I can't believe it's almost time for Winter Break! I was thinking back to this time last year when I was in Hawaii and calling my grandparents everyday to see if I had received a letter from OHSU inviting me for an interview! Every time I feel overwhelmed with school, I just remind myself of how much I wanted to get in!
I finished my first class (Gross Anatomy, Imaging, and Embryology) with a grade of "Honors" and moved on to our new course. This one is much harder as it includes histology (looking at tissue samples in a microscope) and biochemistry. I got into a pretty relaxed schedule with my last class and didn't have to study as much as some of the other students. I continued with that routine with my new class and unfortunately didn't do very well on my first test. It wasn't terrible, but you all know how I like my A's. So I studied harder than I ever have before and did much better on the second test last week. I got a 95% on the written test and a 100% on the lab/histology portion. I was so pleased (and relieved!). We started our third section this week, but will not finish it and be tested on it until after Winter Break.
I have also started working with a new preceptor; cardiology down at the new waterfront center. Pretty soon I'll be taking the tram to get there! I enjoy learning about the topic, but the doctor is pretty challenging and demanding. I know I'll benefit from the experience, but working at Shriner's was always fun and care free. I'm sure this will just be one of many experiences that will be difficult yet rewarding throughout my medical training.
One of the most wonderful things that I have been involved with is the memorial service that we had last week. Our anatomy professor is the director of the Oregon Body Donor Program. Bodies are collected and distributed to 34 programs across the state (including the medical school, dental school, OSU, UofO, etc). Because we get the most bodies and the program functions from our school, it has become a tradition for the first year students to plan a memorial service for the cadavers. We invited the families of all the body donors in the past year. We had at least 200 people attend (plus many students and faculty)! We had speeches, music, a slide show (with pictures and stories that were sent in by the families)... it was truly wonderful. We also compiled a booklet of letters and thank yous to give with the programs for the event. There was a time during the ceremony that family members could speak into the microphone as well... I was surprised that at least 15 people got up. Most people were in tears at some point, but we also had many laughs. We heard stories about the families coping with the decisions of their loved ones to donate their bodies. One man got up and told us that both of his parents had donated their bodies this year! After the ceremony we had a reception and talked with many of the guests. It was easy to forget the 'human' side of the bodies when we were in the lab studying and dissecting, but the memorial service was such a wonderful way to bring closure for the families and to complete our (the students') anatomy experience.
Other than school, I'm trying to keep busy with student council, seeing friends, working out with the Cavalettes once a week, and of course, watching Beverly Hills 90210 on SOAP NET. I'm looking forward to Christmas and I'm especially ready to go relax in Hawaii for 11 days! I hope you are all doing well!
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