Do What You Love.

In the five hour lecture that is my neurology class, we were taught the mechanism behind nystagmus (involuntary, “dancing” eye movements). A simple explanation that brought so much more meaning than I was ever able to find by just absent mindlessly waving my hands around in front of a fake patient. Being able to understand the reasoning behind things really makes them stick. 

For the past week and a half we have been subjected to a five hour neurology and four hour genitourinary course. Everyday. One man. With an hour for lunch.

He teaches old school. No power points, just talking and scribbling random words on the board. I love it. I turn off my computer, pay attention, and take notes on physical sheets of paper with pens and highlighters. I have learned more (that will stick in my head for longer than a quarter) in this past week and a half than I have all year. I love when teachers use analogies, make up patient stories, and have real experiences. This guy is great. 

I’m also liking neurology. It’s really interesting, but I think it would be so challenging dealing with patients with generally permanent, degenerative problems. Adding it to my lengthening list of possibles for rotations.

February 28, 2012

Finals are over. That terrible stress is almost becoming bearable. Just a big push through five sleepless days and then a major crash. We had the weekend off, then back to the grind tomorrow bright and early at 7:30. We are technically done with the third quarter, but have a two week combined neurology and genitourinary course before we’re home free for spring break. 

“I’m not like run of the mill tired. I’m like single mother of three, working two jobs, sitting in a rocking chair wondering what the hell I’m doing with my life tired.”

- Comic relief from one of my classmates, as we study at 6 AM in the library

‎”Basketball is at its best when five guys who love to play with one another outhustle and outplay a more talented opponent. It’s why March Madness still remains a viable institution, despite a gulf of talent separating college ball from the pros. It’s why every basketball movie follows the same storyline — some cute cartoons are outmatched by some cartoon aliens.”

Can’t wait. 

It’s that time again. Finals round three. I was honestly feeling burnt out this morning, but after a short day of class, swimming laps in the pool in beautiful 75 degree weather, and coming home to eat lunch on my couch, I think I’m feeling a bit more energized. 

This is hands down the hardest thing I’ve ever experienced. It takes so much mental toughness, so much dedication, and understanding that right now school has to be the top priority in my life. I can honestly say I have never worked so hard for something in my life. 

I am excited to be done with this quarter. We’ve had dermatology and pulmonology, and still have a two week long session of just neurology and genitourinary coming up after the first round of finals. I enjoyed dermatology, well enjoyed may be a strong word, but I could possibly see myself working in that field. Pulmonology was also interesting, difficult to differentiate between diseases and coughs and lung sounds, but I found myself not hating studying for that class. Notes were easy to read and understand and I didn’t mind putting the time and effort. I know I want nothing to do with genitourinary, but am hoping I like neurology (pretty much based on the reasoning that I could tell people that I do brain surgery for a living, which would be awesome). We have our first meeting about clinical rotations tomorrow, so it will be nice to get the ball rolling with that as well. 

“God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength but with your testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it”

1 Corinthians 10:13