Wordless Wednesday

Nate dancing with "his friend"

 

Music Monday

Music Monday

This (Last) Month in Med School...

Photo Credit

So, in January it was my turn to go through the complete breast and pelvic exam. We went to the Simulation Center, and our instructor first spoke with us as a large group about the basics, like what is appropriate to say or not say during an exam. You never want your words to come off as sexual. For example, we should say "I am going to PLACE the speculum" and NOT "I am going to INSERT the speculum". Crazy how one word choice can make a huge difference right?

Next, in groups of 6 were assigned to a room with a surrogate patient. Yes, a REAL woman who walked us through both exams on her body. Which makes me wonder, again, how much do these generous people get paid? And where are these jobs posted at?! Could you imagine seeing this on Monster.com?!

Any way, I was super nervous at first, but it wasn't as intense as I thought it would be.

Our "patient" was so understanding and great at explaining things. We read about the exam and watched an instructional video beforehand, but she actually walked us through all the steps. And the cervix actually looks just like the picture they show you in books! Go figure :-) I love when things turn out to be exactly what the teachers told you it would be like...haha

• Make sure you remind all the women in your life to do monthly self breast exam - wait at least a week after their menstrual period - and promptly report any changes to their doctor. 
• After a woman becomes sexually active or when she turns 21, she needs to have her first pap smear - whichever comes first. 
• Don't be afraid to ask questions! Most doctors know this is an intimidating and nerve-wrecking exam, so they will do what you need to be more comfortable. 

A Breath of Fresh Air...

Photo Credit

Sorry the posts have been scarce. I had an exam block to tend to...

Unfortunately, it didn't turn out the way I would have hoped. I think the fact that I have really, REALLY high expectations for myself makes it that much harder when I don't do so hot. But life goes on, and there is more to learn. That is what life is about right?

Right.

So we forge ahead, and yesterday we finished our pulmonology section in ICM (which could possibly be one of my favorites right now) and the course director was a shining example of someone who is "a light in a dark place". A 2005 IUSOM graduate himself, Dr. Carlos continuously encouraged us as students. Letting us know that he understands what we are going through, but also that we can do it. That no matter how defeated we feel, "there is a light at the end of the tunnel and it is NOT a freight train". He explained the concept of "emotional intelligence" and how having it makes you an awesome doctor in ways that honoring every exam could not. He reminded us to "be encouraged" because those that struggled during the classroom years usually became the rockstars during the clinical years.

PRAISE GOD!

You just don't understand how on-time this affirmation was. He is one of THE FIRST professors to give us this type of positive reinforcement since probably orientation week. It was so refreshing, and I know it really helped a lot of us.

So there you have it, even in medical school having an awesome teacher can make a world of difference...

"A good teacher is like a candle - it consumes itself to light the way for others."  

- Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, translated from Turkish

Music Monday

The news of Whitney Houston's death was heartbreaking for so many. My thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones - especially her daughter. May God give them peace in the coming months. 

This song is so calming for me. 

And a couple more...

When Words Fail Me...

I use someone else's...lol

I absolutely love this poem by Mother Theresa, and I have been thinking about it a lot recently:

People are often unreasonable, illogical and self centered;
Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies;
Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;
Be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;
Build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you've got anyway.

You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and your God;
It was never between you and them anyway.

Wordless Wednesday: My Little Dance Machine

Between this:

 

 and his "Shoulder Bounce"...

   

 This kid keeps me ROLLIN :-D Happy Wednesday!!

Wordless Wednesday: Nate Turns THREE!

My little pumpkin turned three years old on January 29th!!! Last Saturday we had a big party and got to celebrate with our family and his classmates. We all had a blast!

He was so excited!!!

We couldn't get him to pose for any pictures because he wanted to start playing... 

Nate loves him some cake...