Saturday, March 9, 2013

so you want to be a doctor....



medical school is hard.  i know, thank you captain obvious.  but seriously, going into it you know that, everyone tells you that, you expect it, yet it still hits you every day just how hard it is.  we are heading into the final stretch of year two and I will be pretty glad to finish this chapter.  i try not wish my time away but this one is difficult.  at the end of year two we take step one of our medical school boards.  yes, step one, meaning that there are multiple board exams that we get to take and this is the first one.  we are constantly tested in medical and somehow no matter how much or hard you study there is always more to know.  this test comes with an increasing amount of pressure.  i am constantly reminded of how important this result is.  i must first pass step one to be allowed to continue to third year, a given, but also it is this early in the process, just half way through school, that much of our path as a physician is decided.  the score on this one test will play a role in what my options for residency are.  it is a cloud constantly hanging over my head.  over the next two weeks we have 6 tests in various classes mostly focused on different aspects of hematology and I try to stay focused on these exams, looking at them as studying for step one, but in the back of my mind all i can think about is BOARDS!  after these tests we have spring break and the debate among my classmates: to study or relax?  we know that the following three months will be nothing but intense study, can we afford a week to prepare our minds for that?  for me the question is complicated by the fact that i am currently 36 weeks pregnant!  yep, we are having a baby!  so my spring break plan.... have this baby!  people keep asking me if I have my hospital bag packed yet... nope; do i have the nursery ready....nope; do i have a birth plan.... um.... have the baby at the hospital; but i do know a lot about red blood cells....

wife, 3 sweet dogs, a little boy on the way, and medical school.  i am a very lucky girl.  this year will be about balance.  balance between my home life and school.  we (the man and I) have a ton to figure out about the next year with him working full time and me starting my 3rd year of medical school but for now one day at a time.


Friday, March 8, 2013

this moment

{this moment} - "A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see."