Hello gang!
Long time, no see. I've been wrapping up my ER rotation and working on my thesis, all while juggling several other projects. No worries; I head home in one week. No rotations, no studying...just me, my family, and some good home cooking!
Today marks an important day in the life of this blog. For almost 4 years it has served as my outlet. I have enjoyed very much the opportunity to use this platform to communicate the struggles and triumphs I have experienced as I abandoned my musical life and chose to take the leap that landed me into PA school. I couldn't be more happy.
I hereby announce the death of Music and Medicine. It will remain up and running so that others may benefit, and so I may visit frequently to remind myself of how far I have come. I am moving on to higher ground; I'm hoping to take some of you with me!
Introducing my newest venture: GetIntoPAPrograms.com
We've put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into this project to ensure that this site provides timely, relevant information in a refreshing manner. Check us out and spread the word!
Stacey
Monday, November 28, 2011
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Rotation 6: week 1
One word: Fantastic!
I'm enjoying the crazy world of Emergency Medicine so far. I've done and seen so much; I'll have to spend this weekend giving you all the details. Stay tuned!
The new website is almost up and running. Those of you who frequent this blog will be the first to see it. I hope it is helpful to those of you who are still chasing the PA school dream. It's been a blast putting it together.
Take care!
I'm enjoying the crazy world of Emergency Medicine so far. I've done and seen so much; I'll have to spend this weekend giving you all the details. Stay tuned!
The new website is almost up and running. Those of you who frequent this blog will be the first to see it. I hope it is helpful to those of you who are still chasing the PA school dream. It's been a blast putting it together.
Take care!
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!
Hello readers!
I am happy to announce that I am currently working on a new and improved website. My hope is that the new site will serve as a hub for prospective PA students who are looking to put together impressive applications in hopes of securing a seat in the program of their choice. I'll also continue blogging about my clinical year experiences. Only 4 more rotations to go!
I love teaching and sharing information, and that's what the new site is all about. You can expect the same quality material you've seen here, just more bells and whistles...and a few surprises that I'm really excited about.
Stay tuned!
I am happy to announce that I am currently working on a new and improved website. My hope is that the new site will serve as a hub for prospective PA students who are looking to put together impressive applications in hopes of securing a seat in the program of their choice. I'll also continue blogging about my clinical year experiences. Only 4 more rotations to go!
I love teaching and sharing information, and that's what the new site is all about. You can expect the same quality material you've seen here, just more bells and whistles...and a few surprises that I'm really excited about.
Stay tuned!
Rotation 5: week 5
Tomorrow I complete my Psychiatry rotation. It's been such a wonderful experience. The world of psychiatry can be a bit intimidating, but if you approach it with an open mind, it just might change your life.
I was given the opportunity to present Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs to didactic PA students one month ago as a guest speaker. I love to teach; in fact, I intend to teach as an adjunct professor in the future. Click here to read the blog entry I wrote about Maslow a few months ago.
I am reminded of Maslow and his hierarchy every time I interact with a patient in the Behavioral Health Unit. So many of them are homeless, penniless, and without family support. How, then, am I to expect a miraculous change in their behavior when their basic needs are not being met? How can I become upset with them when they tell me they haven't taken their medications, or haven't been to a PCP in decades? Maslow's work has really changed my life and the way I approach patients.
I'll be sad to leave this rotation, but I know that the field of psychiatry penetrates and permeates every single medical and surgical specialty. We will meet again soon.
I was given the opportunity to present Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs to didactic PA students one month ago as a guest speaker. I love to teach; in fact, I intend to teach as an adjunct professor in the future. Click here to read the blog entry I wrote about Maslow a few months ago.
I am reminded of Maslow and his hierarchy every time I interact with a patient in the Behavioral Health Unit. So many of them are homeless, penniless, and without family support. How, then, am I to expect a miraculous change in their behavior when their basic needs are not being met? How can I become upset with them when they tell me they haven't taken their medications, or haven't been to a PCP in decades? Maslow's work has really changed my life and the way I approach patients.
I'll be sad to leave this rotation, but I know that the field of psychiatry penetrates and permeates every single medical and surgical specialty. We will meet again soon.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
ED...here I come!
It's 1:22 AM. I'm gonna hate myself when my alarm clock goes off.
A fellow reader wants to know what's next on the clinical agenda. I'm hitting the road again. Next up is Emergency medicine in rural West Virginia. I am very excited. Psychiatry is all about the gift of gab, but I haven't given injections, read EKG's, or even done a physical exam. I look forward to using my clinical skills again.
Graduation is so close that I am considering options for employment. There are so many options to choose from, which is exciting. Because of the detective and our way of living, all options are pretty much wide open. I am in a wonderful place in my life right now! I'll be sure to keep you all posted.
Good night...er, good morning?
A fellow reader wants to know what's next on the clinical agenda. I'm hitting the road again. Next up is Emergency medicine in rural West Virginia. I am very excited. Psychiatry is all about the gift of gab, but I haven't given injections, read EKG's, or even done a physical exam. I look forward to using my clinical skills again.
Graduation is so close that I am considering options for employment. There are so many options to choose from, which is exciting. Because of the detective and our way of living, all options are pretty much wide open. I am in a wonderful place in my life right now! I'll be sure to keep you all posted.
Good night...er, good morning?
Monday, October 24, 2011
Rotation 5: weeks 1 - 4, and a much needed facelift!
Hello Readers!
Today marks week number four in the world of inpatient Psychiatry. Yes, I entered the hospital for the first time with my eyes and ears wide open and my remaining senses heightened. It took no time at all for me to feel comfortable being on a lock-down unit with patients with diagnoses ranging from paranoid schizophrenia to suicide ideation.
Psychiatry is not for the faint of heart. Sure, there are no codes being called or MI's being diagnosed. The beauty of psychiatry is in the dialogue. It's amazing what people are willing to talk about with people they trust. Sometimes you win trust without even trying. Sometimes it takes days or weeks. My favorite patients have been the ones that scare the nursing staff the most: the antisocial personality disorder patient who is super aggressive, confrontational, and self-mutilates to escape his emotions, and the depressed/suicidal patient who feel larvae growing out of her hair, arms, and legs. These are precious, precious individuals, who are battling illnesses not much different than cancer or heart disease.
I love talking to patients. The gift of gab comes in handy in this specialty, and I think that's why I've enjoyed it so much. Does that mean I may have a future in psychiatry? Not likely. I like to talk, but love using my hands.
Today marks week number four in the world of inpatient Psychiatry. Yes, I entered the hospital for the first time with my eyes and ears wide open and my remaining senses heightened. It took no time at all for me to feel comfortable being on a lock-down unit with patients with diagnoses ranging from paranoid schizophrenia to suicide ideation.
Psychiatry is not for the faint of heart. Sure, there are no codes being called or MI's being diagnosed. The beauty of psychiatry is in the dialogue. It's amazing what people are willing to talk about with people they trust. Sometimes you win trust without even trying. Sometimes it takes days or weeks. My favorite patients have been the ones that scare the nursing staff the most: the antisocial personality disorder patient who is super aggressive, confrontational, and self-mutilates to escape his emotions, and the depressed/suicidal patient who feel larvae growing out of her hair, arms, and legs. These are precious, precious individuals, who are battling illnesses not much different than cancer or heart disease.
I love talking to patients. The gift of gab comes in handy in this specialty, and I think that's why I've enjoyed it so much. Does that mean I may have a future in psychiatry? Not likely. I like to talk, but love using my hands.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
The joys of Psychiatry
I am really enjoying my time on the Behavioral Health Unit. I wanted to really expose myself to the nitty gritty of psychiatric medicine. Boy, did I get it. I will share more detail soon.
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