10.25.06

It is almost the end of October and I'm still alive.... so that's nice. School is actually going really well and just flying by! We have had three sets of tests, all which I have received "Honors" on. The most recent was especially joyful as I earned 101% on my lab exam of the lower limb... I guess I might be qualified for Orthopedics afterall! We have one more test in this 'block' (of anatomy, embryology, and imaging) and then we move on to a new course: Cellular Structure and Function.

I'm still spending one day a week in the plastic surgery clinic and Shriners and the doctors are letting me have quite a bit of patient contact. I have taken out stiches, filled up tissue expanders (big balloons under the skin that stretch skin to be used later for skin grafts), and yesterday I went to the operation room! I got the scrub in and actually do part of the surgery!!! There was a fourth year student there who said that in his three previous years of med. school he has not been given the opportunity to do as much as I was allowed to on my first day! I heard that there is a female orthopedic surgeon who specializes in sports medicine up here and requested that next term I get to serve my preceptorship with her... so keep your fingers crossed.

Thus far student council has been a minimal commitment. Mostly fellow classmates just call me "Madame President". I have held a few meetings and we are currently planning some fundraisers and designing TShirts.... yes, the very important things that us medical students have to deal with. However, this Friday night there will be an "All-Hill" (students from med., dental, and nursing schools) Halloween party....with free beer! Did I mention that the party is actually AT school?!?! This is great! I will be dressed up as the "Circle of Willis". If you are not familiar with this, no problem. I will be sending photos later.... but it is basically the arteries to the brain and when looked at a certain way they look like a little person! I'm such a nerd!

I also recently met with the orthopedic research department head about a summer job. I am the first student to express interest so when they start planning I will have first choice on which project I want to work on. It won't be paid, but having the experience on my resume will be essential when it comes time to apply for residency.

Finally, I'm sure some of you have heard about the horrible headaches I was getting.... well, I had three migraines on consecutive Fridays and was really getting depressed about them. I went to see Anne Nedrow (the doctor that I worked for last year) and she made some suggestions and gave me some medicine, and so far so good. It has been almost two weeks since my last one...

I guess that is it for now. Thanks for all of the encouragement... and for not forgetting about me even though I have been a horrible anti-social friend (and probably will continue to be for at least the next three and a half years).