Ahh...the moment you wake up and realize you have no studying to do. I am one week into a three week break from school and it couldn't have come at a better time! The first semester was trying for us but was exciting. We've successfully pushed through Gross Anatomy, Physiology, Embryology, as well as Intro to Clinical Med I. There have been many ups and downs but we have stood up, brushed ourselves off, and jumped back in with both feet. The last few weeks of the semester were stressful with all of our finals. I've honestly never felt that stressed and anxious! For those who have finished, currently enrolled in, or preparing for PA school, utilize family and friends for support. My sanity has been spared only because of my family. They have helped lift me up and keep me focused when I needed it.
The Gross Anatomy course was great even with the weekly exams. We each belonged in a small group with a student from Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and MD school where we shared a cadaver. By far, this was the best part of the course. I'm the type of learner who does best with a hands-on approach. It's obvious the human body is an incredible and complex machine but this experience shows it so much more amazing
Embryology and Physiology were two courses that teach you to look at the big picture. Small things occur here and there that may seem unrelated but putting them together with a few other pieces of information tells you so much more. Embryology was a good example of this. When this class first started, I felt like the info was going to be "memorize this to get through the exams." Towards the end of the semester there were so many things that were coming together where I would read back on earlier notes and the room would suddenly be brighter! I'm sure this will be a common occurance from here on out.
ICM I was, by far, the best course for the first semester. So much of it was familiar to me from my previous medical experience. A lot of the material was review but there was some that was new. There are exam rooms we used to practice our physical exams on our classmates as well as a few "patients". We would have a few practice sessions on different exams such as cardio/pulmonary, musculoskeletal, abdominal, male/female exams. Even though each test-out was nerve racking, I loved it!
This past week, I honestly haven't done much. I've felt a little lost without books and notes in front of me. Kind of an odd feeling but I'm getting used to it! It'll be great to get together with family tomorrow and Christmas Day. No thoughts of school or rehearsing medical exams for different complaints in my head (even though I do miss it already). The second semester starts up January 9 where we will be focusing on deeper medicine and pharmacology. I hear from some 2nd year students this is a tougher semester but others say it's not as tough. We'll see which it is. I'll update you shortly after the semester starts.
I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a safe and blessed New Year!
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