This is something that I continue to ponder every year. Stores always have a huge section dedicated to Halloween things and then on November 1st that section (and the next 3 over) are filled with Christmas things. If your lucky you might find a tiny corner of Thanksgiving decorations as well. Then there is the Christmas music, I like it, I really do. I just don't think I need to hear it non stop every time I go into a store or coffee shop from November 1st until December 25th. It gets to be overkill.
As a Christian, the meaning of Christmas is more than presents to me, but I think to the public as a whole this message is lost. Christmas has been commercialized and after two months (or more) of toy commercials and music I just get kind of sick of it. I love Christmas for the spirit of what it truly stands for and I love that without fail all of my family is in the same state for at least a couple days. However, if I was being perfectly honest I would have to say Thanksgiving holds a tighter spot in my heart and I am sorry it gets overlooked.
I love Thanksgiving for the fact that you can't really commercialize it. Sure, it's about food but a turkey is a turkey, most people don't care what brand they buy, just that it is big enough to feed their entire family. People don't go into debt paying for Thanksgiving. If you can't afford to buy the whole feast you can usually attend a dinner where they do things potluck style. Since Thanksgiving is not a religious holiday no one argues about the meaning. Christians, Muslims, Buddhists and anyone else can agree than being thankful is a good thing. Sure the meal prayer might be said to a different entity depending on who you are but that doesn't mean large groups of people can't celebrate together. There is no need to change the meaning to being about presents so the day remains about enjoying a meal and being together with loved ones.
I think if people remembered a little longer what Thanksgiving was about then maybe Christmas could also retain more of its original meaning. Only in America do we remember all we are thankful for and then the next morning run over each other at the stores trying to get the best deals on presents for the next holiday still over a month away.
So this year in the excitement of the season(s) don't forget Thanksgiving. Be safe if you do go out the day after! And just maybe in all the chaos decide what Christmas really means to you. Despite what the t.v. says a few less presents might leave your time and heart open to something more important.
Monday, November 12, 2012
Thursday, October 25, 2012
The Bird
Sorry for the lack of blog posts! I have been keeping up with my new photo blog though so I am proud of that! Second year continues to be very busy so I am finding it hard to have things to write about that are interesting.
Actually, today's post might not be all that interesting either, but I really wanted to write something and I guess I want to get this off my chest.
I don't like our pet bird. He drives me crazy. He rubs his beak together in the most annoying way, he squawks, and he poops.... everywhere!!! It is nasty. He makes it nearly impossible for me to get any studying done at home. Part of the problem is Patch needs more attention than we can give him. Birds are very social creatures and unfortunately he gets left home alone a lot, or when I am home I have things to do that do not include entertaining/training a parrot.
I have tried talking to hubby about my concerns but he refuses to re-home Patch. I get it, he is our pet and my husband is attached. Yes the bird can be funny and entertaining but mostly he just irritates me. I did get hubby to agree that he is on poop duty. However, he has not stuck to cleaning up as often as he said he would so I continue to have to look at bird poop. Yuck. I don't think hubby understands how impossible Patch makes it for me to study. Yes, I can walk to the coffee shop, but then I have to buy something to eat/drink which gets expensive. Not to mention that sometimes coffee shops are noisy as well (though those sounds don't tend to pierce through my ear plugs like squawks). I just want to be able to study in my own home. I really don't think that is asking too much.
No matter how much I might be tempted to open a window while hubby is at work I know I will just have to learn to live with this situation. I did agree to the bird when we bought him. (At least I know to never agree to another one!!!) I didn't realize how much work owning a bird would be or how loud he would be. I take responsibility for not researching better. I also know marriage is about compromise. For whatever reason my husband is in love with Patch. I probably like things hubby doesn't understand (though I am sure they are not as much of an inconvenience as our poop machine).
At the very least I guess I could see tolerating Patch as practice for having children. I know kids will be louder and poop more with no option of re-homing, haha. Who knows, maybe when we finally do have kids hubby will decide our home is a little to full for Patch after all (a girl can dream)!!
Actually, today's post might not be all that interesting either, but I really wanted to write something and I guess I want to get this off my chest.
I don't like our pet bird. He drives me crazy. He rubs his beak together in the most annoying way, he squawks, and he poops.... everywhere!!! It is nasty. He makes it nearly impossible for me to get any studying done at home. Part of the problem is Patch needs more attention than we can give him. Birds are very social creatures and unfortunately he gets left home alone a lot, or when I am home I have things to do that do not include entertaining/training a parrot.
I have tried talking to hubby about my concerns but he refuses to re-home Patch. I get it, he is our pet and my husband is attached. Yes the bird can be funny and entertaining but mostly he just irritates me. I did get hubby to agree that he is on poop duty. However, he has not stuck to cleaning up as often as he said he would so I continue to have to look at bird poop. Yuck. I don't think hubby understands how impossible Patch makes it for me to study. Yes, I can walk to the coffee shop, but then I have to buy something to eat/drink which gets expensive. Not to mention that sometimes coffee shops are noisy as well (though those sounds don't tend to pierce through my ear plugs like squawks). I just want to be able to study in my own home. I really don't think that is asking too much.
No matter how much I might be tempted to open a window while hubby is at work I know I will just have to learn to live with this situation. I did agree to the bird when we bought him. (At least I know to never agree to another one!!!) I didn't realize how much work owning a bird would be or how loud he would be. I take responsibility for not researching better. I also know marriage is about compromise. For whatever reason my husband is in love with Patch. I probably like things hubby doesn't understand (though I am sure they are not as much of an inconvenience as our poop machine).
At the very least I guess I could see tolerating Patch as practice for having children. I know kids will be louder and poop more with no option of re-homing, haha. Who knows, maybe when we finally do have kids hubby will decide our home is a little to full for Patch after all (a girl can dream)!!
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Hobbies
Hobbies.
I used to have them and I really enjoyed them. Mostly reading and photography. A little writing here and there as well (hence the blog).
Now I study and go to school. Oh, and watch t.v. when my brain is too tired to absorb anything. What a life.
My husband and I were talking the other day and he told me that I really need to make time for my hobbies again. At first I thought, "I don't have the time". The more I thought about it though if I really tried I could easily make the time. Manage my studying a little better, cut out some t.v. and in no time I will again be a more well rounded (and probably happier) person. I know the opportunity to be creative or spend time with a book really helps me to destress.
This blog has been good because it keeps me writing and lets people know what is going on with my life. The next hobby I want to work on adding back into my life is photography. I love photography and miss it! I did some event and family photography the year before medical school and it was a lot of fun. I have photographer friends and love looking through their albums on facebook (and am quite jealous of how they get to spend their days sometimes). While my talent is not as good as theirs I do know that if I picked up my camera again I could create some nice shots and have fun doing it. I don't think that I have the time to schedule appointments for portrait photography but I find other types of photography fun as well so I have lots of options.
My plan for now is to do a 365 project and document it on a separate blog. This means I will take a picture a day for one year to document my life. In reality I will take more than one picture some days, but the real point is to get me thinking about my camera again and to take pictures of lots of different things. I am pretty excited for the project and plan on starting in the next few days! I will let everyone know the link to the blog or photo sharing place I choose to use.
**Update** Set up the new blog. See it at: http://amanda365project.blogspot.com/
I used to have them and I really enjoyed them. Mostly reading and photography. A little writing here and there as well (hence the blog).
Now I study and go to school. Oh, and watch t.v. when my brain is too tired to absorb anything. What a life.
My husband and I were talking the other day and he told me that I really need to make time for my hobbies again. At first I thought, "I don't have the time". The more I thought about it though if I really tried I could easily make the time. Manage my studying a little better, cut out some t.v. and in no time I will again be a more well rounded (and probably happier) person. I know the opportunity to be creative or spend time with a book really helps me to destress.
This blog has been good because it keeps me writing and lets people know what is going on with my life. The next hobby I want to work on adding back into my life is photography. I love photography and miss it! I did some event and family photography the year before medical school and it was a lot of fun. I have photographer friends and love looking through their albums on facebook (and am quite jealous of how they get to spend their days sometimes). While my talent is not as good as theirs I do know that if I picked up my camera again I could create some nice shots and have fun doing it. I don't think that I have the time to schedule appointments for portrait photography but I find other types of photography fun as well so I have lots of options.
My plan for now is to do a 365 project and document it on a separate blog. This means I will take a picture a day for one year to document my life. In reality I will take more than one picture some days, but the real point is to get me thinking about my camera again and to take pictures of lots of different things. I am pretty excited for the project and plan on starting in the next few days! I will let everyone know the link to the blog or photo sharing place I choose to use.
**Update** Set up the new blog. See it at: http://amanda365project.blogspot.com/
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Haiti: Post 2: Ritchy
My second post about Haiti. The one I have been putting off writing (and posting) not because it is bad but because of the emotion that goes along with it.
While in Haiti I fell in love. Not a romantic love; I am happily married and have already had that experience. I fell in love with the children at Danita’s Children and more specifically one child in particular. His name is Ritchy, and when I got on the plane to leave Haiti I felt like I was leaving my child behind. I enjoyed (and love) many things about Haiti, but the honest truth is that little boy holds a very special piece of my heart and seeing him remains my strongest desire to go back.
I didn’t plan on this when I went to Haiti and even now it seems strange to me. I spent only three weeks with Ritchy (and often only a few hours a day) and somehow I left Haiti feeling like I entered motherhood. I don’t have children of my own so I suppose one could argue that I don’t know what motherhood feels like. I desire to have a family, I love children, I have a strong maternal instinct and yet, what I feel for Ritchy is none of those feelings. The connection I have with him is special.
I love all the children at Danita’s children and think of many of them often, but there is something about Ritchy I just can’t explain with the correct words. Actually, I couldn’t even explain the connection to Ritchy himself or have him explain it to me because we don’t speak the same language! I like to label it a motherly connection but the truth is I can’t be a mother to Ritchy because he lives in Haiti and I live in the United States. He lives in a country that makes adoption very hard and my husband and I are in a place where we couldn’t really consider adoption even if it was easier.
I have had to learn to just appreciate what I can do. Right now that means offering sponsorship so Ritchy can go to school at the orphanage and have meals. I also try to send letters and small gifts once a month so he knows how much I think of him. The most important thing though has been trying not to dwell on the fact that while I feel motherly towards Ritchy I will probably never be his mother. I know he is well taken care of and loved by many at Danita’s children. It is hard to not be the one there for him but I know my place is in the United States and there are others whose place is in Haiti.
When I finally learned to accept those above facts I had my moments where I wondered, why? Why do I feel this love and connection to a child who is worlds away from me? Why can’t I just love Ritchy the way I love the other children at Danita’s Children and not feel a special motherly-type love for him? I don’t have the answers to those questions, but I do know that love is not a bad thing. And this motherly-type love is really deep and must be making me a better person to be experiencing it (even when I sometimes worry about things I can’t possibly control from all these miles away). Even if I only see Ritchy once a year I would like to think he knows how deep my love is, remembers it when I am away, and maybe really needs it, from me, more than any other child in Haiti does. I don’t know. Those are things I trust to God.
So I went to Haiti just planning on getting some hands on clinic experience and instead I did some major growing up. Such is life, you never know what will change you.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Haiti (Part 1)
In order to keep this post from being too long I have decided to write about Haiti in parts. Writing about the experience all at once resulted in me writing a few lines and getting frustrated about how to express everything I wanted to. So breaking it down should help avoid that (and keep my readers from getting bored!)
For this first Haiti entry I want to share about why I went down to Haiti in the first place and how my experience was in some ways what I expected and in many ways so much more.
My dad has been traveling back and forth to Haiti since the 2010 earthquake and has been living in Haiti full time for almost a year. In order to move to Haiti my dad had to give up a lot, including a business in the states (I will refrain from details as they are not mine to tell). And yet, whenever I spoke to him he seemed so happy where he was. A part of me understood since I have a heart for helping others as well and yet another part of me wondered what could possibly be so special about this place that my father would give up things that had been very important to him while I was growing up. My dad was changing and developing a new life I knew little about so I decided to go to Haiti so he could share it with me.
From the moment he picked me up in the airport I could see the difference Haiti had made in my dad. He was a calmer and happier person. In fact, as the days went on I realized that this was the happiest I had seen my dad in my entire life! He didn't always know the language but somehow he just fits there. It is like my dad found his purpose in Haiti, his passion, and isn't that what we all need to be our happiest?
It was great to see what my dad does everyday while I spent my weeks in Haiti. Trust me, it is not glamorous, but it is very much needed! It was nice to finally meet all the people he talks about and to be a part of helping those in need. It didn't take me long to realize why my dad fell in love with Haiti and by the end of my stay I was in love with Haiti as well for a variety of reasons: for the happiness it has brought to my dad's life, the loving people I met, the orphans I cared for, the chance to really feel needed and helpful. Yes, Haiti has my heart and while I may not have plans to move there like my dad, I will be taking every opportunity I can to visit!
For this first Haiti entry I want to share about why I went down to Haiti in the first place and how my experience was in some ways what I expected and in many ways so much more.
My dad has been traveling back and forth to Haiti since the 2010 earthquake and has been living in Haiti full time for almost a year. In order to move to Haiti my dad had to give up a lot, including a business in the states (I will refrain from details as they are not mine to tell). And yet, whenever I spoke to him he seemed so happy where he was. A part of me understood since I have a heart for helping others as well and yet another part of me wondered what could possibly be so special about this place that my father would give up things that had been very important to him while I was growing up. My dad was changing and developing a new life I knew little about so I decided to go to Haiti so he could share it with me.
From the moment he picked me up in the airport I could see the difference Haiti had made in my dad. He was a calmer and happier person. In fact, as the days went on I realized that this was the happiest I had seen my dad in my entire life! He didn't always know the language but somehow he just fits there. It is like my dad found his purpose in Haiti, his passion, and isn't that what we all need to be our happiest?
It was great to see what my dad does everyday while I spent my weeks in Haiti. Trust me, it is not glamorous, but it is very much needed! It was nice to finally meet all the people he talks about and to be a part of helping those in need. It didn't take me long to realize why my dad fell in love with Haiti and by the end of my stay I was in love with Haiti as well for a variety of reasons: for the happiness it has brought to my dad's life, the loving people I met, the orphans I cared for, the chance to really feel needed and helpful. Yes, Haiti has my heart and while I may not have plans to move there like my dad, I will be taking every opportunity I can to visit!
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Holy Year II
Sorry it has been so long since I posted. Year II of medical school is in full swing and I am BUSY.
The first years take their first exam on Tuesday..... I take my third exam on Monday (tomorrow). Plus, I have been volunteering more than last year since I feel more competent working with patients (and I love it!).
Guess no one was kidding when they said how crazy second year would be. But, it is also more fun because the stuff we are learning is more relevant to the medical field (disease related).
I am going to try to make time for my blog now that I have the rhythm of it all, and yes, I will still post all my wonderful thoughts on Haiti! It might sound silly to some, but it was such an experience that putting it into words takes some effort.
The first years take their first exam on Tuesday..... I take my third exam on Monday (tomorrow). Plus, I have been volunteering more than last year since I feel more competent working with patients (and I love it!).
Guess no one was kidding when they said how crazy second year would be. But, it is also more fun because the stuff we are learning is more relevant to the medical field (disease related).
I am going to try to make time for my blog now that I have the rhythm of it all, and yes, I will still post all my wonderful thoughts on Haiti! It might sound silly to some, but it was such an experience that putting it into words takes some effort.
Friday, July 20, 2012
Summer: Family Medicine Externship
While I am annoyed that I am still waiting to see the check from my June externship I do have to admit that the experience was a great one!
The program was arranged by Oakwood Hospital but I was working in an outpatient office that had in house x-ray and labs. It was kind of a "one stop shop" for all things non-critical so I got to see a lot in the three weeks I was there. Lucky for me, there was only one or two third years there during my time so I got the chance to work with attending physicians on many occasions (though working with residents was not bad either!).
Mostly I just followed along and tried to learn as much as possible. When you are between first and second year you soon realize that almost anything you hear in the clinic is new information. Luckily everyone I worked with was good about answering questions. Sometimes I was allowed to get patient histories on my own which was great because I got to feel like I might actually be a real doctor someday (haha). In all seriousness though taking a history with a real patient is nothing like the standardized patients in class so getting some real practice was nice!
Thursday afternoons were procedure clinic so I got to see some fun things like mole freezing and toenail removal. I also worked doing prenatal visits a couple days so I got to hear fetal heart beats. I learned a lot about diabetes and well child visits, heard a heart murmur, correctly diagnosed a case of Hand, Foot and Mouth (lucky guess!), and too many other things to count!
Overall, I reaffirmed my interest in Family Medicine and got out of the house everyday so win, win.
Promise to write about my other summer things soon!
The program was arranged by Oakwood Hospital but I was working in an outpatient office that had in house x-ray and labs. It was kind of a "one stop shop" for all things non-critical so I got to see a lot in the three weeks I was there. Lucky for me, there was only one or two third years there during my time so I got the chance to work with attending physicians on many occasions (though working with residents was not bad either!).
Mostly I just followed along and tried to learn as much as possible. When you are between first and second year you soon realize that almost anything you hear in the clinic is new information. Luckily everyone I worked with was good about answering questions. Sometimes I was allowed to get patient histories on my own which was great because I got to feel like I might actually be a real doctor someday (haha). In all seriousness though taking a history with a real patient is nothing like the standardized patients in class so getting some real practice was nice!
Thursday afternoons were procedure clinic so I got to see some fun things like mole freezing and toenail removal. I also worked doing prenatal visits a couple days so I got to hear fetal heart beats. I learned a lot about diabetes and well child visits, heard a heart murmur, correctly diagnosed a case of Hand, Foot and Mouth (lucky guess!), and too many other things to count!
Overall, I reaffirmed my interest in Family Medicine and got out of the house everyday so win, win.
Promise to write about my other summer things soon!
Saturday, July 7, 2012
The most unrelaxing (but most fun) summer vacation ever
I am only 3 weeks away from starting classes again and I can honestly say this is the best and busiest summer "vacation" I have ever had.
In undergrad I almost always took summer classes, but even then that was maybe three or four days out of the week and I still had a lot of time to spend with friends or just being lazy. My summer this year has looked like this:
Classes ended and that day I left on a 3-day trip with my husband to celebrate our one year anniversary.
One day of crazy packing.
Three weeks in Haiti.
Four days to unpack and get used to being back home.
Three week externship in Family Medicine (8:30-5 or 6 M-F).
One Saturday at the Student Run Free Clinic working on a care team.
One week off to visit family and friends in Midland.
That brings us to today. I start another three week externship on Monday with one week each in Pediatrics, Internal Medicine and OB-GYN. I am signed up for one Saturday at the Student Run clinic during this time and that last week my mother in law will also be visiting from Mexico.
It has been crazy but it has also been fun. I have learned a lot of things and promise to write more in-depth blogs on my experiences. Especially my time in Haiti. That place changed me and I can't wait to go back again!
In undergrad I almost always took summer classes, but even then that was maybe three or four days out of the week and I still had a lot of time to spend with friends or just being lazy. My summer this year has looked like this:
Classes ended and that day I left on a 3-day trip with my husband to celebrate our one year anniversary.
One day of crazy packing.
Three weeks in Haiti.
Four days to unpack and get used to being back home.
Three week externship in Family Medicine (8:30-5 or 6 M-F).
One Saturday at the Student Run Free Clinic working on a care team.
One week off to visit family and friends in Midland.
That brings us to today. I start another three week externship on Monday with one week each in Pediatrics, Internal Medicine and OB-GYN. I am signed up for one Saturday at the Student Run clinic during this time and that last week my mother in law will also be visiting from Mexico.
It has been crazy but it has also been fun. I have learned a lot of things and promise to write more in-depth blogs on my experiences. Especially my time in Haiti. That place changed me and I can't wait to go back again!
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Strength
As I get ready to finish these last couple weeks of school I have been thinking about the word strength.
Partly my own strength. I have put a lot of effort into these last 9 or so months and it has really paid off. Many hours of studying, working in clinics and countless other activities have gotten me to a point where I am only a couple weeks away from finishing my first year of medical school! One step closer to my dream. I joke about how I still don't know a whole heck of a lot, but when I look back there are a lot of things I have learned. I may not know much about disease (I know some basics but the heavy stuff is in Year 2), but I do know a lot about how a normal human body works and I have invested countless hours learning basic interview skills and about doctor/patient relationships. I won't lie: I am beyond eager to learn some actual physical diagnosis but I have seen first hand how asking the right questions is equally important.
I also have to acknowledge the strength of my support system. Friends and family have done their best to understand when phone calls and visits were few and far between. They have laughed as my vocabulary did not always remain lay man friendly, and most importantly they have prayed for me when my nerves sky rocketed before every test. (Though I am sure they never doubted I would pass every one). No matter the times I did not believe in myself I always had a number of people believing in me and it means a lot. I can not forget that my husband has been the best trooper of all. While others may be just a phone call away he has to live with me. His patience while I have tried to figure out better study habits, while I sought out a doctor to treat my migraines, while I cried after exams only to find out I passed and a number of other crazy things has been amazing. It wasn't always easy but for a pair of newlyweds we sure did make it work.
Lastly, as this school year comes to an end I marvel at the strength of some of the patients I have had the pleasure to serve this year. My first "patient" was my cadaver in anatomy lab and I will always be grateful for the sacrifice she and her family made so that I could learn. In more clinical settings I saw people this year who had any number of ailments and yet there were always those that handled their situation with such grace. At the free clinic I met numerous patients who were so grateful for the care they received even when the waits were a little longer then they wanted them to be. I cold share many stories but one sticks out in my mind: it was a woman we met for one of our clinical days at school. Her father had been diagnosed with Huntington's Disease and had passed away a number of years earlier. For those who don't know HD is a genetic disorder that involves degeneration of neurons in the brain causing a number of neurological effects. When people are younger the symptoms are often more psychological such as anger or depression but they lead to physical symptoms such as tremors and paralysis later in life. It differs for all patients but if someone is diagnosed with HD they will develop the physical symptoms at some point in their life. After this young woman's father passed she was tested and found out she is positive for HD. Despite this horrific diagnosis she makes a life for herself. She is married and had twin girls using IVF and screening so that her daughters would not inherit the gene for HD. She lives her life happily and does not dwell on what might be except to educate medical students on HD and what it does to families. I admire her strength and hope I will continue to appreciate such qualities in all my future patients.
I know this summer is going to be a great learning experience. Three weeks in Haiti and then externships in Family Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine and OB/GYN. Then onto Year 2!
Partly my own strength. I have put a lot of effort into these last 9 or so months and it has really paid off. Many hours of studying, working in clinics and countless other activities have gotten me to a point where I am only a couple weeks away from finishing my first year of medical school! One step closer to my dream. I joke about how I still don't know a whole heck of a lot, but when I look back there are a lot of things I have learned. I may not know much about disease (I know some basics but the heavy stuff is in Year 2), but I do know a lot about how a normal human body works and I have invested countless hours learning basic interview skills and about doctor/patient relationships. I won't lie: I am beyond eager to learn some actual physical diagnosis but I have seen first hand how asking the right questions is equally important.
I also have to acknowledge the strength of my support system. Friends and family have done their best to understand when phone calls and visits were few and far between. They have laughed as my vocabulary did not always remain lay man friendly, and most importantly they have prayed for me when my nerves sky rocketed before every test. (Though I am sure they never doubted I would pass every one). No matter the times I did not believe in myself I always had a number of people believing in me and it means a lot. I can not forget that my husband has been the best trooper of all. While others may be just a phone call away he has to live with me. His patience while I have tried to figure out better study habits, while I sought out a doctor to treat my migraines, while I cried after exams only to find out I passed and a number of other crazy things has been amazing. It wasn't always easy but for a pair of newlyweds we sure did make it work.
Lastly, as this school year comes to an end I marvel at the strength of some of the patients I have had the pleasure to serve this year. My first "patient" was my cadaver in anatomy lab and I will always be grateful for the sacrifice she and her family made so that I could learn. In more clinical settings I saw people this year who had any number of ailments and yet there were always those that handled their situation with such grace. At the free clinic I met numerous patients who were so grateful for the care they received even when the waits were a little longer then they wanted them to be. I cold share many stories but one sticks out in my mind: it was a woman we met for one of our clinical days at school. Her father had been diagnosed with Huntington's Disease and had passed away a number of years earlier. For those who don't know HD is a genetic disorder that involves degeneration of neurons in the brain causing a number of neurological effects. When people are younger the symptoms are often more psychological such as anger or depression but they lead to physical symptoms such as tremors and paralysis later in life. It differs for all patients but if someone is diagnosed with HD they will develop the physical symptoms at some point in their life. After this young woman's father passed she was tested and found out she is positive for HD. Despite this horrific diagnosis she makes a life for herself. She is married and had twin girls using IVF and screening so that her daughters would not inherit the gene for HD. She lives her life happily and does not dwell on what might be except to educate medical students on HD and what it does to families. I admire her strength and hope I will continue to appreciate such qualities in all my future patients.
I know this summer is going to be a great learning experience. Three weeks in Haiti and then externships in Family Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine and OB/GYN. Then onto Year 2!
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Gleaners
This year I have participated in my school's co-curricular program which means I volunteer a certain number of hours this year and next and will get a "free" month during my last year of school.
I tried out quite a number of activities and have found my favorites that I will probably do a lot more often next year and beyond. One of my favorite places to volunteer is Gleaners. This is a food bank that has locations throughout the Detroit area. Their main warehouse is in Detroit and this is my favorite place of theirs to volunteer (favorite place so far, I would really like to volunteer at one of their partner soup kitchens sometime soon).
It kind of surprises me that I like working at the warehouse because you don't get to work with people directly and I am usually the type who likes to work one on one with those I am helping. However, I really believe in the good Gleaners is doing and I know that the behind the scenes work is so important to their cause. Also, when you volunteer at Gleaners there is a good chance you will be doing some heavy lifting so it tricks me into exercising, which I need, haha.
The first time I volunteered there I helped put together orders for Gleaners partners (food pantries, schools, etc). This involved loading lots of crates of different food and supplies onto pallets. Yesterday when I volunteered I spent my time bagging apples that would also go to different places to be distributed to those who are in need. In just over two hours 20 volunteers managed to sort through 8,000 pounds of apples! I know that makes a difference in the community.
Gleaners also has a Kids Helping Kids program so you can be sure that if I end up raising my family in this area that my love for the organization will be passed on :)
I know I get more excited on days that I am working in a clinic and will get to be face to face with patients, but I will continue to volunteer at Gleaners because it keeps me humble. We are not supposed to help others to be noticed for it, we are suppose to help because it is the right thing to do. I need to remember this.
I tried out quite a number of activities and have found my favorites that I will probably do a lot more often next year and beyond. One of my favorite places to volunteer is Gleaners. This is a food bank that has locations throughout the Detroit area. Their main warehouse is in Detroit and this is my favorite place of theirs to volunteer (favorite place so far, I would really like to volunteer at one of their partner soup kitchens sometime soon).
It kind of surprises me that I like working at the warehouse because you don't get to work with people directly and I am usually the type who likes to work one on one with those I am helping. However, I really believe in the good Gleaners is doing and I know that the behind the scenes work is so important to their cause. Also, when you volunteer at Gleaners there is a good chance you will be doing some heavy lifting so it tricks me into exercising, which I need, haha.
The first time I volunteered there I helped put together orders for Gleaners partners (food pantries, schools, etc). This involved loading lots of crates of different food and supplies onto pallets. Yesterday when I volunteered I spent my time bagging apples that would also go to different places to be distributed to those who are in need. In just over two hours 20 volunteers managed to sort through 8,000 pounds of apples! I know that makes a difference in the community.
Gleaners also has a Kids Helping Kids program so you can be sure that if I end up raising my family in this area that my love for the organization will be passed on :)
I know I get more excited on days that I am working in a clinic and will get to be face to face with patients, but I will continue to volunteer at Gleaners because it keeps me humble. We are not supposed to help others to be noticed for it, we are suppose to help because it is the right thing to do. I need to remember this.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Retraining Patch
It has been a while since my last post, sorry about that! (If I have any readers still out there.)
I have been busy with school and such as always. I did get to take a nice weekend trip to Midland and have a girl's night to celebrate two of my friends' birthdays. It was a lot of fun :)
As to the tittle of my post; I have also made it a goal to retrain my pet bird these past few weeks. We let him get spoiled and he was biting a lot so I finally decided it had to stop. He now gets put to bed and covered up and I have been handling him a lot more. He is actually coming to both hubby and I without biting now :) Only bad thing is he is now VERY clingy. He squawks in the morning starting about 7:30am and I have to get up and uncover his cage. Then he usually gets anxious when I try to go back to sleep (if I don't have to start getting ready) and he flies into our bedroom and lands on the bed. Kind of hard to go back to sleep with my bird pecking at my hair. But at least he is being better behaved for the most part and is back to being affectionate like he was when he was little.
I think the next step will be to get him a play stand that can go on my dresser. That way he can fly into the bedroom in the morning but be trained to play with his things instead of landing on the bed and bothering hubby and I. Hopefully only a few more weeks of such early mornings and he will finally be to the point I want him to be. And then I will go to Haiti and hubby will probably let him be bad for three weeks and I will have to start over, hahaha.
The joys of pet ownership!
I have been busy with school and such as always. I did get to take a nice weekend trip to Midland and have a girl's night to celebrate two of my friends' birthdays. It was a lot of fun :)
As to the tittle of my post; I have also made it a goal to retrain my pet bird these past few weeks. We let him get spoiled and he was biting a lot so I finally decided it had to stop. He now gets put to bed and covered up and I have been handling him a lot more. He is actually coming to both hubby and I without biting now :) Only bad thing is he is now VERY clingy. He squawks in the morning starting about 7:30am and I have to get up and uncover his cage. Then he usually gets anxious when I try to go back to sleep (if I don't have to start getting ready) and he flies into our bedroom and lands on the bed. Kind of hard to go back to sleep with my bird pecking at my hair. But at least he is being better behaved for the most part and is back to being affectionate like he was when he was little.
I think the next step will be to get him a play stand that can go on my dresser. That way he can fly into the bedroom in the morning but be trained to play with his things instead of landing on the bed and bothering hubby and I. Hopefully only a few more weeks of such early mornings and he will finally be to the point I want him to be. And then I will go to Haiti and hubby will probably let him be bad for three weeks and I will have to start over, hahaha.
The joys of pet ownership!
Monday, April 2, 2012
Shadowing
A couple weeks back I had my first real shadowing experience. Yes, I am a little slow on this one. Most students have had more shadowing by now but I guess I have spent more time volunteering.
I did work at a clinic in New Orleans for a summer years back (2006) but I did a lot of office work and since I didn't have any real experience being right out of high school wasn't allowed to shadow the doctors a whole lot. I did watch them do sutures a couple times that summer but that is a different story.
Anyway, I was assigned a physician to shadow for one of my classes and being that I am actually a medical student now he let me see what actually happens in the exam rooms. He even let me and a fellow student practice our interviewing skills on one of his patients and take a history of present illness. Overall I had a really great time and will probably continue to shadow at his office even after my requirements for class are filled.
His specialty is Internal Medicine and the office is a Primary Care office so it is very similar to what I want to do for my career. Only difference is that my specialty will more than likely be Family Medicine. In the three hours I was there I got to see patients with diabetes, bladder infections, possible STIs, minor sports injuries and even a particular interesting case of bi-polar disorder where the patient cycled 3-4 times in the span of 15 minutes. In other words, I saw a little of everything; and I loved it! It was very interesting and nice to be learning hands on instead of in the classroom.
Some of the doctors tactics were not my style. For instance, he tried to scare one patient into taking her diabetes medicine by telling her that if she did not that she would become blind and her husband would leave her! However, with other patients he was gentle as could be. One elderly patient (who only spoke Arabic) had trouble with his medications so the doctor took the time to write all the doses in Arabic on the bottles so he could take them better at home. I suppose he has decided what works or doesn't work for different patients. Not that I will adapt everything I saw but it was nice to see what 40 years of practicing medicine looks like.
Anyway, overall I had a great time and the doctor who runs the office answered any questions I had. He allowed me to do what I was comfortable with and it is obvious that he is passionate about spreading his knowledge to students. Many of my classmates said their assigned physicians just had them stand in the corner and watch so I feel lucky to be assigned to one that wants students involved and learning in his office. Since I want to be a primary care physician I think shadowing him over the next couple years will be a great way to learn outside of the classroom.
I did work at a clinic in New Orleans for a summer years back (2006) but I did a lot of office work and since I didn't have any real experience being right out of high school wasn't allowed to shadow the doctors a whole lot. I did watch them do sutures a couple times that summer but that is a different story.
Anyway, I was assigned a physician to shadow for one of my classes and being that I am actually a medical student now he let me see what actually happens in the exam rooms. He even let me and a fellow student practice our interviewing skills on one of his patients and take a history of present illness. Overall I had a really great time and will probably continue to shadow at his office even after my requirements for class are filled.
His specialty is Internal Medicine and the office is a Primary Care office so it is very similar to what I want to do for my career. Only difference is that my specialty will more than likely be Family Medicine. In the three hours I was there I got to see patients with diabetes, bladder infections, possible STIs, minor sports injuries and even a particular interesting case of bi-polar disorder where the patient cycled 3-4 times in the span of 15 minutes. In other words, I saw a little of everything; and I loved it! It was very interesting and nice to be learning hands on instead of in the classroom.
Some of the doctors tactics were not my style. For instance, he tried to scare one patient into taking her diabetes medicine by telling her that if she did not that she would become blind and her husband would leave her! However, with other patients he was gentle as could be. One elderly patient (who only spoke Arabic) had trouble with his medications so the doctor took the time to write all the doses in Arabic on the bottles so he could take them better at home. I suppose he has decided what works or doesn't work for different patients. Not that I will adapt everything I saw but it was nice to see what 40 years of practicing medicine looks like.
Anyway, overall I had a great time and the doctor who runs the office answered any questions I had. He allowed me to do what I was comfortable with and it is obvious that he is passionate about spreading his knowledge to students. Many of my classmates said their assigned physicians just had them stand in the corner and watch so I feel lucky to be assigned to one that wants students involved and learning in his office. Since I want to be a primary care physician I think shadowing him over the next couple years will be a great way to learn outside of the classroom.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Just for laughts
Today is a studying day for me so just a pic that hopefully puts a smile on your face because it did mine :)
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
To be fair...
I like to be a person who looks at all sides of an issue. I wrote a post last time about how it bothers me when girls have children and don't finish their education. Today, I read an article that gives very good arguments why a college education is not necessary.
I do believe college is not for everyone. There are some jobs you need an education to get but it is possible to be successful without a degree. However, as the article points out, this requires a person to be dedicated to self learning, which many people are not. Many need the structure of the classroom; I know because I am one of them. Still, I found the article interesting and wanted to post it here for others to read:
http://www.emptyfist.com/succeed-without-college/
I do believe college is not for everyone. There are some jobs you need an education to get but it is possible to be successful without a degree. However, as the article points out, this requires a person to be dedicated to self learning, which many people are not. Many need the structure of the classroom; I know because I am one of them. Still, I found the article interesting and wanted to post it here for others to read:
http://www.emptyfist.com/succeed-without-college/
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Baby Fever
Yes, I will be the first to say it; I have a small case of baby fever. I have a few friends who have kids, a couple who are pregnant for the second or more time and a part of me can't help but let myself feel how nice it would be to start a family of my own. Hubby is for sure old enough (36) and I am mature enough and love children enough that I really do want to have them. Now before anyone feels the need to smack me (cough: dad) let me say that I have an even bigger case of common sense. I know how important it is to finish my education so while I may have a small case a baby fever it will remain just that; something to think about, not to be acted upon.
The choice to have a baby is a very personal one. I try my best to be happy for my friends who have children no matter what their age or circumstance but the truth remains that I am a true advocate for planned pregnancy and finishing your education. If people have other plans that is their business but the truth remains that an education is invaluble in the world today and it is foolish for someone to deny themselves one by having children too young. You can make an argument for going back to school but the statistics remain that the majority of mothers do not finish an education interupted by childbirth be it highschool or college. (To be fair planned pregnancies in late college or graduate school cause a lower drop out rate because of a higher chance of a good support system for the mother.)
It is a risk that should not be taken lightly. A good education means a better life for you and your future children. Their are few jobs today that do not require some sort of higher education. Additionally, there are few families who can survive on a single income so chances are both mom and dad will need to have a job. Even if mom chooses to stay at home while the children are young she may want the freedom to be out of the house once the children are all in school full time. A college education opens more doors and makes it more likely for someone to find a job they enjoy instead of one that simply pays the bills. People who are happier at thier jobs are happier at home, it is a simple truth.
The other thing that gets to me is that preventing pregnancy is so easy. Yes, for guys the only option is still the condom but for women there are a lot of options including the pill, patch, depo shot, vaginal ring, mirena implant and the list goes on. Each has its own side effects and ease of use. If someone is dedicated to preventing pregnancy, with the help of a health care provider they can find one that works for them. Insurance is still a problem for some (luckily the new bill is going to change that!!!) but in most places there are free or reduced price clinics; you just have to take the time to find them. Nothing is 100% effective, but when used properly most methods have 99% or higher effective rates. Much higher than no protection at all.
I don't mean to preach or stand on a soap box but sexual health is very important and the resources are there. I worked really hard to get where I am and as much as I want a family, I want to finish my education more so I never regret it. I hope other girls will take the time to consider the same thing. There is plenty of time to have babies but the time to finish your education is while you are young and only have yourself and maybe a boyfriend/husband to support. Just think about it. In the end it is your decision, but make it wisely.
The choice to have a baby is a very personal one. I try my best to be happy for my friends who have children no matter what their age or circumstance but the truth remains that I am a true advocate for planned pregnancy and finishing your education. If people have other plans that is their business but the truth remains that an education is invaluble in the world today and it is foolish for someone to deny themselves one by having children too young. You can make an argument for going back to school but the statistics remain that the majority of mothers do not finish an education interupted by childbirth be it highschool or college. (To be fair planned pregnancies in late college or graduate school cause a lower drop out rate because of a higher chance of a good support system for the mother.)
It is a risk that should not be taken lightly. A good education means a better life for you and your future children. Their are few jobs today that do not require some sort of higher education. Additionally, there are few families who can survive on a single income so chances are both mom and dad will need to have a job. Even if mom chooses to stay at home while the children are young she may want the freedom to be out of the house once the children are all in school full time. A college education opens more doors and makes it more likely for someone to find a job they enjoy instead of one that simply pays the bills. People who are happier at thier jobs are happier at home, it is a simple truth.
The other thing that gets to me is that preventing pregnancy is so easy. Yes, for guys the only option is still the condom but for women there are a lot of options including the pill, patch, depo shot, vaginal ring, mirena implant and the list goes on. Each has its own side effects and ease of use. If someone is dedicated to preventing pregnancy, with the help of a health care provider they can find one that works for them. Insurance is still a problem for some (luckily the new bill is going to change that!!!) but in most places there are free or reduced price clinics; you just have to take the time to find them. Nothing is 100% effective, but when used properly most methods have 99% or higher effective rates. Much higher than no protection at all.
I don't mean to preach or stand on a soap box but sexual health is very important and the resources are there. I worked really hard to get where I am and as much as I want a family, I want to finish my education more so I never regret it. I hope other girls will take the time to consider the same thing. There is plenty of time to have babies but the time to finish your education is while you are young and only have yourself and maybe a boyfriend/husband to support. Just think about it. In the end it is your decision, but make it wisely.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Summer Plans
Short post but my summer plans are mostly final and I forgot to post it here!
I was accepted to two local externships. One at Oakwood Hospital and one at St. John's Medical Center. So, I will be going to Haiti for three weeks to see my dad (May 15-June 6), then I will do my Oakwood externship in Family Medicine the last three weeks in June.
The first week in July is my week off from everything.
The last three weeks of July I will be at St. John's. I don't know which specialties I will be shadowing yet but I will do a different one every week.
M2 year will start July 30, 2012. Going to be a great (but busy) summer!!
I was accepted to two local externships. One at Oakwood Hospital and one at St. John's Medical Center. So, I will be going to Haiti for three weeks to see my dad (May 15-June 6), then I will do my Oakwood externship in Family Medicine the last three weeks in June.
The first week in July is my week off from everything.
The last three weeks of July I will be at St. John's. I don't know which specialties I will be shadowing yet but I will do a different one every week.
M2 year will start July 30, 2012. Going to be a great (but busy) summer!!
Hurt
I think it is kind of rude when people say they are sorry first and then do something anyway but unfortunately I am going to be one of those people today. There is a chance this post will offend some people and for that I am sorry, but I need to get some things of my chest.
I am aware that everything posted on the internet is painfully permanent so I will refrain from airing any specific dirty laundry. I'll just say that my dad and step mom got divorced. They fought a lot and couldn't work it out. The details and no one's business but their own. However, I ended up caught in the middle and I hate it.
I don't want to take sides. Both parties were wrong about different things they did; it is the same with almost any break-up. Just because my step mom isn't my "real" mom doesn't mean that is doesn't feel like I am choosing between my parents. My dad and her married when I was in middle school. That means I lived with her and her kids half of the time for almost all of my teenage years. The years where you fight with almost everyone but also the years where you mature and grow up. I didn't always get along with my step mom and step siblings but they were my family.
When my mom and dad got divorced it had no effect on how their families felt about me and my brothers. I now had two families instead of one who did not blend with each other except at school events and baptisms. I think many children of divorced parents have the same experience.
The same has not been true with this divorce. I try to believe that my step mom's family still cares about me but the truth remains that things are just different now. I get that they don't like my dad but I feel like these feelings have awkwardly extended to me. I feel as if all that made me their family was that piece of paper between my dad and step mom and now that it is gone we don't know how to act around each other. No blood ties us so what should we do? I don't mean to imply total guilt anywhere it is just hard to explain how it feels. I was out of the house when this divorce started. It was finalized after I was already married and started a life on my own. It shouldn't effect me so much, but it does.
It does because this is my family. We came together in an awkward way (what are blended families but awkward anyway), but we made it work. I formed true relationships with my step family and now they are strained. Some still talk to me once on a while and some don't talk to me at all. I don't know the solution. I don't even know what I want from writing this.
I guess I just want an outlet and for all my family to know (mom's side, dad's side, step mom's side): I do love you. I want to have good relationships with all my family members. It is complicated right now but I hope it gets easier.
I am aware that everything posted on the internet is painfully permanent so I will refrain from airing any specific dirty laundry. I'll just say that my dad and step mom got divorced. They fought a lot and couldn't work it out. The details and no one's business but their own. However, I ended up caught in the middle and I hate it.
I don't want to take sides. Both parties were wrong about different things they did; it is the same with almost any break-up. Just because my step mom isn't my "real" mom doesn't mean that is doesn't feel like I am choosing between my parents. My dad and her married when I was in middle school. That means I lived with her and her kids half of the time for almost all of my teenage years. The years where you fight with almost everyone but also the years where you mature and grow up. I didn't always get along with my step mom and step siblings but they were my family.
When my mom and dad got divorced it had no effect on how their families felt about me and my brothers. I now had two families instead of one who did not blend with each other except at school events and baptisms. I think many children of divorced parents have the same experience.
The same has not been true with this divorce. I try to believe that my step mom's family still cares about me but the truth remains that things are just different now. I get that they don't like my dad but I feel like these feelings have awkwardly extended to me. I feel as if all that made me their family was that piece of paper between my dad and step mom and now that it is gone we don't know how to act around each other. No blood ties us so what should we do? I don't mean to imply total guilt anywhere it is just hard to explain how it feels. I was out of the house when this divorce started. It was finalized after I was already married and started a life on my own. It shouldn't effect me so much, but it does.
It does because this is my family. We came together in an awkward way (what are blended families but awkward anyway), but we made it work. I formed true relationships with my step family and now they are strained. Some still talk to me once on a while and some don't talk to me at all. I don't know the solution. I don't even know what I want from writing this.
I guess I just want an outlet and for all my family to know (mom's side, dad's side, step mom's side): I do love you. I want to have good relationships with all my family members. It is complicated right now but I hope it gets easier.
Monday, March 12, 2012
Spring Break was great :)
Sorry for being missing in action for a while! I had my spring break and took full advantage of it by doing a lot of sleeping in and seeing friends.
The first couple days of break I spent with just hubby and I. We watch movies at home and cuddled on the couch. It was really nice. We almost never have time for that sort of thing anymore. Then, I spent a few days in my home town visiting family and friends there. I went to a bonfire with friends, played cards with my aunt, uncle and grandma and even spent a night at work with my mom (she does home health care). Then, I rode a bus to the other side of the state to stay with a friend who lives near Holland, MI for five days. The weather was horrible so we only got to drive by the beach while I was there but we had an amazing time catching up. This friend has been a true friend to me for many years but I don't get to see her much since she lives on the other side of the state. She is married as well but luckily their apartment has a guest bedroom so it wasn't a bother for me to stay. We spent our time thrift store shopping, watching movies, sleeping in and just hanging out. I had a blast. I was sad to leave but ready to go home to hubby and my animals when all was said and done.
Now it is back to school! I have less than two months left and I will be done with my M1 year!! Right now my classes are neuroscience and nutrition. In early April nutrition is over and genetics starts. (I am also taking clinical medicine which spans the whole school year). I am really excited about neuroscience. For some reason I love learning about the brain so that makes it a great way to end the school year. I find out today if I am accepted into any local externships for the summer. If I am I will be shadowing at local hospitals anywhere from 3-8 weeks of my summer and then hopefully saving some money to spend 2 weeks or so with my dad in Haiti. If I don't get offered any local opportunities I am hoping for a grant that would allow me to be in Haiti for 10 weeks. Hubby would be sad for me to be gone that long but agreed it would be alright if none of the local externships offered me a spot.
Alright, that is my update for now. Check back for some more interesting posts later ;)
The first couple days of break I spent with just hubby and I. We watch movies at home and cuddled on the couch. It was really nice. We almost never have time for that sort of thing anymore. Then, I spent a few days in my home town visiting family and friends there. I went to a bonfire with friends, played cards with my aunt, uncle and grandma and even spent a night at work with my mom (she does home health care). Then, I rode a bus to the other side of the state to stay with a friend who lives near Holland, MI for five days. The weather was horrible so we only got to drive by the beach while I was there but we had an amazing time catching up. This friend has been a true friend to me for many years but I don't get to see her much since she lives on the other side of the state. She is married as well but luckily their apartment has a guest bedroom so it wasn't a bother for me to stay. We spent our time thrift store shopping, watching movies, sleeping in and just hanging out. I had a blast. I was sad to leave but ready to go home to hubby and my animals when all was said and done.
Now it is back to school! I have less than two months left and I will be done with my M1 year!! Right now my classes are neuroscience and nutrition. In early April nutrition is over and genetics starts. (I am also taking clinical medicine which spans the whole school year). I am really excited about neuroscience. For some reason I love learning about the brain so that makes it a great way to end the school year. I find out today if I am accepted into any local externships for the summer. If I am I will be shadowing at local hospitals anywhere from 3-8 weeks of my summer and then hopefully saving some money to spend 2 weeks or so with my dad in Haiti. If I don't get offered any local opportunities I am hoping for a grant that would allow me to be in Haiti for 10 weeks. Hubby would be sad for me to be gone that long but agreed it would be alright if none of the local externships offered me a spot.
Alright, that is my update for now. Check back for some more interesting posts later ;)
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
A story for another time
I realized that often in my blog I will say something and then say I will explain it at another time... but then I never do. I am sure lots of blog writers do this but I thought it might be nice to actually go back once in a while and give the back story on something that would have made a previous blog entry to lengthy.
In one of my posts, I mentioned how there is a severe shortage of primary care physicians in the United States. Being someone who wants to go into family medicine this shortage is obviously interesting to me. After going to some seminars and talking to classmates, I have come to believe that this shortage is caused not only by the way our health care system is arranged but also by how society views health and success.
In our health care system doctors are able to bill insurance companies not based on the time they spend with a patient but by the number of procedures they perform. A doctor is not paid to counsel a patient on disease prevention, to answer their questions about medications or to take a detailed history in order to understand how a patient's personal life may be effecting their health. And yet, these are all things that good primary care physicians must do. It is easier for a specialist to skip these steps. If you are in the hospital for knee surgery, it is not necessary that your surgeon know all the life choices that led to your bad knees. It is important for them to make sure you understand the surgery and the steps you will need to take in order to recover. The surgeon will spend less time with you and get more money for doing it. I understand why, there is a lot more training that goes into learning how to perform surgeries and there is a lot more risk involved. Still, it seems wrong that doctors can only get paid for doing procedures on sick patients and not keeping their patients well in the first place. This discrepancy in pay between primary care physicians and other specialties is what causes part of the deficit.
Some would say that this proves that doctors are simply greedy but I would disagree. Medical school is expensive, very expensive and there are students who pay for it all in loans and don't get help from family. For these students, when it comes time to pay the loans back it can actually be hard to make it on a primary care physician's salary especially in the first few years of practice (and if the student has a family of their own it only adds to the burden). So unless you have someone who is truly passionate about primary care, the financial security of a different specialty is all too tempting.
Then you have how our society views health. It is no wonder we have a payment system built on procedures because society as a whole cares little about the prevention of disease. The sad truth is that we have become a people who simply look to treat our symptoms without pausing to consider what might be the root of the problem or what might have prevented the condition all together. Both doctors and lay people are guilty of this. It is much easier for a patient to take (or for a doctor to prescribe) a pill to lower cholesterol once the patient already has high cholesterol than it is to put in the work to prevent the condition in the first place. If the campaign for prevention could be set in motion it would spread to future generations. I truly believe that if doctors could get more compensation for keeping their patients healthy in the first place then they would spend more time educating their patients on disease prevention. If this became the norm instead of the glory of procedures we would see more of a balance between those doctors who want to specialize in preventing disease and those who want to specialize in treating the inevitable.
I hold nothing against my classmates who want to go into surgical or other non primary care specialties. I just find it sad that we have created a system where that number is so high and those who want to go into primary care is so low. We need primary care physicians. Helping people with their basic health and preventing disease is just as important as treating major diseases and it is time our health care system reflected this. It shouldn't be all about procedures, money and glory, it should be about the patients. It should be about making people well and keeping them well. I hope little by little our system can change, but if not, I guess in the future I will be doing lots of little procedures in my office to make up for all the time I will spend talking with and educating my patients, even if I can't bill for it.
In one of my posts, I mentioned how there is a severe shortage of primary care physicians in the United States. Being someone who wants to go into family medicine this shortage is obviously interesting to me. After going to some seminars and talking to classmates, I have come to believe that this shortage is caused not only by the way our health care system is arranged but also by how society views health and success.
In our health care system doctors are able to bill insurance companies not based on the time they spend with a patient but by the number of procedures they perform. A doctor is not paid to counsel a patient on disease prevention, to answer their questions about medications or to take a detailed history in order to understand how a patient's personal life may be effecting their health. And yet, these are all things that good primary care physicians must do. It is easier for a specialist to skip these steps. If you are in the hospital for knee surgery, it is not necessary that your surgeon know all the life choices that led to your bad knees. It is important for them to make sure you understand the surgery and the steps you will need to take in order to recover. The surgeon will spend less time with you and get more money for doing it. I understand why, there is a lot more training that goes into learning how to perform surgeries and there is a lot more risk involved. Still, it seems wrong that doctors can only get paid for doing procedures on sick patients and not keeping their patients well in the first place. This discrepancy in pay between primary care physicians and other specialties is what causes part of the deficit.
Some would say that this proves that doctors are simply greedy but I would disagree. Medical school is expensive, very expensive and there are students who pay for it all in loans and don't get help from family. For these students, when it comes time to pay the loans back it can actually be hard to make it on a primary care physician's salary especially in the first few years of practice (and if the student has a family of their own it only adds to the burden). So unless you have someone who is truly passionate about primary care, the financial security of a different specialty is all too tempting.
Then you have how our society views health. It is no wonder we have a payment system built on procedures because society as a whole cares little about the prevention of disease. The sad truth is that we have become a people who simply look to treat our symptoms without pausing to consider what might be the root of the problem or what might have prevented the condition all together. Both doctors and lay people are guilty of this. It is much easier for a patient to take (or for a doctor to prescribe) a pill to lower cholesterol once the patient already has high cholesterol than it is to put in the work to prevent the condition in the first place. If the campaign for prevention could be set in motion it would spread to future generations. I truly believe that if doctors could get more compensation for keeping their patients healthy in the first place then they would spend more time educating their patients on disease prevention. If this became the norm instead of the glory of procedures we would see more of a balance between those doctors who want to specialize in preventing disease and those who want to specialize in treating the inevitable.
I hold nothing against my classmates who want to go into surgical or other non primary care specialties. I just find it sad that we have created a system where that number is so high and those who want to go into primary care is so low. We need primary care physicians. Helping people with their basic health and preventing disease is just as important as treating major diseases and it is time our health care system reflected this. It shouldn't be all about procedures, money and glory, it should be about the patients. It should be about making people well and keeping them well. I hope little by little our system can change, but if not, I guess in the future I will be doing lots of little procedures in my office to make up for all the time I will spend talking with and educating my patients, even if I can't bill for it.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Lent
I was not raised Catholic but hubby was and I have a deep interest in the Episcopal faith (which is the denomination we chose to be married in). I have always liked the idea behind Lent even though I have never participated in it before. It seems very fitting to give something up in order to allow yourself to get closer to God. So this year I have decided to participate in Lent by giving up "trash" tv. (Game shows and reality television) We don't have cable at our house but do get a few stations and I am embarrassed to say that on days that I did stay home from school game shows, Maury and Jerry Springer were how I spent my time.
When deciding what in my life seemed pointless and possibly even harmful to my spiritual self these television shows are what kept coming to my mind. The game shows I don't think are really bad, but once I start watching those the tv stays on through the rest of the afternoon lineup so it seemed best to give them all up. In addition to giving up these television shows I am going to work my way through a devotional book and start attending an Episcopal church I found near our home.
I have never lost my faith but am ready to get more serious about it and to become closer to God. A series of events including the death of a friend and severe episodes of OCD have left me with a fear of attending church. (My OCD is religious based but that is a story for another time.) This Lent/Easter season I am finally ready to face those fears and I think that God will help me find my personal way to worship him again.
Blessings to you all.
When deciding what in my life seemed pointless and possibly even harmful to my spiritual self these television shows are what kept coming to my mind. The game shows I don't think are really bad, but once I start watching those the tv stays on through the rest of the afternoon lineup so it seemed best to give them all up. In addition to giving up these television shows I am going to work my way through a devotional book and start attending an Episcopal church I found near our home.
I have never lost my faith but am ready to get more serious about it and to become closer to God. A series of events including the death of a friend and severe episodes of OCD have left me with a fear of attending church. (My OCD is religious based but that is a story for another time.) This Lent/Easter season I am finally ready to face those fears and I think that God will help me find my personal way to worship him again.
Blessings to you all.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
I Helped Someone :)
A lot of studying to do today so this will be a short post. Longer ones to come during the week, I promise!
If you follow my blog you will have heard me mention how I help out at my school's Student Run Free Clinic usually one Saturday a month. I usually help out in patient education which means I counsel patients on life style changes including diet, exercise, smoking cessation and drug/alcohol abuse. It is something I enjoy and it is nice to get to have actual patient contact when most of my time is spent reading my notes or listening to lectures. The clinic only sees patients without health insurance so I know we are helping those who need it most.
Even though I enjoy doing it, patient education can be frustrating because you don't know if people are really listening to what you are telling them. A patient may seem receptive to lowering their salt intake because of their high blood pressure but we all know how hard life style changes can be. I only get maybe 10 minutes with a patient and then they have to go home and try to navigate the change by themselves. Many times in the back of my mind I wonder if I will simply be having the same talk with the same patient (or if another student will) when they come back for a follow up visit. I don't do my job any different because of this, but it is a thought that is there. I am grateful we can even provide these education services, I know many clinics can't because of the time it takes, but it is nice to know if what you do is really working.
Well yesterday I was estatic to learn that some of our patients are encouraged by our dedication to couseling them on good habits! I was outside the room while a fellow student was with a patient and heard the patient say how he was smoking 1-2 cigarettes per day. Afterwards the student was commenting on how this wasn't a very high number and I realized that the patient's name sounded familiar. The other student checked the chart and realized him and I had couseled this patient at his last appointment about cutting down on his smoking. At that time he was smoking 10 cigarettes per day!
Now I know the patient did most of the work. He was the one that had to make all that effort to cut down on a habit that is very addicting, but I also know that the encouragement from me and my fellow student at that previous appointment helped him on his way and that makes me very happy!
I didn't cure a disease, I didn't save a life, but I helped someone! To me, it feels like my first victory in my medical career. Maybe it is small but it is an encouragement and that is what is important because it will keep me going towards my goal!
If you follow my blog you will have heard me mention how I help out at my school's Student Run Free Clinic usually one Saturday a month. I usually help out in patient education which means I counsel patients on life style changes including diet, exercise, smoking cessation and drug/alcohol abuse. It is something I enjoy and it is nice to get to have actual patient contact when most of my time is spent reading my notes or listening to lectures. The clinic only sees patients without health insurance so I know we are helping those who need it most.
Even though I enjoy doing it, patient education can be frustrating because you don't know if people are really listening to what you are telling them. A patient may seem receptive to lowering their salt intake because of their high blood pressure but we all know how hard life style changes can be. I only get maybe 10 minutes with a patient and then they have to go home and try to navigate the change by themselves. Many times in the back of my mind I wonder if I will simply be having the same talk with the same patient (or if another student will) when they come back for a follow up visit. I don't do my job any different because of this, but it is a thought that is there. I am grateful we can even provide these education services, I know many clinics can't because of the time it takes, but it is nice to know if what you do is really working.
Well yesterday I was estatic to learn that some of our patients are encouraged by our dedication to couseling them on good habits! I was outside the room while a fellow student was with a patient and heard the patient say how he was smoking 1-2 cigarettes per day. Afterwards the student was commenting on how this wasn't a very high number and I realized that the patient's name sounded familiar. The other student checked the chart and realized him and I had couseled this patient at his last appointment about cutting down on his smoking. At that time he was smoking 10 cigarettes per day!
Now I know the patient did most of the work. He was the one that had to make all that effort to cut down on a habit that is very addicting, but I also know that the encouragement from me and my fellow student at that previous appointment helped him on his way and that makes me very happy!
I didn't cure a disease, I didn't save a life, but I helped someone! To me, it feels like my first victory in my medical career. Maybe it is small but it is an encouragement and that is what is important because it will keep me going towards my goal!
Friday, February 17, 2012
New Addition to our Family
So anyone who knows me knows that I have this love (read: obsession) for animals. I have been asked on more than one occasion why I didn't choose to be a vet instead of a doctor. To that I usually laugh and say I don't know but the real answer is that while I love my pets I could not imagine putting my talents to use saving animals instead of people. I have nothing against vets in any way. I obviously appreciate all they do. I just feel that my personal calling in life is to help people and my fur babies at home are more of a stress relief than life passion for me.
Anyway, back on topic. Our house has a new pet even though I swore many times we were at our capacity.
It started when my fish (Mr. Pebbles) died. I don't know why, he was just dead one night when I went to feed him diner, but he was a gold fish, and almost a year old, so we'll just say it was old age. I made hubby flush him and tried not to be sad because I felt a little silly seeing as it was the fish and not one of the cats.
Valentine's Day was coming up so hubby decided the perfect gift was a replacement fish. It was very thoughtful. He looked very similar to my lost fish. I named him Goggles but unfortunately he died about 3 days after I got him. Too bad hubby wasn't home, I had to flush him myself. I said I didn't want another fish but that night I decided to go to the pet store and pick out a Betta since I had luck with them in the past and they are pretty hardy.
Well, long story short, I went to the pet store but instead of falling in love with a Betta I fell in love with a hamster. oops. So I bought a cage, bought a hamster ball and brought the hamster (which I have named Dizzy) home. Part of me was sure hubby would demand I take this rodent back to the store. But I told him there was a 14 day return policy and he said we would see how it works out. That night he even said he really hopes Dizzy can stay and he has commented a number of times how much I seem to like him.
So this makes our count 2 cats, a parrot and a hamster. Am I crazy? Probably. And I have to say that our house is beginning to look a little like a pet store, but everyone who needs to be in a cage is in one and no one is in danger of being eaten by the cats. I make sure everyone is fed and the cages are clean. I don't know why but having the animals around makes me really happy and hubby doesn't mind so I guess those things are what matter. So if Dizzy passes his 2 week test I think our house will officially be full (until we move into a bigger place, then I want a big fish tank, but don't tell hubby).
Anyway, back on topic. Our house has a new pet even though I swore many times we were at our capacity.
It started when my fish (Mr. Pebbles) died. I don't know why, he was just dead one night when I went to feed him diner, but he was a gold fish, and almost a year old, so we'll just say it was old age. I made hubby flush him and tried not to be sad because I felt a little silly seeing as it was the fish and not one of the cats.
Valentine's Day was coming up so hubby decided the perfect gift was a replacement fish. It was very thoughtful. He looked very similar to my lost fish. I named him Goggles but unfortunately he died about 3 days after I got him. Too bad hubby wasn't home, I had to flush him myself. I said I didn't want another fish but that night I decided to go to the pet store and pick out a Betta since I had luck with them in the past and they are pretty hardy.
Well, long story short, I went to the pet store but instead of falling in love with a Betta I fell in love with a hamster. oops. So I bought a cage, bought a hamster ball and brought the hamster (which I have named Dizzy) home. Part of me was sure hubby would demand I take this rodent back to the store. But I told him there was a 14 day return policy and he said we would see how it works out. That night he even said he really hopes Dizzy can stay and he has commented a number of times how much I seem to like him.
So this makes our count 2 cats, a parrot and a hamster. Am I crazy? Probably. And I have to say that our house is beginning to look a little like a pet store, but everyone who needs to be in a cage is in one and no one is in danger of being eaten by the cats. I make sure everyone is fed and the cages are clean. I don't know why but having the animals around makes me really happy and hubby doesn't mind so I guess those things are what matter. So if Dizzy passes his 2 week test I think our house will officially be full (until we move into a bigger place, then I want a big fish tank, but don't tell hubby).
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Quick Laugh
Not writing a full post today. Just wanted to post a picture that I saw on facebook that I thought was funny. Even when life is busy, always make time to laugh!!
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Planning my summer
The summer between my first and second year of medical school is the only one where I get a long break (2.5 months). A lot of people choose to do some sort of internship or fellowship to fill the time and I am no different. I don't really need it to pad my resume as I don't plan on going into a competitive residency (family medicine is really under-represented by US graduates but that is a post for another time), but I don't want to spend my time just sitting on my butt at home. A year of medical school doesn't qualify me to do a whole lot but it will be nice to do something where I will be getting some patient contact!
Since I don't get any loan money over the summer I have had to look for opportunities that pay interns and I was lucky enough to find quite a few! If I don't end up getting accepted into any of those programs I will spend my time volunteering somewhere but for now I am putting a lot of effort into my applications.
There are a few local hospitals that let students shadow doctors in a variety of specialties. The pay varies from $150-300 per week and programs vary from 1-8 weeks. The programs are competitive but give preference to students from local schools. My top choice is for the hospital that is right down the street from where hubby and I live. I would get to do two 3 week programs. One in family medicine and one in internal medicine. My plan is to save part of my money from the program and go volunteer in Haiti for an additional 3 weeks of my summer (my dad is a missionary there please check out his work at sevendollarbills.com). This choice would be my number one way to spend my summer and I have already sent in the application in hopes that being so early will up my chances of being accepted! I would get to shadow in the specialty I am most interested and get to spend time with both my husband and dad over the summer. Sounds good to me!
My close second plan would involve me being in Haiti for the whole summer (10 weeks). If I didn't have a husband this would probably be my number one plan, haha, but I do and I have to admit being away from him for 2.5 months would be really hard! Anyway, there is a foundation that offers grants to medical students doing research or service projects over the summer. You have to write a proposal of what you will be doing and then report on your project within four weeks of your return. For students doing international work they have to have mentors both at their school and in the country they are volunteering in. My plan is to write a proposal to work with the Baby Rescue Program at the orphanage where my dad is in Haiti (check out danitaschildren.org). I know while I am there I would do more than work with just the babies in this program but for the grant my project has to have a focus. I really wish I didn't have exams right now because the application is due March 1st and there is little chance of me getting it in early but I guess at least it won't be late. My dad was so helpful to find someone to be my mentor in Haiti and my adviser at school will help me find a doctor to be my mentor here once I finish my proposal. I can not even imagine how much a summer in Haiti would change my life and how many people I would be able to help!!
There are a couple other things I am applying to like a family physician shadowing program in Delaware and an internship at NIH but these are more "back-up" plans. I would do those for the times they are and then used the money I saved to do 3 or 4 weeks in Haiti at the end of the summer.
Guess the main thing is no matter what happens I want to spend at least 3 weeks in Haiti with my dad helping out at Danita's Children! It would be really nice to get the opportunity to shadow some doctors in the area here as well but I will just have to wait and see what programs accept me. Whatever happens I am looking forward to an awesome summer! I can not wait to be out there helping people as a student doctor. I may only know a little but I am well on my way to becoming the doctor I want to be!!
Since I don't get any loan money over the summer I have had to look for opportunities that pay interns and I was lucky enough to find quite a few! If I don't end up getting accepted into any of those programs I will spend my time volunteering somewhere but for now I am putting a lot of effort into my applications.
There are a few local hospitals that let students shadow doctors in a variety of specialties. The pay varies from $150-300 per week and programs vary from 1-8 weeks. The programs are competitive but give preference to students from local schools. My top choice is for the hospital that is right down the street from where hubby and I live. I would get to do two 3 week programs. One in family medicine and one in internal medicine. My plan is to save part of my money from the program and go volunteer in Haiti for an additional 3 weeks of my summer (my dad is a missionary there please check out his work at sevendollarbills.com). This choice would be my number one way to spend my summer and I have already sent in the application in hopes that being so early will up my chances of being accepted! I would get to shadow in the specialty I am most interested and get to spend time with both my husband and dad over the summer. Sounds good to me!
My close second plan would involve me being in Haiti for the whole summer (10 weeks). If I didn't have a husband this would probably be my number one plan, haha, but I do and I have to admit being away from him for 2.5 months would be really hard! Anyway, there is a foundation that offers grants to medical students doing research or service projects over the summer. You have to write a proposal of what you will be doing and then report on your project within four weeks of your return. For students doing international work they have to have mentors both at their school and in the country they are volunteering in. My plan is to write a proposal to work with the Baby Rescue Program at the orphanage where my dad is in Haiti (check out danitaschildren.org). I know while I am there I would do more than work with just the babies in this program but for the grant my project has to have a focus. I really wish I didn't have exams right now because the application is due March 1st and there is little chance of me getting it in early but I guess at least it won't be late. My dad was so helpful to find someone to be my mentor in Haiti and my adviser at school will help me find a doctor to be my mentor here once I finish my proposal. I can not even imagine how much a summer in Haiti would change my life and how many people I would be able to help!!
There are a couple other things I am applying to like a family physician shadowing program in Delaware and an internship at NIH but these are more "back-up" plans. I would do those for the times they are and then used the money I saved to do 3 or 4 weeks in Haiti at the end of the summer.
Guess the main thing is no matter what happens I want to spend at least 3 weeks in Haiti with my dad helping out at Danita's Children! It would be really nice to get the opportunity to shadow some doctors in the area here as well but I will just have to wait and see what programs accept me. Whatever happens I am looking forward to an awesome summer! I can not wait to be out there helping people as a student doctor. I may only know a little but I am well on my way to becoming the doctor I want to be!!
Thursday, February 9, 2012
I'm Back!!
I'm back (and very lucky if anyone is still following this blog)!!
Yes, I am still in school and loving it (mostly) and yes, things are improved on the home front. Christmas break did hubby and me a world of good. It was nice to get some time to relax and reconnect. It is hard to make time for each other with our schedules but we have been doing much better and it makes a big difference.
So the quick version of what I have been up to in my absence: I had my Christmas break in which I spent a lot of time with family and friends! My dad was home from Haiti and I actually hosted Christmas at my house, lol. It made our little 2 bedroom place quite full for a couple days but everyone had a great time. I made a great Christmas dinner and my dad taught me how to make gravy :) All my brothers were home (2 from college, 1 from the marines) so I got to see them too. I also spent some time in Midland (my home town) so I got to see my mom's side of the family and a lot of my friends from high school/undergrad.
I also had my birthday so I am now the ripe old age of 24. On my birthday the actually Dr. Patch Adams that the movie was based on was speaking in Dearborn so I got to hear him speak and meet him afterwards (he signed a book for me!!) It was probably my most memorable birthday yet. I wrote an essay my first time trying to get into medical school about how he was the one person in medicine that I would want to meet and now I have. He is a very inspirational person and I promise to dedicate and entire post to the experience sometime in the future. My mom, grandma and brother came to visit the day after my birthday and we went out for pizza and a couple weeks later my brother (youngest) visited again and we did a late b-day trip to Chuck-E-Cheese. So overall I felt very loved and was happy to turn another year older.
Now I am finishing up my BioChemistry and Physiology courses so I can have spring break at the end of the month. Then it is just one more round of courses and I will be done with my first year of medical school in May!! I can hardly believe it. I am hoping to do an externship this summer either at a local hospital or in Haiti with my dad. Again, more on that later.
Hopefully I will keep my blog up this time. Thanks for reading!!
Yes, I am still in school and loving it (mostly) and yes, things are improved on the home front. Christmas break did hubby and me a world of good. It was nice to get some time to relax and reconnect. It is hard to make time for each other with our schedules but we have been doing much better and it makes a big difference.
So the quick version of what I have been up to in my absence: I had my Christmas break in which I spent a lot of time with family and friends! My dad was home from Haiti and I actually hosted Christmas at my house, lol. It made our little 2 bedroom place quite full for a couple days but everyone had a great time. I made a great Christmas dinner and my dad taught me how to make gravy :) All my brothers were home (2 from college, 1 from the marines) so I got to see them too. I also spent some time in Midland (my home town) so I got to see my mom's side of the family and a lot of my friends from high school/undergrad.
I also had my birthday so I am now the ripe old age of 24. On my birthday the actually Dr. Patch Adams that the movie was based on was speaking in Dearborn so I got to hear him speak and meet him afterwards (he signed a book for me!!) It was probably my most memorable birthday yet. I wrote an essay my first time trying to get into medical school about how he was the one person in medicine that I would want to meet and now I have. He is a very inspirational person and I promise to dedicate and entire post to the experience sometime in the future. My mom, grandma and brother came to visit the day after my birthday and we went out for pizza and a couple weeks later my brother (youngest) visited again and we did a late b-day trip to Chuck-E-Cheese. So overall I felt very loved and was happy to turn another year older.
Now I am finishing up my BioChemistry and Physiology courses so I can have spring break at the end of the month. Then it is just one more round of courses and I will be done with my first year of medical school in May!! I can hardly believe it. I am hoping to do an externship this summer either at a local hospital or in Haiti with my dad. Again, more on that later.
Hopefully I will keep my blog up this time. Thanks for reading!!
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