I'm already 5 weeks deep into medical school! I haven't had too much time to blog because of the workload but I'm hoping to get in more of a routine soon :)
Med school is a funny thing...it's probably one of the most challenging things I've done in life so far...but I wouldn't have it any other way. I am constantly being reassured that I am on the right path and definitely at the right school for me. I just love my life right now...the key is to remind myself of this every day.
Cell Science (block 1): 5 weeks
This block was really a random assortment of topics that don't seem to fit into any one body system. Some of the main topics we covered were cell-specific diseases, genetics, aging, and nutrition. Yes I said nutrition. Medical schools RARELY have nutrition incorporated into the curriculum, so I was glad to see that a lot of emphasis was put on it at least for 2 weeks out of 4 years. For those that don't know...I have a degree in nutrition so I kind of think it's very important for medicine :)
The content was not hard...it was just the amount of material we had to know/memorize. Faculty told us in orientation that "medical school is like drinking from a fire hydrant." This phrase could not be closer to the truth. The hardest part for me has been trying to find the most efficient way to learn all of the material. For the first exam I studied the way I did in college aka: outlines, understanding the material..THEN memorizing it, etc. Ya well 2 days before the exam I realized that I needed to start memorizing...uh oh. I did fine on the exam thank goodness. I did realize after that test that I just needed to start memorizing on the spot. So that's what I did along with some awesome study/quizzing sessions with my roommate, Nicole. I felt far more prepared the second time around and I got more sleep! Wonderful discovery :)
Life changes:
So med school has been an adjustment to say the least. Our schedule is different every day of the week so it's hard to establish a routine. Chronic tiredness is also another obstacle to routine. Sometimes you just can't fight your body....no matter how much caffeine you put into it! I've definitely adjusted to 6ish hours of sleep. My normal used to be 8 hrs so it might not seem like a big change...but trust me it is. I need my sleep to function at all the next day. The hours of studying are also never ending. Let's just say the only things to interrupt my 24 hours of studying/day are sleep, 1hr workout, and commute time to/from school. You might ask...what about eating?? Ya I study while I eat pretty much all of my meals. I HATE doing this...but there are just not enough hours in the day. A 48hr day would be nice :)
Social life = 0. My new social life is comprised of studying with my friends/new family :) That is it. Oh well a free weekend every 6 weeks!
Exercise has always been a part of my life. It is my outlet for all things! I knew that I needed to keep this up during medical school no matter how stressed out I got. Well that's a lot easier said than done. I do exercise on most days, but some days I have the internal battle between studying to not fall behind and getting an hour of exercise in. I hate having to sacrifice exercise, but sometimes I just have to in order to get the grades that I want. Now a grade that I want vs. need is a WHOLE other issue. More to come in future posts :)
An unfortunate consequence of the above has been a decrease/lack of prayer in my daily life. In college, I found my faith again and really devoted time to learning more about my faith and building my relationship with God. I was in such a good place. Now is when my faith is being put to the test. I am no longer surrounded by Catholic friends. I am now in a surprisingly secular environment. I'll admit it's a daily struggle to stand true to who I am and the way I want to live my life. I just need to remember the comfort and reassurance that prayer brings to me :) Also why is there not 24hr adoration anywhere near me?!
There are other things I want to share but I'll have to wait for future posts.
Medical school is a balancing act. Every day I learn a new way to tackle my life! The key is teamwork :)
Until next time..
Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies. - Mother Teresa
