Neuro Zombie

Our first final, Microbiology, took place yesterday. It covered Mycology and Parasitology - I am now hesitant to eat cereal, go swimming, be without bug spray, or tread anywhere near cats or dogs. I'm doing you all a favor by not posting some of the more memorable pictures from this unit...just know there were lots and lots of worms. Eeeew. Ok, maybe just one picture.

Try eating when you're studying this...

The most popular type of Facebook post right now from my classmates is the number of exams, practicals, and hours we have left before we officially become MSIIs. While I couldn't be more excited for summer, the majority of my stress will be lifted this Friday afternoon upon my slaying of the beast that is Neuroanatomy. A comprehensive exam covering 42 lectures; 13 labs; 29 CT, MRI, and dissected brain Powerpoint presentations; and cases...I'm too tired to count the number of cases. Pressure is on, and I've managed to suppress the anxiety and any possible meltdowns so far.
I am capable of acting like a normal human being right now, but I can feel the lethargy starting to set in. By Thursday evening, I will be a Neuro zombie. While I may blink and stare, I will be incapable of any coherent conversation. Mentally evacuated. My onery sister once took a picture of a dehydrated, disoriented me suffering from a nasty stomach bug and lovingly framed it. That image pretty much sums it up.
All I know is this: after the final, I'm heading to Tahlequah to hug my mom and dad and to attempt to recover from the week before Macee's graduation. Otherwise, people may not believe I'm in medical school...

Best Mom Ever

Everyone is biased in thinking that they have the best mom ever. I feel, however, that I am objective enough to accurately state that my mom actually takes that title. :)
Here's some supporting evidence to back that statement up:

Wasn't she a cute baby?!

My mother works 50+ hours a week yet still somehow manages to keep her home spotless. No dishes in the sink, no mounds of laundry in the utility room, no misplaced items lying randomly about the house (exception: my dad's computer desk, my dad's ottoman in the bedroom, and visits from Macee and I). I don't know how she does it, but I hope to one day learn the secret...or hire a daily maid. Always organized, always prepared, always put-together: she is Supermom.

My mother selflessly places my sister and I above herself, always. She has just recently begun to buy nice clothes and shoes for herself, as for years everyone's wants came before her own needs. I can't begin to describe the sacrifices she and my father have made for us, and know that I will undoubtedly discover more as I grow and have my own children. I can't wait until I'm in the position to bless their socks off!

True friends are rare, and their relationships invaluable. One of the greatest pleasures of growing up was seeing my mom in a new perspective: as a person, not just a mom. What a blessing it was to discover the qualities a true friend possesses in her - loyalty, honesty, faith, selflessness. With her I can share anything, and it gives me joy that that she now shares intimate aspects of her life with me. She is my role model, who I attempt to emulate and from whom I seek advice. I love spending time with her, in person or on the phone, and can't wait to do so more often this summer.
I love you bunches and gobs, mom!
Micah Joy

Last Day of MSI Classes

Nearly nine months ago I walked into medical school, Aaron at my side, for our very first day of classes. I hoped I had picked a suitable outfit of scrubs and sneakers. I did not want to emulate the freshman at the U of A that always showed up on the first day in high heels and skirts, only to be smirked at (in a friendly way!) by upperclassmen like me in jeans and t-shirts. In the madness of that morning I had forgotten to take a picture of Aaron and I, something I'd promised my mom I'd do.
I walked in that morning and blinked...and I woke up and the year is nearly finished. One seemingly never-ending, sometimes nightmarish dream later, classes are over. This gives me hope. Hope that I'll blink and it will be the end of second year, and rotations, and so on until I'm in my residency. The years ahead feel just like that - years; but so did this first as I looked forward in August.
We have a tradition of standing and applauding each professor after their last lecture of the semester. I'm looking forward to the standing ovation in three years, at graduation, in honor of us.

Softball Practice

The annual Faculty vs. Student softball tournament is quickly approaching. It's scheduled for the last day of our finals and the first year class has had several practices. There was a low turnout today, probably because our first final is Monday...the closer it gets, the faster the material seems to overwhelm us. However, the gorgeous weather coaxed a few of us out of the library to take a break and soak up some sun. My position: official team photographer ;)

 Warmup

 The talented first baseman :)

 Action shot!

 Aaron says he needs to work on his back foot...

Jared sending them over the fence

Get ready, Meekster (our histology professor), the first years are coming for ya!

Mortui Vivis Praecipant

A brief ceremony honoring those who donated their bodies to our Anatomy Lab last semester took place during lunch today. My brilliant husband organized it, and Dr. Jarolim, one of the Anatomy professors, gave a speech that was quite lovely before candles were lit in remembrance. It centered upon the unique gift that these individuals bestowed upon us, our education, and our future careers. He mentioned a Latin phrase on a sign hanging from the Anatomy lab director's office door, which roughly translates to "The living learn from the dead."
How true is that? Yes, a bit morbid, but a wonderful reminder that the legacy we build here on earth continues (hopefully) after we pass. It's been a rough week already. I've put in 6 hours of pure studying today with a few more to go. However, it's nice to remember that I'm investing in my future - in my legacy.
What kind of legacy are you creating?

Female Exam and H&Ps

The past few days have been interesting indeed. I was once again reminded of the fact that I live in a medical school bubble through the discovery of Bin Laden's death via Facebook. Sadly, that seems to be a legitimate news source lately and my only connection to the normal outside world.

Justin and MacKelvie chose to personify "Mercka" (America) and its awesomeness in celebration

Yesterday, my entire day was consumed by Clinical Skills. The female exam lab was scheduled several weeks ago, but several physicians and patient models failed to show up; therefore, my group and several others were rescheduled for this week. I mourned the loss of study time, suited up (white coat), and was amazed at the difference between this exam and my confusion during the male prostate tutorial. Possessing all the "parts" was very helpful. As much as I didn't want to take precious time to makeup the lab, I ultimately was grateful for the experience. I will now look much more competent in rotations. Ex: I will correctly insert the catheter into the urethra instead of stabbing at the clitoris...apparently this is a common mistake. Also, if your male OB/Gyn ever says anything in that region looks "beautiful" or "pretty," he missed etiquette 101. Creepy.

 A lecture actually walking us through writing a H&P would've been extremely helpful

While my afternoon was spent with a speculum and KY, my morning was spent waiting for a meeting and then being told of my absolute failure in writing my first History and Physical. My instructor/physician purposefully did not give anyone in her group over an 80%, which was upsetting considering the time I put into it rather than studying Neuro the day before the exam. Apparently, the example H&P's we were given that were written by actual physicians would not have received above an 80% either, because that's what my classmates and I followed. We should also know what questions to ask in all circumstances and be able to determine which lab tests to order at this point (?). While the critique I received was much appreciated for its future benefit, I would have appreciated not being held accountable to a much more advanced knowledge base. Has it been that many years between their first year and the present?

Plans

I'm spending today studying for the Epidemiology final (in two and a half weeks - I'm on top of it!) and writing the paper that is due at midnight tonight (not so on top of it). Papers in medical school? I thought I was done with them for life in college. Then again after my MBA classes. When will it end?!
Despite the impending task, I have a fresh perspective on the rest of this semester, which is quickly dwindling to summer. I've struggled with a particular person the past few months, with no provocation, rhyme or reason behind the malicious actions. Then, last Wednesday, something was initiated that made me feel as if a bomb had been dropped on me and my future. It wasn't fair. I asked the typical question: "Why me?"
I remembered one of my dad's sermons in which he taught that it's not the events that occur in our lives that define us, but rather our responses to these events. So I asked for prayer and guidance from my parents and husband, and prayed fervently myself.
In my devotions that night and the night that followed, I read about Gideon's victory over the Midianites. About his complete faith and trust in God. And my favorite verse came to mind: "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.'" This promise to me, along with an amazing passage of scripture from my mom, reminded me that God has already crafted my future. No thing and no one can change those plans as long as I follow His will. How comforting is that?
And God was faithful to hear and answer my prayers. Just like Gideon, I had a major victory over my enemy. As finals approach, I know that as long as I do my part, God will be faithful to carry me through. So take heart, first years, because nothing can stand in the way of God's plans for you; especially not these next few weeks.
Amen!