myself. So I feel like I'm saving money and being productive.
If this whole medicine gig falls though, I'm becoming a mechanic. It's basically the same job after all.
Yay!
I find this whole concept exciting, and that's probably really lame. However, i got a quote for getting my whole suspension done, and it was about 7 times the cost of me buying the parts and doing it myself. So I feel like I'm saving money and being productive.
If this whole medicine gig falls though, I'm becoming a mechanic. It's basically the same job after all.
Yay!
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Thoughts
Quick update today. A thought on medicine, anatomy and bits and bobs.
I wish I spoke latin. I've looked at enough textbooks now to spot common trends with the words. So, being the smarty pants I am, I go look up that frequently occurring word, and it's always ridiculous. The latin word is always 'hole' or 'lumpy bit' or 'bendy bit.' Never anything overly smart sounding... I realise now why medicos keep the Latin version. People will happily pay a GP to examine their gluteal sulcus, but not the English equivalent.
Funny money.
I wish I spoke latin. I've looked at enough textbooks now to spot common trends with the words. So, being the smarty pants I am, I go look up that frequently occurring word, and it's always ridiculous. The latin word is always 'hole' or 'lumpy bit' or 'bendy bit.' Never anything overly smart sounding... I realise now why medicos keep the Latin version. People will happily pay a GP to examine their gluteal sulcus, but not the English equivalent.
Funny money.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Learning to learn
It's strange. One minute you're sitting in a lecture theatre learning about nothing related to medicine. Then 20 minutes later you're holding a brain and attempting to grasp the novelty of the situation, given the brain in your hand made the conscious decision to be there.
Strange strange paradox. Actually, I'm not sure its a paradox. But weird as.
Ugh, had to watch a video of myself talking to my SP. For some reason I chose 'excellent' to be my word of affirmation that day. I believe I said it five times in 90 seconds. Apart from the excellence of the situation, it went well. I reckon I have my first NGP coming my way... Yay!
Strange strange paradox. Actually, I'm not sure its a paradox. But weird as.
Ugh, had to watch a video of myself talking to my SP. For some reason I chose 'excellent' to be my word of affirmation that day. I believe I said it five times in 90 seconds. Apart from the excellence of the situation, it went well. I reckon I have my first NGP coming my way... Yay!
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Action! Potential?
Well, I feel that Flinders is taking a discretely military approach to first aid training. They let you go nuts and do CPR on a dummy whilst watching you through a one way mirror... I feel completely inadequate now, and ready to be built back up in to a real person. I started off with the whole DR!ABC thing, but unless you've actually had to use it before... argh.
It's an interesting exercise really. They make you realise you know nothing, so they can teach you effectively. Either way, I'm intrigued to find out whether my dummy was dead, or really dead by the time my three minutes of agony ended.
Urgh, again. And just when I was feeling so confident since I could effectively use a microscope.
It's an interesting exercise really. They make you realise you know nothing, so they can teach you effectively. Either way, I'm intrigued to find out whether my dummy was dead, or really dead by the time my three minutes of agony ended.
Urgh, again. And just when I was feeling so confident since I could effectively use a microscope.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
My kind of learning
PBL so far:
Wise tutor: "You're overlooking an obvious one" (referring to causes of abdominal pain)
Enthusiastic PBL group: *thoughtful silence*
Wise tutor: "What else could cause these symptoms. Something you young people should know about..."
Several enthusiastic group members: "STD's?"
Wise tutor: *Laughing* "No... *laughing more* alcohol."
Whoops.
Wise tutor: "You're overlooking an obvious one" (referring to causes of abdominal pain)
Enthusiastic PBL group: *thoughtful silence*
Wise tutor: "What else could cause these symptoms. Something you young people should know about..."
Several enthusiastic group members: "STD's?"
Wise tutor: *Laughing* "No... *laughing more* alcohol."
Whoops.
These beans are like kidneys
When I first started, I didn't know anything about the kidney, other than it looked like a bean and produced urine. Now I know the kidney consists of a man in a capsule, who has little feet and an intolerance for high pressure situations. Or something like that. Fascinating stuff this biology shin dig.
In fact, the highlight of last week, was learning how to use a microscope. Well, actually it was more like zoning out while a man talked about microscopes, and then getting bored and working my way through slides for entertainment purposes. I think I'm going to enjoy histology!
This week I get to star in my first short feature with an SP, and the give a plastic man a few chest compressions. I'm excited, but dreading the though of having to watch a video of myself fail terribly. Actually, the short feature will hopefully be painless. It just involves asking a person (an actual paid actor!) why they came to see you today, repeatedly, until you get all the answers you need, or they die of whatever they were sick from. Should be amusing!
In fact, the highlight of last week, was learning how to use a microscope. Well, actually it was more like zoning out while a man talked about microscopes, and then getting bored and working my way through slides for entertainment purposes. I think I'm going to enjoy histology!
This week I get to star in my first short feature with an SP, and the give a plastic man a few chest compressions. I'm excited, but dreading the though of having to watch a video of myself fail terribly. Actually, the short feature will hopefully be painless. It just involves asking a person (an actual paid actor!) why they came to see you today, repeatedly, until you get all the answers you need, or they die of whatever they were sick from. Should be amusing!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Problem Based Lumpage
Well, that's one and a half weeks down. I spent a little time trying to figure out what that means for me. Apparently, that makes about 1% of a doctor. I'm not sure if that translates to a one percent improvement in your health merely by my presence, but I guess we'll see. If my years in science have taught me anything though, 1% isn't really biologically significant.
So how was the first week? Well, it has been enjoyable, I'm less nerve wracked now and starting to feel a bit more comfortable around the joint. It's weird being around so many people again, but enjoyable. It seems to be an alright bunch of people. The corpses, though mentally intimidating weren't that bad. It was weird, because I wasn't sure whether I was going to be grossed out by them or not (even though I've seen bits of people in pots before, but whole dead people is another story!)
So I sat down at the end of the lab, having befriended another scientist fleeing the research system. I couldn't help but notice the smell from the body 6 feet away, covered by a 'tarp.' Though the top of its head poked out, almost casually. It smelled exactly like trizol, I kid you not. It took me back to those crazy days of honours, where extracting RNA was pretty much all I did. Then the anatomy guy, who is quite an excitable talked excitedly, then cracked open a dead person right next to me, a super strong wave of trizol like odour washing over me... and it was fascinating. I think the thing that was most unpleasant was the fact that the skin was pretty much like leather. The actual inards were captivating, and putting your fingers through peoples hearts and exploring the coronary arteries was really fun. I think one amusing chap, who is a hybrid between body-building Adonis and genius lawyer, turned medical student said it best. "This is pretty interesting, hey." It truly was. Weird though...
The rest was fun, the whole PBL gimmick is neither underwhelming or overwhelming. I am just whelmed. I think my groups make up is weird, as we don't have any nurses or pseudo medicos in it so we seem to know very little and have to catch up a fair way. On the other hand, we're all on the same page so it's good.
It has been interesting though, I have met a few nurses and ambos, and sat in on a fascinating discussion about people who try to commit suicide with panadol. In short, it doesn't work well. It fries your liver and you take two weeks to die - slowly and painfully. I'm not an advocate of suicide, but pro-tip. Don't use panadol.
Which brings me to my final dither. They seem to be really concerned about our mental health. I reckon I had 4 or 5 different lectures on not being depressed, and making sure I have a GP. It was a worrying sign, but I can't imagine mental health is any worse in med than in phd research students. The working conditions there are heaps worse...Well, I will survive.
Hey hey!
So how was the first week? Well, it has been enjoyable, I'm less nerve wracked now and starting to feel a bit more comfortable around the joint. It's weird being around so many people again, but enjoyable. It seems to be an alright bunch of people. The corpses, though mentally intimidating weren't that bad. It was weird, because I wasn't sure whether I was going to be grossed out by them or not (even though I've seen bits of people in pots before, but whole dead people is another story!)
So I sat down at the end of the lab, having befriended another scientist fleeing the research system. I couldn't help but notice the smell from the body 6 feet away, covered by a 'tarp.' Though the top of its head poked out, almost casually. It smelled exactly like trizol, I kid you not. It took me back to those crazy days of honours, where extracting RNA was pretty much all I did. Then the anatomy guy, who is quite an excitable talked excitedly, then cracked open a dead person right next to me, a super strong wave of trizol like odour washing over me... and it was fascinating. I think the thing that was most unpleasant was the fact that the skin was pretty much like leather. The actual inards were captivating, and putting your fingers through peoples hearts and exploring the coronary arteries was really fun. I think one amusing chap, who is a hybrid between body-building Adonis and genius lawyer, turned medical student said it best. "This is pretty interesting, hey." It truly was. Weird though...
The rest was fun, the whole PBL gimmick is neither underwhelming or overwhelming. I am just whelmed. I think my groups make up is weird, as we don't have any nurses or pseudo medicos in it so we seem to know very little and have to catch up a fair way. On the other hand, we're all on the same page so it's good.
It has been interesting though, I have met a few nurses and ambos, and sat in on a fascinating discussion about people who try to commit suicide with panadol. In short, it doesn't work well. It fries your liver and you take two weeks to die - slowly and painfully. I'm not an advocate of suicide, but pro-tip. Don't use panadol.
Which brings me to my final dither. They seem to be really concerned about our mental health. I reckon I had 4 or 5 different lectures on not being depressed, and making sure I have a GP. It was a worrying sign, but I can't imagine mental health is any worse in med than in phd research students. The working conditions there are heaps worse...Well, I will survive.
Hey hey!
Monday, February 21, 2011
Flinders keepers
So, I suppose one could say that was the first real day of medical school, excluding the orientation day last friday. It was good, interesting... well a lot of talking about what was to come really. Not so much actual medical information. But that's okay I guess. My natural instinct is to assume that one day down = one day less examinable material, but I'm not so sure that will be the case.
Tomorrow I get to learn about history taking, and then get my first crack at this PBL doohicky. I'm quite excited about both of these things. Firstly, because I'll get to have a look at what goes on in FMC, and secondly because I think PBL will be a really interesting teaching method.
The whole concept of starting from vague nothings, refining what you don't know, researching it, re-evaluating and repeating all of that till your virtual patient lives or dies is intriguing. Really keen to give it a crack. I hope its fun at least.
On the plus side I've made a few friends so far. I haven't sat all lonesome in a lecture theatre yet. On no side at all, is the fact that I'm still yet to do any anatomy. I'm not sure how I'll react to that yet. Hopefully intrigue will be my primary response. On the downside though, I felt mediocre all day but pushed on like the trooper I am.
Wheeee! This whole med thing is quite a lark!
Tomorrow I get to learn about history taking, and then get my first crack at this PBL doohicky. I'm quite excited about both of these things. Firstly, because I'll get to have a look at what goes on in FMC, and secondly because I think PBL will be a really interesting teaching method.
The whole concept of starting from vague nothings, refining what you don't know, researching it, re-evaluating and repeating all of that till your virtual patient lives or dies is intriguing. Really keen to give it a crack. I hope its fun at least.
On the plus side I've made a few friends so far. I haven't sat all lonesome in a lecture theatre yet. On no side at all, is the fact that I'm still yet to do any anatomy. I'm not sure how I'll react to that yet. Hopefully intrigue will be my primary response. On the downside though, I felt mediocre all day but pushed on like the trooper I am.
Wheeee! This whole med thing is quite a lark!
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Re-birth
Ah haaaaa!
I'm back! It was only five minutes ago that I was killing off the Ranch Dressing I, but if you've bothered to do some simple deductions and found your way here - I'm very thankful!
And so we begin! I must admit, I'm a little freaked out. They've let me in on a four year course, where at the end you get a license to kill (or save.) Either way, the process of getting to that stage is going pose more than one hurdle no doubt. Hopefully though, the sagely advice that I hear float past the water cooler is true. "The hard part is getting in."
I got my first piece of course related material e mailed to me today. Naturally I was so excited I read it cover to cover, even though it was only a vague outline of what one element of the course contained. Having hung around a few med students, especially in recent times (wink wink), I was interested in the material. The sheet they e mailed me was for the much maligned 'HPS' topic. Now I have no reason to hate a topic yet, so I'm still optimistic. It seems to be a nice mish-mash of soft and potentially interesting topics. How they all relate to med yet isn't completely clear but my eyes are excitedly open!
I was a little disheartened though. The last page of the info sheet was a list of sites never to use. I felt this a trap, as they kindly included all the URLs with nice tempting blue hyperlinks. I was pretty surprised they felt the need to mention this, I'd be genuinely surprised if students at this level felt the need to plagiarise... or use wikipedia. Here's the list for your own amusement!
Avoid using the following resources:
123 Helpme: http://www.123helpme.com/
Barani: http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/barani/main.html
Cheat House: http://www.cheathouse.com/
Creative Spirit: http://www.creativespirits.info/
Dedicated Writers: http://www.dedicatedwriters.com/about/
Dictionaries
Encyclopaedias
Example Essays: http://www.exampleessays.com/
General Webpage Fact Sheets
MSN Encarta: http://www.encarta.msn.com/
Red Apple: www.redapple.com.au/
Skwirk: http://www.skwirk.com/
Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page
Oh dear...
I'm back! It was only five minutes ago that I was killing off the Ranch Dressing I, but if you've bothered to do some simple deductions and found your way here - I'm very thankful!
And so we begin! I must admit, I'm a little freaked out. They've let me in on a four year course, where at the end you get a license to kill (or save.) Either way, the process of getting to that stage is going pose more than one hurdle no doubt. Hopefully though, the sagely advice that I hear float past the water cooler is true. "The hard part is getting in."
I got my first piece of course related material e mailed to me today. Naturally I was so excited I read it cover to cover, even though it was only a vague outline of what one element of the course contained. Having hung around a few med students, especially in recent times (wink wink), I was interested in the material. The sheet they e mailed me was for the much maligned 'HPS' topic. Now I have no reason to hate a topic yet, so I'm still optimistic. It seems to be a nice mish-mash of soft and potentially interesting topics. How they all relate to med yet isn't completely clear but my eyes are excitedly open!
I was a little disheartened though. The last page of the info sheet was a list of sites never to use. I felt this a trap, as they kindly included all the URLs with nice tempting blue hyperlinks. I was pretty surprised they felt the need to mention this, I'd be genuinely surprised if students at this level felt the need to plagiarise... or use wikipedia. Here's the list for your own amusement!
Avoid using the following resources:
123 Helpme: http://www.123helpme.com/
Barani: http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/barani/main.html
Cheat House: http://www.cheathouse.com/
Creative Spirit: http://www.creativespirits.info/
Dedicated Writers: http://www.dedicatedwriters.com/about/
Dictionaries
Encyclopaedias
Example Essays: http://www.exampleessays.com/
General Webpage Fact Sheets
MSN Encarta: http://www.encarta.msn.com/
Red Apple: www.redapple.com.au/
Skwirk: http://www.skwirk.com/
Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page
Oh dear...
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