I feel like I just had exams a few weeks ago, so it's very concerning that there are more exams in two weeks. Sigh. Once again, I feel as though I know nothing. But this is the story of medical school isn't it. Drinking from a firehose, whilst eating a mountain of pancakes. Or something.
Let us have some musings then:
I bought a pneumatic differential locker for the Jeep. Should be good as it will cut back on the wheel spin. I can't wait to go try out it out after exams. The best part is that it also comes with a compressor, so now I can let my tires down and then fill them back up again. Something I really needed to do on my last beach trip, when getting stuck in the sand was a serious issue.
I'm continuing to enjoy study. Learning about the endocrine and reproductive systems has been... interesting. It's always amazing how much you don't know about stuff. It's been good though, because all these hormones have important yet magical functions. So it has been nice to learn about their function. I've also learnt a lot more pathology, which scarily I still seem to be enjoying. I don't know where this medical degree is going to take me, but I feel as though surgery is definitely not it.
On the same line, I had a review with my PBL tutor this week. Basically you size yourself up over how you perform, and the tutor weighs in. Fortunately I have a tutor that cares this time, because the exercise can be quite pointless when the PBL tutor just sits with glassy eyes the whole time. Apparently I give the impression of a humorous person, who is also a deep thinker. A valuable contributor to the group dynamic, or something. In short, I have painted myself as a normal human being. Success!
As the tutor and I both came from Immuno research backgrounds, we had a bit of a chat about med and science stuff. But somehow I spun it around in to a "So what kind of a doctor do you see me as?" It turns out, I'm not seen as a GP and probably not a surgeon. I appear to enjoy thinking about things too much. Hmmm. This tutor has me figured out. It doesn't help that my PhD supervisor had told her to look out for me.
Another aspect of med school I am also enjoying is dissection. I have reached that level of detachment with our cadaver that only hours and hours of poking and prodding can achieve. My partner and I explore our way through the human body, with a poorly written handbook as our guide. Constantly wondering "what was that we just cut through? or "Is that normal anatomy, I swear the book didn't have one of those." Of course, when we're not hopelessly lost in the guts of an issue, we do enjoy a good deep and meaningful and a laugh about life and medicine. It's good times! However you still get those moments periodically, where you pause to be thankful for the opportunity to be doing this.
The only frustrating thing is that our guy has been under the knife a lot. The cadaver is missing a lot of different things, and there are a few mechanical things added as well. In terms of learning about surgery, it's fascinating. Unfortunately, for learning about things like normal anatomy, it can be very annoying. Structures that were meant to be at the back are floating free at the front. And the whole left side of the colon, appendix and more were missing. Which is a little sad, as it would have been good to see them in situ. Oh well, I'm sure I'll see my share of them in the future :) Apparently you have a 5% chance of needing your appendix out.
So, having talked about the deceased. I'll finish on a positive note. I now have a cute little nephew, James. Good job TnR! Such a cute little family :)
Friday, March 23, 2012
Monday, March 12, 2012
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Couch to five Yays
Well, I'm not normally one to gloat. But I finally completed that couch to 5k program I've been doing for a little while. I cranked out my 5km in 30 minutes, at an unsurprising average speed of 10 km/h. I was pretty happy with that, because awhile ago on my last blog I set some goals about being able to run, and putting on some weight. And you know what! I've achieved them both!
It may have taken me 18 months, but I have managed to put back on all the weight I lost over my PhD and some muscle too. I've finally cracked 80kg! I'm probably the fittest I've ever been. Which is good, because apparently 25 years of age is my biological peak anyway. So woo yeah! Bring on my epic fat man, beer gut, back hair body odour decline!
For now though, I'm going to the gym with people from Uni. I'm enjoying the weights, but I'm really enjoying the spin classes. Mr Shouty man makes me drip sweat like never before. So fun! I love his slogans though. They are ridiculous until you find yourself believing them.
Internal monologue: "Maybe it is all in my mind, maybe I am the only thing holding me back. Maybe I am here for the pain..."
Ah shouty man, why can't my own motivation be more like you!?
It may have taken me 18 months, but I have managed to put back on all the weight I lost over my PhD and some muscle too. I've finally cracked 80kg! I'm probably the fittest I've ever been. Which is good, because apparently 25 years of age is my biological peak anyway. So woo yeah! Bring on my epic fat man, beer gut, back hair body odour decline!
For now though, I'm going to the gym with people from Uni. I'm enjoying the weights, but I'm really enjoying the spin classes. Mr Shouty man makes me drip sweat like never before. So fun! I love his slogans though. They are ridiculous until you find yourself believing them.
Internal monologue: "Maybe it is all in my mind, maybe I am the only thing holding me back. Maybe I am here for the pain..."
Ah shouty man, why can't my own motivation be more like you!?
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Trust me, I'm pretending to be a doctor.
There comes a time in every medical students life, where they have to suck it up and put a finger in another mans bottom. This was my week. Odd experience. You sit down, explain to them why you need to do it, and what is involved. And then... yeah. It wasn't a bad or traumatic experience, in fact I would describe it as extremely educational. But exceptionally out of the norm.
The strange thing is, the kindly male volunteer has done this many times before. But sits there pretending he has never heard or experienced what you are telling him. Meanwhile, you're sitting there pretending to be an expert in the technique, telling them what to expect, when in reality... You've never done this before and have no idea what to expect! It's a very odd scenario!
Anyway, it turns out the rectal exam is extremely useful, not just for checking peoples prostates. It seems to be a good way to yield a lot of clinically useful information, especially with regard to unexplained blood loss and cancer. Even though both parties are less than inclined to go there most of the time. To paraphrase Talley "the only reason you shouldn't be doing a DRE, is if the doctor has no fingers, or the patient has no rectum."
So there you go, as you get older, it's just another one of those things you have to look forward to. But much like christmas, probably better to be the giver rather than receiver... Maybe. It's just generally weird.
And thus my 4 week intensive of the GIT system concludes. Now on to endocrine and reproductive, where more educational experiences no doubt await. Ummm Wooo?
The strange thing is, the kindly male volunteer has done this many times before. But sits there pretending he has never heard or experienced what you are telling him. Meanwhile, you're sitting there pretending to be an expert in the technique, telling them what to expect, when in reality... You've never done this before and have no idea what to expect! It's a very odd scenario!
Anyway, it turns out the rectal exam is extremely useful, not just for checking peoples prostates. It seems to be a good way to yield a lot of clinically useful information, especially with regard to unexplained blood loss and cancer. Even though both parties are less than inclined to go there most of the time. To paraphrase Talley "the only reason you shouldn't be doing a DRE, is if the doctor has no fingers, or the patient has no rectum."
So there you go, as you get older, it's just another one of those things you have to look forward to. But much like christmas, probably better to be the giver rather than receiver... Maybe. It's just generally weird.
And thus my 4 week intensive of the GIT system concludes. Now on to endocrine and reproductive, where more educational experiences no doubt await. Ummm Wooo?
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Reporting in
Had a really long week at medical school. I'm not sure why, but somehow it got big on me. Consequently I feel very very tired. But, I guess compared to others I have nothing to complain about!
Still, there are a few reasons people often list for not wanting to go to medical school. One of them is working with dead people in order to learn anatomy. It's a confronting thing to do in many ways.
I remember this time last year, just wigging out at the notion of having to see a dead person. I was really nervous about it. I'm not sure why, but I'd never seen a body devoid of the essence that made it human before. But I sucked it up, and it was all fine.
So far in medical school the pracs with cadavers in are generally prosected already, and all you have to do is take a peek, see where that organ lies, or where that vessel goes. It's really helpful in that sense, but still similar to looking in a text book.
Alas though, recent evidence has shown that the best way to teach students is to actually have them perform dissection themselves. And what was once an elective has become mandatory. Without going in to too many details, my partner and I found ourselves face to face with a cadavar today. It was a strange experience.
One thinks one would feel rude about it, exploring somebodies body without them consenting to you personally. But you know they made a choice to be there... And then sooner or later you find yourself trying to tease two bits of body apart and you forget they used to be people. So many strange feelings!
But it was fascinating, and I've learnt so much. As we were working, the topic came up of what a privilege it is to be able to do this. Not many people in the world get to see the wonder of the body in all its magnificent glory like this. Our guy also has benefited greatly from medciine. He has a pacemaker still in him, his chest still had old staples holding his sternum together, and evidence of a central venous line.
So I can't help but wonder if that was anything to do with his compulsion to donate his body to science. I know I don't have a strong compulsion to do it, at least not now!
Incredible really. Incredible.
Still, there are a few reasons people often list for not wanting to go to medical school. One of them is working with dead people in order to learn anatomy. It's a confronting thing to do in many ways.
I remember this time last year, just wigging out at the notion of having to see a dead person. I was really nervous about it. I'm not sure why, but I'd never seen a body devoid of the essence that made it human before. But I sucked it up, and it was all fine.
So far in medical school the pracs with cadavers in are generally prosected already, and all you have to do is take a peek, see where that organ lies, or where that vessel goes. It's really helpful in that sense, but still similar to looking in a text book.
Alas though, recent evidence has shown that the best way to teach students is to actually have them perform dissection themselves. And what was once an elective has become mandatory. Without going in to too many details, my partner and I found ourselves face to face with a cadavar today. It was a strange experience.
One thinks one would feel rude about it, exploring somebodies body without them consenting to you personally. But you know they made a choice to be there... And then sooner or later you find yourself trying to tease two bits of body apart and you forget they used to be people. So many strange feelings!
But it was fascinating, and I've learnt so much. As we were working, the topic came up of what a privilege it is to be able to do this. Not many people in the world get to see the wonder of the body in all its magnificent glory like this. Our guy also has benefited greatly from medciine. He has a pacemaker still in him, his chest still had old staples holding his sternum together, and evidence of a central venous line.
So I can't help but wonder if that was anything to do with his compulsion to donate his body to science. I know I don't have a strong compulsion to do it, at least not now!
Incredible really. Incredible.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Reminders
It's funny. Sometimes I see things, hear things or read things that remind me that I am at such an early stage in my medical training. I've read some good blogs from doctors and students alike, that serve to freak me the hell out sufficiently to want to know more, and make me wonder if I'm cut out for it. And then there are other events... I saw a fellow student, looking mildly shell shocked after performing his first DRE. Groan... enough said. I hope I'm an alright doctor...
Meanwhile, I have some fun. The editor of Placebo was sufficiently desperate, that I was asked to submit something. So here you are, feel free to have an advanced copy.
How to be a stand out performer in PBL.
So you’ve made it to medical school! You’ve got the stethoscope your family gave you as a congratulatory present draped comfortably around your neck, and you’re ready to get down and do some pseudo-doctoring!
But easy there Tiger. Before you get down to saving some lives, you’ve got to go through this PBL lark. The rite of passage for all Flinders Medical Students. The mandatory mode of learning you waxed lyrically about in your interview. Remember, PBL is a fun educational tool, that will serve you well. And if you don’t like it, than at least attend to demonstrate that you know the significant difference between palpating the perineum and the peritoneum*. Or that Military tuberculosis is actually spelled and pronounced, Miliary Tuberculosis*
So having surveyed a few comrades, we’ve compiled a list of seven sterling tips, that will help you stand out in your PBL like the flower in a pot of dirt you’ve always known you are.
1. Always be condescending. Remember, dismissing other peoples ideas out of hand is a good way to educate others, whilst showing how smart you are!
2. Begin all anecdotes with “In my experience.” This will add weight to your absence of experience and knowledge.
3. Arrive late. Whilst the rest of the suckers might get there early and draw diagrams, your vast experience and laissez-faire attitude will allow you to arrive fashionably late. Twenty minutes is optimal, as your group will politely wait the first ten, allowing you to skip the recap and proceed straight to teaching your group new things.
4. Forget PBL food. Remember, a hungry PBL group is a focused PBL group. Time spent munching can better be spent on the Kreb’s cycle.
5. Use permanent marker. White board markers are for wusses. What you put on the board is gold, and should be remembered for the ages.
6. Claim other groups’ work. Did the previous group forgot to wipe the whiteboard? No problem! You were only going to put the same Guyton diagram up as the previous group anyway, right?
7. Pick a fight with the tutor. Just because they have a medical degree or a Ph.D in the area, doesn’t make that story you read in Woman’s Weekly while you were getting your hair done completely wrong.
By never doing any of these things you’ll be greatly loved by classmates and tutors alike. In fact, recent research has shown that the only thing that can make you more popular is hooking up with your classmates and tutors alike! But if you don’t like to defecate where you masticate relationship-wise, listening, discussing and being a constructive part of your PBL group will see you become an outstanding medical student.
* True stories!
I also hope to be a better doctor than author...
Meanwhile, I have some fun. The editor of Placebo was sufficiently desperate, that I was asked to submit something. So here you are, feel free to have an advanced copy.
How to be a stand out performer in PBL.
So you’ve made it to medical school! You’ve got the stethoscope your family gave you as a congratulatory present draped comfortably around your neck, and you’re ready to get down and do some pseudo-doctoring!
But easy there Tiger. Before you get down to saving some lives, you’ve got to go through this PBL lark. The rite of passage for all Flinders Medical Students. The mandatory mode of learning you waxed lyrically about in your interview. Remember, PBL is a fun educational tool, that will serve you well. And if you don’t like it, than at least attend to demonstrate that you know the significant difference between palpating the perineum and the peritoneum*. Or that Military tuberculosis is actually spelled and pronounced, Miliary Tuberculosis*
So having surveyed a few comrades, we’ve compiled a list of seven sterling tips, that will help you stand out in your PBL like the flower in a pot of dirt you’ve always known you are.
1. Always be condescending. Remember, dismissing other peoples ideas out of hand is a good way to educate others, whilst showing how smart you are!
2. Begin all anecdotes with “In my experience.” This will add weight to your absence of experience and knowledge.
3. Arrive late. Whilst the rest of the suckers might get there early and draw diagrams, your vast experience and laissez-faire attitude will allow you to arrive fashionably late. Twenty minutes is optimal, as your group will politely wait the first ten, allowing you to skip the recap and proceed straight to teaching your group new things.
4. Forget PBL food. Remember, a hungry PBL group is a focused PBL group. Time spent munching can better be spent on the Kreb’s cycle.
5. Use permanent marker. White board markers are for wusses. What you put on the board is gold, and should be remembered for the ages.
6. Claim other groups’ work. Did the previous group forgot to wipe the whiteboard? No problem! You were only going to put the same Guyton diagram up as the previous group anyway, right?
7. Pick a fight with the tutor. Just because they have a medical degree or a Ph.D in the area, doesn’t make that story you read in Woman’s Weekly while you were getting your hair done completely wrong.
By never doing any of these things you’ll be greatly loved by classmates and tutors alike. In fact, recent research has shown that the only thing that can make you more popular is hooking up with your classmates and tutors alike! But if you don’t like to defecate where you masticate relationship-wise, listening, discussing and being a constructive part of your PBL group will see you become an outstanding medical student.
* True stories!
I also hope to be a better doctor than author...
Thursday, February 2, 2012
And we're back for another year!
School went back this week, and it was with much joy and happiness that we found ourselves sitting in PBL first thing monday morning. Once again, I'm happy with my group, which means I've been very fortunate in my group allocations for the entirety of medical school. Though only 5 of the 7 group members have turned up yet. Still, there's hope!
I always enjoy the start of a new block. The first session is usually quick as nobody knows anything, and then the first week is painful, as you sort through numerous books deciding what's helpful and what should never have been written in the first place. It all works out in the end, and we all have a bit of fun getting there.
In a way I'm kind of excited about this year. It marks the end of solid book based learning, and transition to pseudo-doctoring. Or as I like to think of it, I'll be a half-doc come year end.
I'll be honest though, going back to educating myself these past few days has been hard. I've really enjoyed the holiday period. The jeep is filled with sand. At times you would have found golf clubs, tennis rackets, fishing gear and bathers stashed in the back. I have had a great break, and it was the first real holiday I've had in quite some time. It was great to feel relaxed for weeks on end. I'm already looking forward to the end of the year so I can do it all again!
Unfortunately though, there are a few obstacles to be overcome yet. GIT, Endocrine and reproductive, Brain and behavior and the intimidating musculo-skeletal blocks must be conquered. And that unfortunately will require some mental effort. Oh well, I always have my mantra to chant:
"It beats getting a real job!"
School went back this week, and it was with much joy and happiness that we found ourselves sitting in PBL first thing monday morning. Once again, I'm happy with my group, which means I've been very fortunate in my group allocations for the entirety of medical school. Though only 5 of the 7 group members have turned up yet. Still, there's hope!
I always enjoy the start of a new block. The first session is usually quick as nobody knows anything, and then the first week is painful, as you sort through numerous books deciding what's helpful and what should never have been written in the first place. It all works out in the end, and we all have a bit of fun getting there.
In a way I'm kind of excited about this year. It marks the end of solid book based learning, and transition to pseudo-doctoring. Or as I like to think of it, I'll be a half-doc come year end.
I'll be honest though, going back to educating myself these past few days has been hard. I've really enjoyed the holiday period. The jeep is filled with sand. At times you would have found golf clubs, tennis rackets, fishing gear and bathers stashed in the back. I have had a great break, and it was the first real holiday I've had in quite some time. It was great to feel relaxed for weeks on end. I'm already looking forward to the end of the year so I can do it all again!
Unfortunately though, there are a few obstacles to be overcome yet. GIT, Endocrine and reproductive, Brain and behavior and the intimidating musculo-skeletal blocks must be conquered. And that unfortunately will require some mental effort. Oh well, I always have my mantra to chant:
"It beats getting a real job!"
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