Week 8-9

March 17, 2015

Week 8-9

Recap of last week...Week 8

Last Friday was my anatomy midterm. We were tested on the following topics: back (interesting enough), upper limb (dislike this very much), thorax (love this very much) and abdomen (really enjoyed it-no complaints).

First of all-it was totally because of the Lord that I did as well as I did on the exam. I went into that test feeling at peace and left feeling good about it-both the written and the practical portion.
I knew the information to answer the questions, with the exception of some (which was a little scary) but the best part about the exam was leaving and knowing exactly how to proceed with my studies. That in and of itself was a very refreshing realization because it confirmed that my study habits leading to the midterm were working and now I know what to continue doing and what to supplement in my studies.

It basically comes down to questions...constant quizzing and testing of the information-repetedly.

The questions are not first order questions-rather, they are given as a clinical vignette and you have to sort through the information for the pertinent details and be able to pick out the actual question in the stem of information and choose the appropriate answer.
My time scribing gave me an upper hand when facing these types of questions because I am used to writing out a patient's story from the beginning and seeing the findings unfold into a full story. With these questions however, it is easier because I am given all of the information and need to know how to sort through it. These questions, at least for this term, give me all the information-I just need to know my anatomy properly to answer them. And what is anatomy? I am becoming convinced it really boils down to  structure and function. If I know the structure and it's function, I should be able to deduce what happens if and when the structure becomes impaired and how it will subsequently function.

How to proceed with the term?
Questions, questions questions, more lab time, more quizzing with other people and more self testing. Very doable. Tough. But doable.
How to ensure I am on track?
Accountability -with myself, my classmates and my advisors. Tough-but doable as well.

Week 9

Today was almost like a Day 1 all over again-only this time, I actually know what I am doing and what to expect and am coming with a perspective that is entirely different than the one I had 2 months ago. We are starting in on pelvis then headed to lower limb (We did have an hour of a heart ultrasound session today which was really cool-but I cannot help but feel like I am looking at a static TV screen and having to pick out various vessels and chambers...)


In conclusion...The midterm exam helped bring clarity to a lot and reaffirmed a lot in regards to how I need to proceed with the remainder of the term.

On a side note: I have had some post exam fun! (Fish market in the city-got to see more of the island, met more locals, took a few long walks on the beach-at various times during the day and have seen some amazing sunsets, swam in the ocean-favorite place to be,  collected more shells, was serenaded by a rasta guitar man, tried new local food and tasted a few foods that reminded me of home, strengthened a few friendships, gone on some good runs, prayed a lot and talked with friends and mentors back home)

Talk to you in a week.

-M.H-