...yep, and lovin' every minute of it!
What a week this has been! It all started with a HEENT quiz on Monday, a physical exam practical on Tuesday, and ended with a big, fat anatomy test on Wednesday. I literally skipped out of class on Wednesday. My break began as soon as the proctor had my test in his hands!
School resumes on Tuesday. I have made a pact with myself to relax and enjoy this beautiful weather for two days. I'll be back in the books tomorrow afternoon. Honestly, I've found it pretty difficult to stay still. PA school has required me to stay "up" for so long, and now it seems so difficult to come down and chill out for a spell. I better take advantage of this time while I can. A mountain of work awaits me tomorrow! So far the break has been wonderful. I went salsa dancing Wednesday night (I didn't waste any time, did I?), caught up on a few Twilight Zone episodes, and I'm going salsa dancing tonight! Life is so sweet.
Not much else to report right now. We begin summer registration in the next week or two. I'll let you know what classes lie in store for me.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Friday, March 19, 2010
Catching my breath
It’s been a while, again. I know…i know.
Lots to talk about today. First, spring break was wonderful! I had a blast seeing the cop and Linc, and catching up with family and salsa friends. There were so many folks I wanted to see, but even six days wasn’t enough to get to all of them. I’ll have two weeks off before the summer semester starts, and I’ll be sure to see everyone then!
Secondly, school has kicked up a notch. They’re throwing new material at us left and right, and I must admit two things: I lost my drive due to spring break, and I got behind on my readings and studying. Big no-no!!!! So, I’ve had to kick it into high gear, find my motivation, and catch up. And finally, I get to sit down and catch my breath. The good news is my grades did not suffer at all! I am so proud of my performance here this semester. We still have lots of work to complete before the summer session, but if things continue the way they have been, I will be going into it with a strong GPA, and a strong understanding of the material. On a not so good note, we have lost a total of 3 students to date, all for various reasons. I don’t know the details, and to be honest, I really don’t want to know. It’s none of my business. I do, however, wish them well in their endeavors.
Now for the great news! It’s PARTY TIME TONIGHT! Mr. Eddie Palmieri and his world famous Salsa/Latin jazz orchestra is coming to town, for one night only, and I will be there with my dance bag in hand and a smile! After the concert I’m heading downtown to dance the night away, and this time, I will have my ballroom shoes. Yes!!! Time to decompress, relax, and have some fun.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
It’s been a while
I know, I know. I’ve been incognito for a little while, but I have my reasons. First, my computer crashed and burned! Second, the past few weeks at school have been quite busy. The workload never lessens, and we are getting into the meat and potatoes of history taking and physical exam techniques, all which require loads of practice time.
Nevertheless, I’m really enjoying my time here. As the days go by, I find myself becoming more and more comfortable with my classmates, and my time management skills are being put to the test. That feeling of excitement is still present, and I’m hoping to hold onto it for as long as possible.
Spring break begins this Thursday, and in approximately 48 hours I will be in the arms of the cop…and Linc will be in my arms! I can’t wait to see them, and my mother, sister and stepfather. I’ll be there for about 6 days, which isn’t nearly enough time to see all the people I want to see. However, I’ve already got plans to meet up with the salsa family on Friday night, and my old coworkers want to get together this weekend. Of course, the cop has top priority. We have a lot of catching up to do, and finally, after a year of pining and dreaming, the cop and I are going out to buy his very first mountain bike! I’m so excited for him! Quite a bit of money for a toy, but for my sweetheart, it’s money well spent!
We have lots of projects due once the break is over. I intend to milk the break for all it’s worth and put my family members to good use. They’ll get the full workup: eye exam, percussions, palpations, auscultations, ear exam, and a full medical history. At this point, I need all the practice I can get.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Time To Step it Up/Good News
I've been studying for 6 hours; I need a break.
I got the fear of God put into me today. It seems that our class is not performing as well as we should at this point. One could say that enough time has not passed for us to hone in our study strategies, ingest the material, and feel settled in this new learning environment. Those would all be valid arguments. But when you're receiving over one hundred powerpoint slides per class, one month's worth of PA school equates to about three. And in three months, if you're not a master of the learning material then something is wrong; if you're not yet comfortable in the new environment, you never will be.
We got not one, but two, lectures on grades and our performances on tests so far. I don't think we would have gotten these pep talks if the overwhelming majority of the class was doing well. That worries me. It worries me because I know that I could have easily been on of the students with the pink slip attached to their scantron, and I don't want to experience that. I've done quite well so far, nevertheless, I aim to do better, and the pep talks we got today were precisely what I needed to redirect and study with a much sharper focus. I realize I can't know everything, but my attention to the details could definitely improve.
Next week is a whopper: 3 big exams, in addition to the start of projects and presentations. Talk about time management. I don't even think I should try to go salsa dancing this week, although it would serve as a great stress reliever. I certainly could use that time to study.
As far as the good news goes, I may have secured a pediatrics rotation in my hometown. One of my PA mentors has offered me a spot in her peds office and I have gladly accepted it! I can't imagine being able to go home for 5 weeks! I'm really excited about this prospect, and I will talk more about it as the details and dates become more solid.
Some kind of break this has been...there is no escaping school, ever! Back to the books!
I got the fear of God put into me today. It seems that our class is not performing as well as we should at this point. One could say that enough time has not passed for us to hone in our study strategies, ingest the material, and feel settled in this new learning environment. Those would all be valid arguments. But when you're receiving over one hundred powerpoint slides per class, one month's worth of PA school equates to about three. And in three months, if you're not a master of the learning material then something is wrong; if you're not yet comfortable in the new environment, you never will be.
We got not one, but two, lectures on grades and our performances on tests so far. I don't think we would have gotten these pep talks if the overwhelming majority of the class was doing well. That worries me. It worries me because I know that I could have easily been on of the students with the pink slip attached to their scantron, and I don't want to experience that. I've done quite well so far, nevertheless, I aim to do better, and the pep talks we got today were precisely what I needed to redirect and study with a much sharper focus. I realize I can't know everything, but my attention to the details could definitely improve.
Next week is a whopper: 3 big exams, in addition to the start of projects and presentations. Talk about time management. I don't even think I should try to go salsa dancing this week, although it would serve as a great stress reliever. I certainly could use that time to study.
As far as the good news goes, I may have secured a pediatrics rotation in my hometown. One of my PA mentors has offered me a spot in her peds office and I have gladly accepted it! I can't imagine being able to go home for 5 weeks! I'm really excited about this prospect, and I will talk more about it as the details and dates become more solid.
Some kind of break this has been...there is no escaping school, ever! Back to the books!
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Another week complete
I'm really amazed at how fast time is going by. We are already entering our 4th week, and there hasn't been a dull moment yet.
The week started off with tragedy. I...skipped...class. Not because I wanted to, but because I was forced to. I will spare you, my invisible, perhaps nonexistent audience, all the gory details. Suffice it to say I cried, screamed and cursed my way into alignment with who I really am. It took a few days, but I'm good now!
Due to the inclement weather here in the north, classes were cancelled -to my dismay- on the busiest day during our school week. We missed two three-hour classes, one of which had to be made up early Saturday morning. The good news is the lecture yesterday was wonderful! I love anatomy, always have, but the lecturer was a older, nerd-like PhD with an unwaivering charm and a knack for dispelling the mystery of anatomy. In short, he made our three hour class fun and informative. I don't mind getting up early on the weekends to attend classes like that! And...I have a thing for nerds! Our first anatomy exam is scheduled for this week. I'll be happy to have it behind me.
The daily addition of learning material in PA school is unforgiving; one must stay on top of things constantly to keep from falling behind. There are tough lessons to learn as you go along. Last week I learned something very valuable: no matter how team oriented you may be, at the end of the day you are simply a PA student, alone, with the sole responsibility to keep your head above water, master the material, pass the PANCE, and begin saving lives. No, there is no "I" in team, and rightfully so. If you fail, there is no one to blame but you. If all hell breaks loose, YOU pick up the pieces alone. It's great if someone lends a hand to help you, but don't depend on it, because most people will let you down. The only person you can ALWAYS depend on is you! And really, should it be any other way? Self dependence is self empowerment, and that is never a bad thing. I can think of lots of instances where dependence on others may yield less than desired results.
Ok, enough philosophy for one night. One more round of studying and I'm off to bed. Three more weeks, and I get to see Linc and the cop. I can't wait!
The week started off with tragedy. I...skipped...class. Not because I wanted to, but because I was forced to. I will spare you, my invisible, perhaps nonexistent audience, all the gory details. Suffice it to say I cried, screamed and cursed my way into alignment with who I really am. It took a few days, but I'm good now!
Due to the inclement weather here in the north, classes were cancelled -to my dismay- on the busiest day during our school week. We missed two three-hour classes, one of which had to be made up early Saturday morning. The good news is the lecture yesterday was wonderful! I love anatomy, always have, but the lecturer was a older, nerd-like PhD with an unwaivering charm and a knack for dispelling the mystery of anatomy. In short, he made our three hour class fun and informative. I don't mind getting up early on the weekends to attend classes like that! And...I have a thing for nerds! Our first anatomy exam is scheduled for this week. I'll be happy to have it behind me.
The daily addition of learning material in PA school is unforgiving; one must stay on top of things constantly to keep from falling behind. There are tough lessons to learn as you go along. Last week I learned something very valuable: no matter how team oriented you may be, at the end of the day you are simply a PA student, alone, with the sole responsibility to keep your head above water, master the material, pass the PANCE, and begin saving lives. No, there is no "I" in team, and rightfully so. If you fail, there is no one to blame but you. If all hell breaks loose, YOU pick up the pieces alone. It's great if someone lends a hand to help you, but don't depend on it, because most people will let you down. The only person you can ALWAYS depend on is you! And really, should it be any other way? Self dependence is self empowerment, and that is never a bad thing. I can think of lots of instances where dependence on others may yield less than desired results.
Ok, enough philosophy for one night. One more round of studying and I'm off to bed. Three more weeks, and I get to see Linc and the cop. I can't wait!
Friday, February 5, 2010
Second Week
Hey, I'm still alive. Is that a good sign?
Classes are going very well. We received our test grades and I did quite well, but I felt these preliminary exams were far too easy and I expect things to become more difficult in the near future...like next week.
We have three exams scheduled for next week, and next Saturday we begin working with our cadavers. I'm really looking forward to holding a part of the human body in my hands, and assaying the insides of something that most never get to see. Pretty exciting stuff!
Finally...finally...after a bust two weekends ago, I finally found a salsa spot nearby. I didn't know what to expect, but when I walked through the front door I knew I was home! Lots of people and lots of great dancers. I had a great time, danced some stress away, and even made a few new friends. I love salsa. I know I won't be able to go all the time, but at least I know of one place I can go where the dancing is awesome!
Classes are going very well. We received our test grades and I did quite well, but I felt these preliminary exams were far too easy and I expect things to become more difficult in the near future...like next week.
We have three exams scheduled for next week, and next Saturday we begin working with our cadavers. I'm really looking forward to holding a part of the human body in my hands, and assaying the insides of something that most never get to see. Pretty exciting stuff!
Finally...finally...after a bust two weekends ago, I finally found a salsa spot nearby. I didn't know what to expect, but when I walked through the front door I knew I was home! Lots of people and lots of great dancers. I had a great time, danced some stress away, and even made a few new friends. I love salsa. I know I won't be able to go all the time, but at least I know of one place I can go where the dancing is awesome!
Sunday, January 31, 2010
A Week in Review
What they say is definitely true. PA school is like drinking from a fire hydrant!
Honestly, this past week feels like 5 weeks rolled into one. The amount of information and the pace at which classes are conducted are astounding. Prior to the start of school, I was constantly trying to figure out a way to better prepare myself. The truth is, there is no way to prepare for this kind of experience. You have to jump in feet first!
I am by no means overwhelmed at this point. On the contrary, I am inspired to spend a great deal of time reading and absorbing as much as I can. Every book on the book list is important, and every class counts. There are no fillers in PA school. Everything matters, and everything is done for a purpose.
Here are a few things I've picked up during the first week that I feel will be paramount to my success:
1. Study daily: Due to the amount of information thrown at you from day one, there is no possible way to learn what needs to be learned unless you give each class a bit of attention everyday. The key to daily study is to add to your notes, even if it is two or three sentences. This is the meaning of integration. What are you learning in your other classes that you can relate to the class you are studying for.
2. Study in groups: I'm not really a group person, but already I can see how valuable they are. The key for me is to study the lectures and read the book on my own first, then get together with the group to hammer it all out and make sure we all are on the same page. Study partners make you think about topics in different ways, and some of the mnemonics they come up with are really helpful.
3. Read: Sounds simple enough, but I think lots of people just focus on the notes and neglect the text altogether. This doesn't work for me. I love to read, and I learn well just by reading the text. If a topic in the notes just doesn't make sense, go the text and get clarification. Typically the text will give you detailed information about a certain topic. And in medicine, it's all about the details.
4. Attend lecture, always: Avoid missing class if at all possible. Attending lecture keeps you on top of your studies. Missing lecture guarantees that you'll get behind. There is no substitute for being in class and taking your own notes.
I'm really enjoying this process so far. I'm expecting the workload to increase as we move along, but I am pleased with the results of my study techniques. Two tests tomorrow...already! I'll let you know how it goes.
Honestly, this past week feels like 5 weeks rolled into one. The amount of information and the pace at which classes are conducted are astounding. Prior to the start of school, I was constantly trying to figure out a way to better prepare myself. The truth is, there is no way to prepare for this kind of experience. You have to jump in feet first!
I am by no means overwhelmed at this point. On the contrary, I am inspired to spend a great deal of time reading and absorbing as much as I can. Every book on the book list is important, and every class counts. There are no fillers in PA school. Everything matters, and everything is done for a purpose.
Here are a few things I've picked up during the first week that I feel will be paramount to my success:
1. Study daily: Due to the amount of information thrown at you from day one, there is no possible way to learn what needs to be learned unless you give each class a bit of attention everyday. The key to daily study is to add to your notes, even if it is two or three sentences. This is the meaning of integration. What are you learning in your other classes that you can relate to the class you are studying for.
2. Study in groups: I'm not really a group person, but already I can see how valuable they are. The key for me is to study the lectures and read the book on my own first, then get together with the group to hammer it all out and make sure we all are on the same page. Study partners make you think about topics in different ways, and some of the mnemonics they come up with are really helpful.
3. Read: Sounds simple enough, but I think lots of people just focus on the notes and neglect the text altogether. This doesn't work for me. I love to read, and I learn well just by reading the text. If a topic in the notes just doesn't make sense, go the text and get clarification. Typically the text will give you detailed information about a certain topic. And in medicine, it's all about the details.
4. Attend lecture, always: Avoid missing class if at all possible. Attending lecture keeps you on top of your studies. Missing lecture guarantees that you'll get behind. There is no substitute for being in class and taking your own notes.
I'm really enjoying this process so far. I'm expecting the workload to increase as we move along, but I am pleased with the results of my study techniques. Two tests tomorrow...already! I'll let you know how it goes.
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