There is no peds neuro clinic on Thursdays. My first reaction was "Yay! Free day!" But now... I'm bored. Sigh... So bored. I'm waiting for the attending (who is a fantastic and wonderful person - I'm not actually complaining about him) to decide to round on our one patient. I know that if I go home - where I can always find ways to entertain myself - I will be immediately paged back here. So, I've just been wandering around since 9:30 this morning. I've run out of things to do.
I must admit, it is kind of fun to just meander around the hospital. I keep running into fellow fourth year students, and we'll stand and chit-chat for a while (I'm up to ten chit-chats already today) and then continue on. Meandering.
The most interesting thing I've learned today is that the national Human Genome Research Institute has announced that it will sequence the genome of the bushbaby. The bushbaby? Seriously? They announced 12 other animals that they're going to sequence, as well, but I really can't get the image of a bunch of dorky researchers sitting around in a conference room going "Dude! We totally need to sequence the bushbaby!" And then breaking out into riotous laughter. Because that's the kind of thing that dorky researchers do.
Or perhaps they're trying to figure out the gene sequence that leads to those huge freaking bushbaby eyes in an attempt to bring those Japanese anime characters to life.
Jul 28, 2005
Jul 26, 2005
That Girl
Yesterday was the day that all the little first years started their orientation at our school. I love love love seeing them all come in, all bright-eyed and well hair-cutted. This is before girls get catty and guys get ratty. Haha! That's a little poem I just wrote. I guarantee you that by four months from now, there will be at least one guy with a full on beard and one guy who gave up cutting his hair entirely. And there will be at least one girl that everyone hates. But right now, they are all on a level playing field. And perky! Yesterday, I had to give them all a short (like three minute) presentation to them on one of the groups I'm in. Such power - me and a microphone in front of 100+ perky smart people.
Tonight, as one co-editor in chief of the yearbook, it was my privilege/duty to attend the first years' Dean's Dessert Reception thingy. The first years get all dressed up and mingle and try to impress each other and the deans. And I was there, camera in hand. It was pretty cool. I felt absolutely no compulsion to do any mingling. I only actually met one first year. The rest of the time, I'd point my camera, snap a shot and then scurry on my merry little way. And I had some cake.
The weirdest thing, though: there are at least three people in the incoming class that I taught Verbal and Writing to in Kaplan MCAT classes. I couldn't figure out how I knew this one girl until she reminded me. Weird! They were my students! They were ones that I remember had good essays, though, so that's good. I am amused that these three students have now seen me: teaching Kaplan, representing one student group, and taking pictures for yearbook. They must think I'm 'that girl' - you know the one who does everything. The thing is... I guess I am! But at least I'm not the girl that everyone hates!
Tonight, as one co-editor in chief of the yearbook, it was my privilege/duty to attend the first years' Dean's Dessert Reception thingy. The first years get all dressed up and mingle and try to impress each other and the deans. And I was there, camera in hand. It was pretty cool. I felt absolutely no compulsion to do any mingling. I only actually met one first year. The rest of the time, I'd point my camera, snap a shot and then scurry on my merry little way. And I had some cake.
The weirdest thing, though: there are at least three people in the incoming class that I taught Verbal and Writing to in Kaplan MCAT classes. I couldn't figure out how I knew this one girl until she reminded me. Weird! They were my students! They were ones that I remember had good essays, though, so that's good. I am amused that these three students have now seen me: teaching Kaplan, representing one student group, and taking pictures for yearbook. They must think I'm 'that girl' - you know the one who does everything. The thing is... I guess I am! But at least I'm not the girl that everyone hates!
If I'd Only Known Three Years Ago...
As I continue to plug away at my ERAS residency application, I am doing more research on pediatric residency programs across the US. Probably something I should have done earlier, but I really do procrastinate well. Actually, the fact that I've done everything on my ERAS app but the personal statement (and letters of recommendation) is really quite an accomplishment for me.
Anyway. I have fallen in love with Rainbow Babies. It may just be the name. What a fantastic name for a children's hospital! So much better than naming it after a rich person who donated a bunch of money who has a really hard to pronounce name. You know, that's just cruel to those poor, sick children. Rainbow babies makes me think of... butterflies and books and things that make me happy.
Plus, it is one of the top ranked programs in the US. Here, too. I would love to learn pediatrics at Rainbow Babies - the program itself looks fantastic with an okay call schedule and 4 weeks of vacation. I think it would be perfect!
Which all means: I should have studied harder.
Sigh. No reason I can't apply to one "wildest fantasies" school, though, right?
Anyway. I have fallen in love with Rainbow Babies. It may just be the name. What a fantastic name for a children's hospital! So much better than naming it after a rich person who donated a bunch of money who has a really hard to pronounce name. You know, that's just cruel to those poor, sick children. Rainbow babies makes me think of... butterflies and books and things that make me happy.
Plus, it is one of the top ranked programs in the US. Here, too. I would love to learn pediatrics at Rainbow Babies - the program itself looks fantastic with an okay call schedule and 4 weeks of vacation. I think it would be perfect!
Which all means: I should have studied harder.
Sigh. No reason I can't apply to one "wildest fantasies" school, though, right?
Jul 24, 2005
Wedding Report
The wedding last night was lovely. It was probably the smallest wedding I've ever been to (not that I've been to tons - most of my closer friends are taking their sweet time to approach marriage, much like me). There were probably 60-70 people there in total.
The ceremony was outside. It was hot. I don't recommend an outdoor wedding in the middle of the summer in North Carolina. It was lovely, though. Another thing: if you do have an outdoor wedding, find a way for the bridesmaids (and bride!) to not have to walk on grass in heels. I was really worried that they'd fall flat on their faces. I can't imagine how worried they were!
After all that spatula talk, I didn't end up getting them anything even remotely spatula-like. I didn't make it to Williams-Sonoma until about two hours before the wedding (after spending an hour straightening my hair...not sure why I did it...) There were only a few things left on the list, and it took three employees to help me find the Baker's Peel. You didn't know it was called that, did you? No one did. I feel like I bought them a paddle. Part of me is very happy to know that every time they move, and have to find a spot in a box to fit that freaking thing, they will think of me. Hahahaha!
Anyway, the wedding was lovely, and the food (heavy hors d'oeuvres) was great. And they had a completely open bar - maybe I should have spent a little more on a present after all!
The ceremony was outside. It was hot. I don't recommend an outdoor wedding in the middle of the summer in North Carolina. It was lovely, though. Another thing: if you do have an outdoor wedding, find a way for the bridesmaids (and bride!) to not have to walk on grass in heels. I was really worried that they'd fall flat on their faces. I can't imagine how worried they were!
After all that spatula talk, I didn't end up getting them anything even remotely spatula-like. I didn't make it to Williams-Sonoma until about two hours before the wedding (after spending an hour straightening my hair...not sure why I did it...) There were only a few things left on the list, and it took three employees to help me find the Baker's Peel. You didn't know it was called that, did you? No one did. I feel like I bought them a paddle. Part of me is very happy to know that every time they move, and have to find a spot in a box to fit that freaking thing, they will think of me. Hahahaha!
Anyway, the wedding was lovely, and the food (heavy hors d'oeuvres) was great. And they had a completely open bar - maybe I should have spent a little more on a present after all!
Jul 22, 2005
Spatulas!
I am going to a wedding tomorrow night of two of my classmates. There are several couples that formed within our class, and this is the first of the couples actually getting hitched.
Seeing as they are two medical students, I suspect that a large number of the guests at the wedding will be fellow medical students, or prior classmates of the bride and/or groom. Which puts the median and mode of the attendees at around 24-26 years old. (Not the mean, however - that gets skewed by grandparents and other elderly relatives) Okay, I am admittedly no statistician, but my guess would be that the average salary (mean) of the majority of the guests will be... let's just say not that high.
Does it seem petty of me then, to question why the cheapest thing I can find on any of their registries is a seven dollar spatula? I have a spatula. Three, in fact. They came in one package that cost me about a buck, if I remember correctly. Granted, mine doesn't withstand heat up to 500 degrees. But then again, my oven doesn't get that hot.
According to The Knot and Kohl's, you should apparently never spend less than $50 on a gift for the happy couple. (Quick math: $50 = 7 spatulas) Hmm. The Knot also recommends taking those college pals into consideration when you do register. I guess I should be happy there are spatulas on there at all. And THEY should be happy receiving a set of spatulas from me.
Seeing as they are two medical students, I suspect that a large number of the guests at the wedding will be fellow medical students, or prior classmates of the bride and/or groom. Which puts the median and mode of the attendees at around 24-26 years old. (Not the mean, however - that gets skewed by grandparents and other elderly relatives) Okay, I am admittedly no statistician, but my guess would be that the average salary (mean) of the majority of the guests will be... let's just say not that high.
Does it seem petty of me then, to question why the cheapest thing I can find on any of their registries is a seven dollar spatula? I have a spatula. Three, in fact. They came in one package that cost me about a buck, if I remember correctly. Granted, mine doesn't withstand heat up to 500 degrees. But then again, my oven doesn't get that hot.
According to The Knot and Kohl's, you should apparently never spend less than $50 on a gift for the happy couple. (Quick math: $50 = 7 spatulas) Hmm. The Knot also recommends taking those college pals into consideration when you do register. I guess I should be happy there are spatulas on there at all. And THEY should be happy receiving a set of spatulas from me.
Jul 21, 2005
Hi, My Name is Brenna...
...and I'm a Target addict.
Let me tell you about my secret, super-amazing ability, though. If you give me an hour and a good clearance at Target, I can - without fail - fill my basket with almost exactly $60 worth of merchandise. Without even trying to add the prices in my head. Without even really having an idea of what is still in the basket, and what has been relegated back to the shelf in a fit of Brenna-shopping.*
Tonight, I went to get various sundry good-smelling things (conditioner, deodorant, hair gel, air refreshener refills to cover the summer scent of Mold that has permeated my bathroom, and the like) and ended up spending $60.58. The socks were on clearance! And ALL of the purses. You can't fault me for spending $3.24 on a cute, funky purse, can you? Sigh... I know, I know. I have a problem. Still, though - most of that sixty bucks was on the smelly stuff. So I don't feel too bad.
*Brenna-shopping: Picking up something in one area of Target, finding something else in another area of Target and exchanging the second for the first. Kind of mean to the employees, but Target employees rock, so I think they enjoy my little game. Well, actually they probably don't. But they still rock.
Let me tell you about my secret, super-amazing ability, though. If you give me an hour and a good clearance at Target, I can - without fail - fill my basket with almost exactly $60 worth of merchandise. Without even trying to add the prices in my head. Without even really having an idea of what is still in the basket, and what has been relegated back to the shelf in a fit of Brenna-shopping.*
Tonight, I went to get various sundry good-smelling things (conditioner, deodorant, hair gel, air refreshener refills to cover the summer scent of Mold that has permeated my bathroom, and the like) and ended up spending $60.58. The socks were on clearance! And ALL of the purses. You can't fault me for spending $3.24 on a cute, funky purse, can you? Sigh... I know, I know. I have a problem. Still, though - most of that sixty bucks was on the smelly stuff. So I don't feel too bad.
*Brenna-shopping: Picking up something in one area of Target, finding something else in another area of Target and exchanging the second for the first. Kind of mean to the employees, but Target employees rock, so I think they enjoy my little game. Well, actually they probably don't. But they still rock.
Jul 20, 2005
Two Fifty Four
Once, in my on-call internet wanderings, I came across a blog where the guy titled each post with a number. One, two, three and so on. Like they were chapters or something. It worked, because the guy was only on post twelve or so. I wonder if he is still blogging. Will he continue it on to... say, two thousand thirty three? It wasn't the most interesting blog, so I didn't ever go back to it. I guess I'll never know!
After a month away from the hospital, I was pretty worried about getting back into the swing of things, as I think I mentioned previously. I always harbor this fear that I'll come back, start seeing patients again and have this horrible realization that I absolutely despise what I'm doing. Thankfully, I'm finding the opposite is true, and am happy to report that I actually missed seeing patients during my month's absence. Hindsight, right?
The one sore spot (literally) in being back is being back on my feet for so many hours in the day. My feet are trying to rebel - they got very used to being spoiled by sandals and fresh air and sitting. Now they're back in socks and shoes that start out as comfortable-ish and end up feeling like they're made of concrete. Ah, well. I shall overcome and my feet will be beat back into submission. I feel I must send out an ethereal apology to my grandpa, the former podiatrist, for such blatant foot-abuse.
Do you know how close September first is? It really isn't that far away. That is the date that we can start to turn in our residency applications. Which means that I need to get it done ASAP. Susan and I did start our personal statements last night, which is generally the hardest part. I just need to keep up my momentum. I cannot believe it is already time to write another personal statement! Ugh. I feel like I just did this, but I guess it was four years ago. Pbbblt. I'll save you all the agony of reading what I did write last night. I may post it when I have a draft that doesn't make my want to vomit.
You know what bugs me? When almost every sentence in a paragraph starts with the word "I." I guess I need to read a little more Anthem.
After a month away from the hospital, I was pretty worried about getting back into the swing of things, as I think I mentioned previously. I always harbor this fear that I'll come back, start seeing patients again and have this horrible realization that I absolutely despise what I'm doing. Thankfully, I'm finding the opposite is true, and am happy to report that I actually missed seeing patients during my month's absence. Hindsight, right?
The one sore spot (literally) in being back is being back on my feet for so many hours in the day. My feet are trying to rebel - they got very used to being spoiled by sandals and fresh air and sitting. Now they're back in socks and shoes that start out as comfortable-ish and end up feeling like they're made of concrete. Ah, well. I shall overcome and my feet will be beat back into submission. I feel I must send out an ethereal apology to my grandpa, the former podiatrist, for such blatant foot-abuse.
Do you know how close September first is? It really isn't that far away. That is the date that we can start to turn in our residency applications. Which means that I need to get it done ASAP. Susan and I did start our personal statements last night, which is generally the hardest part. I just need to keep up my momentum. I cannot believe it is already time to write another personal statement! Ugh. I feel like I just did this, but I guess it was four years ago. Pbbblt. I'll save you all the agony of reading what I did write last night. I may post it when I have a draft that doesn't make my want to vomit.
You know what bugs me? When almost every sentence in a paragraph starts with the word "I." I guess I need to read a little more Anthem.
Jul 18, 2005
Back to the Grind Stone
It was so nice to have a full month away from the hospital. I almost broke out into hives last night thinking about coming back. I guess I'm still too new at all of this to be able to comfortably slip in and out of "semi-doctor" mode.
Today is Day One of Pediatric Neurology. I thought I'd give it a chance, what with my love of both pediatrics and neurology. The only problem - if I do like it - is that you can't do a peds residency followed by a neuro fellowship (like you can for peds cardiology, hem/onc, allergy/immunology, neonatology...) It is an entirely separate residency program. So! I guess I hope I don't like it too much, or that I absolutely love it.
My first impression: it is FREAKING HOT. I guess I hadn't noticed that summer was in full swing, as I've spent most of the last month shuttling back and forth between air-conditioned places in my air-conditioned truck. The five minute walk to school this morning (at 8am!) left me drenched in sweat. Ick.
As far as the actual peds neuro goes... I'll let you know once I actually see a patient. I met the resident, and she told me that last Thursday was a busy day: they saw three patients. So, yeah. I don't think I'll be stressing too majorly this month.
Gives me more time to get started on residency applications (!)
Today is Day One of Pediatric Neurology. I thought I'd give it a chance, what with my love of both pediatrics and neurology. The only problem - if I do like it - is that you can't do a peds residency followed by a neuro fellowship (like you can for peds cardiology, hem/onc, allergy/immunology, neonatology...) It is an entirely separate residency program. So! I guess I hope I don't like it too much, or that I absolutely love it.
My first impression: it is FREAKING HOT. I guess I hadn't noticed that summer was in full swing, as I've spent most of the last month shuttling back and forth between air-conditioned places in my air-conditioned truck. The five minute walk to school this morning (at 8am!) left me drenched in sweat. Ick.
As far as the actual peds neuro goes... I'll let you know once I actually see a patient. I met the resident, and she told me that last Thursday was a busy day: they saw three patients. So, yeah. I don't think I'll be stressing too majorly this month.
Gives me more time to get started on residency applications (!)
Jul 14, 2005
For Better or...
...for Worse...
Well, the test is over - no problems in actually taking it today. Other than the fact that it kicked by butt. I'm holding off a celebratory "yay, I'm done taking tests as a student" blog for oh, about 6 weeks - until I get my score report back. I'm not guaranteeing a pass on this one.
I AM, however, going to purchase a season of Sex and the City at Costco, and maybe swing by Banana Republic to get this shirt I've been wanting. I need to reward myself a little for seven hours of testing hell today, right?!
Well, the test is over - no problems in actually taking it today. Other than the fact that it kicked by butt. I'm holding off a celebratory "yay, I'm done taking tests as a student" blog for oh, about 6 weeks - until I get my score report back. I'm not guaranteeing a pass on this one.
I AM, however, going to purchase a season of Sex and the City at Costco, and maybe swing by Banana Republic to get this shirt I've been wanting. I need to reward myself a little for seven hours of testing hell today, right?!
Jul 13, 2005
If It Wasn't Screwed On...
So, this morning went pretty well. I woke up, showered, put on my cute little Test-Taking outfit and got on the road with plenty of time to make it to the testing center.
I pulled in right behind another classmate of mine (who is incidentally, one of the sweetest, nicest, kindest people I've ever met). I mentioned to her on the way in that I had never confirmed the date of my test, and jokingly said "I hope I wasn't supposed to be here yesterday!" We laughed, and took the elevator up.
I walked in and confidently handed my ugly orange testing sheet (which I've been guarding with my life for months now) and my ID. The Kindly Gentleman took my ID and scanned the list. Once. Twice. Three times. There was no Brenna on the list, you see.
I started some deep, relaxing breathing, and my friend started saying all those things you say at times like this ("I'm sure it's okay. Worst case, you have to re-schedule, you'll be fine" etc.) while Kindly Gentleman stepped in to the other room.
See? My test? Is scheduled for TOMORROW.
Good grief.
I was so filled with relief to discover that I was a day early, instead of a day late, that I just burst out laughing. Actually, I am still laughing. It is pretty funny, after all. BUT! I have to go through it all again tomorrow!
And now I really don't know what to do with myself today...
Hold on to that luck and send it my way tomorrow!
I pulled in right behind another classmate of mine (who is incidentally, one of the sweetest, nicest, kindest people I've ever met). I mentioned to her on the way in that I had never confirmed the date of my test, and jokingly said "I hope I wasn't supposed to be here yesterday!" We laughed, and took the elevator up.
I walked in and confidently handed my ugly orange testing sheet (which I've been guarding with my life for months now) and my ID. The Kindly Gentleman took my ID and scanned the list. Once. Twice. Three times. There was no Brenna on the list, you see.
I started some deep, relaxing breathing, and my friend started saying all those things you say at times like this ("I'm sure it's okay. Worst case, you have to re-schedule, you'll be fine" etc.) while Kindly Gentleman stepped in to the other room.
See? My test? Is scheduled for TOMORROW.
Good grief.
I was so filled with relief to discover that I was a day early, instead of a day late, that I just burst out laughing. Actually, I am still laughing. It is pretty funny, after all. BUT! I have to go through it all again tomorrow!
And now I really don't know what to do with myself today...
Hold on to that luck and send it my way tomorrow!
Jul 12, 2005
T-minus Twenty Hours
Well... That's it. I'm officially done studying for Step 2. I believe that is the scariest part about studying for a huge test: stopping. I was going to attempt to finish all 1500-some Kaplan questions, but I'm calling it quits with 200 to go. I do feel a bit of free-floating anxiety about that, but I told myself that if I did well on the practice questions the USMLE provides, I'd be done. I got a freaking 85% overall! I qualify that as good. Freak occurence, perhaps, but good nonetheless.
Now comes the question of what to do with the rest of my time. I live to study. Everything else I've done this last month has merely been... study break. Soooo... No more studying (no matter how tempted I am to just run through the Cram Pages of First Aid just one more time).
Maybe I'll go to the mall.... Mmmm. Mall....
I was planning on getting a hotel room closer to the testing center, like I did last year, but it would have cost nigh on $120. What am I? Made of money? So, alas, no Drury Inn this year. It means an even worse night of sleep, but at least I'll have that $120 to... spend at the mall... Mmmm. Mall....
Wish me luck!
Now comes the question of what to do with the rest of my time. I live to study. Everything else I've done this last month has merely been... study break. Soooo... No more studying (no matter how tempted I am to just run through the Cram Pages of First Aid just one more time).
Maybe I'll go to the mall.... Mmmm. Mall....
I was planning on getting a hotel room closer to the testing center, like I did last year, but it would have cost nigh on $120. What am I? Made of money? So, alas, no Drury Inn this year. It means an even worse night of sleep, but at least I'll have that $120 to... spend at the mall... Mmmm. Mall....
Wish me luck!
Jul 11, 2005
This is a picture of anal warts. I just wanted to share with you all the image that appeared on my screen as I do Kaplan questions at Panera. I sometimes forget that the entire world is not used to seeing things like this... I hope I didn't ruin anyone at Panera's appetite. Y'all's I don't care about so much.
Jul 9, 2005
Beans, Lots of Beans, Lots of Beans, Lots of Beans
I wish my brain thought up stuff like this.
Since it does not, I shall continue studying... Blech.
The Clinical Skills exam was entirely unremarkable. I was there with Meg, and there were actually two other people from our class there (and twenty complete strangers). I will say that I found it extremely annoying to be ushered around by the proctors going "Doctors! This way, please, doctors!"
I don't know what I found so annoying about it. Perhaps because once you're out of elementary school, people tend to stop referring to groups of people as a collective noun. "Lawyers! Please smile for the camera now, lawyers." "Okay, shoe salesmen, we are going to go here next." Anyway. It was annoying.
The rest of the day was... eh. Pretty uneventful. We are warned not to speak of the actual test, on threat of expulsion from the Medical Licensing thingy. It would be a "Testing Irregularity" if I was to say too much. So I shan't! The lunch they provided was good, though.
Rush hour in Tlanta is icky.
One week until the next Harry Potter! Can you taste the excitement!!!
Yeah, yeah, yeah, the cow is back!
Since it does not, I shall continue studying... Blech.
The Clinical Skills exam was entirely unremarkable. I was there with Meg, and there were actually two other people from our class there (and twenty complete strangers). I will say that I found it extremely annoying to be ushered around by the proctors going "Doctors! This way, please, doctors!"
I don't know what I found so annoying about it. Perhaps because once you're out of elementary school, people tend to stop referring to groups of people as a collective noun. "Lawyers! Please smile for the camera now, lawyers." "Okay, shoe salesmen, we are going to go here next." Anyway. It was annoying.
The rest of the day was... eh. Pretty uneventful. We are warned not to speak of the actual test, on threat of expulsion from the Medical Licensing thingy. It would be a "Testing Irregularity" if I was to say too much. So I shan't! The lunch they provided was good, though.
Rush hour in Tlanta is icky.
One week until the next Harry Potter! Can you taste the excitement!!!
Yeah, yeah, yeah, the cow is back!
Jul 7, 2005
O Mylanta!
I's in Atlanta! Or, as I call it (in my head only) Tlanta. I'm not sure why my brain decided to call it that. It's more fun. Try it. Go on: Tlanta. Not many English words use the letters T and L in juxtaposition that way. Well. I guess there is "battle" and "nettle" and... "wattle" (as in wattle and daub) but they're not quite the same, are they. No. They're not.
Why am I in Tlanta? Ah, yes, those of you with longer memories will remember that a few weeks ago I mentioned that I had to venture to this great city to take an English test. Well, tomorrow is the day!
I am joined in my adventure of insanity by a fellow student (who, sadly, does not have a blog I can link to). We hit the road in mediocre spirits this late morning and drove drove drove. Along the way, we:
1. Came across some really rude people at a Panera outside Charlotte
2. Drove through a monster storm
3. Pulled over for refuge from the storm into an "Adult Entertainment" type store's parking lot.
4.
Okay, that was really all that happened, which, in the end, is a good thing. Uneventful cartrips are good when you actually need to arrive at your destination relatively unscathed and on time.
We met up with another fellow student (and alas, another non-blogger) who has been chillin' in Tlanta while she studies. We went to Eclipse di Luna for a dinner of tapas and sangria. It was PHENOMENAL. I highly recommend it to future (and current!) visitors to Atlanta. Mmm-mmm-mmm. Tapas and sangria. Definitely worth the 5.5 hour drive.
As for the test? Blah-blah-blah. Test-test-test. We'll take it, then we'll be done. We'll most likely pass and then get to drive back up to home sweet home.
Where I fully intend to start messin' with some wattle and daub.
Why am I in Tlanta? Ah, yes, those of you with longer memories will remember that a few weeks ago I mentioned that I had to venture to this great city to take an English test. Well, tomorrow is the day!
I am joined in my adventure of insanity by a fellow student (who, sadly, does not have a blog I can link to). We hit the road in mediocre spirits this late morning and drove drove drove. Along the way, we:
1. Came across some really rude people at a Panera outside Charlotte
2. Drove through a monster storm
3. Pulled over for refuge from the storm into an "Adult Entertainment" type store's parking lot.
4.
Okay, that was really all that happened, which, in the end, is a good thing. Uneventful cartrips are good when you actually need to arrive at your destination relatively unscathed and on time.
We met up with another fellow student (and alas, another non-blogger) who has been chillin' in Tlanta while she studies. We went to Eclipse di Luna for a dinner of tapas and sangria. It was PHENOMENAL. I highly recommend it to future (and current!) visitors to Atlanta. Mmm-mmm-mmm. Tapas and sangria. Definitely worth the 5.5 hour drive.
As for the test? Blah-blah-blah. Test-test-test. We'll take it, then we'll be done. We'll most likely pass and then get to drive back up to home sweet home.
Where I fully intend to start messin' with some wattle and daub.
Jul 5, 2005
Portland, Schmortland
I graduated from college in 2000. I started med school in 2002. There is a two year gap in there, which I commonly tell people was because I 'couldn't get into med school.' That's only half true. I applied to several different schools over three different years, that is true. I interviewed a total of six times over those three years, at three separate schools. I got into medical school two of those three years, into two of those three schools. Why do I present those two years as a failure then? Because I could not get into the school that I wanted to go to. My home-state school (Oregon) does not like me.
The rejection letter I got from them on my second try (the year I didn't get in anywhere) actually included a comment along the lines of "maybe medicine isn't actually the field for you." Yeah. That's a nice thing to say to a rejected med school applicant.
Despite that, I still do want to go home, and as there is only one med school and only one Pediatrics program in the state of Oregon, I have to set my sights on them.
But, the thing is, I got ANOTHER rejection letter from them today. Preventive tactics on their part? Nah. I had applied to do a fourth year rotation there - commonly known as an "externship" or "interview" (I hate that second phrase - it is four weeks! That ain't no interview) Apparently, the illustrious OHSU is all full. No space for me to come spend a few weeks making sure that they're not all mightier-than-thou full-of-themselves jerks.
That makes FOUR rejections from one place. Am I crazy? Is someone, somewhere trying to tell me something? I feel less and less enthusiastic about applying for residency there. Darn them all.
Well. At least they didn't cash my application check this time.
On a completely unrelated note, in case you were wondering I am worth $1,871,000 on HumanForSale.com
The rejection letter I got from them on my second try (the year I didn't get in anywhere) actually included a comment along the lines of "maybe medicine isn't actually the field for you." Yeah. That's a nice thing to say to a rejected med school applicant.
Despite that, I still do want to go home, and as there is only one med school and only one Pediatrics program in the state of Oregon, I have to set my sights on them.
But, the thing is, I got ANOTHER rejection letter from them today. Preventive tactics on their part? Nah. I had applied to do a fourth year rotation there - commonly known as an "externship" or "interview" (I hate that second phrase - it is four weeks! That ain't no interview) Apparently, the illustrious OHSU is all full. No space for me to come spend a few weeks making sure that they're not all mightier-than-thou full-of-themselves jerks.
That makes FOUR rejections from one place. Am I crazy? Is someone, somewhere trying to tell me something? I feel less and less enthusiastic about applying for residency there. Darn them all.
Well. At least they didn't cash my application check this time.
On a completely unrelated note, in case you were wondering I am worth $1,871,000 on HumanForSale.com
Jul 4, 2005
Happy Birthday, America.
Rock on with your bad self. Let's celebrate by crashing a space probe onto a comet 83 million miles away! Sounds like fun, ya? It will totally be like galactic fireworks.
Man, I wish I had wanted to be an astronaut when I grew up. Someone should have warned me...
Alas, poor little Brenna didn't know any better. So big Brenna finds herself studying the day away. Independence day my gluteus maximus.
It is nice to see that I did learn something over the last year or so, though. When I studied for Step 1, it took a long, long time to get my overall average on the Kaplan Q-bank up to 65% (the rumored average you need to get to pass the boards) Right now, I'm at a comfortable 69%, and still have another week of studying to go. In high school or college, 69% is abysmal. Now, though, it is cause for celebrating (bring out the comet probes!) - it means that I have remembered almost 70% of EVERYTHING that has been crammed into our heads over the last three years. Imagine taking a test in your senior year of college about what you learned in freshman philosophy. Sounds more impressive when you put it that way, huh? Or, maybe I'm just trying to make myself feel better...
Man, I wish I had wanted to be an astronaut when I grew up. Someone should have warned me...
[hazy edges around your eyes indicate that this is either a flashback or a dream]
Generic adult: Little girl, what do you want to be when you grow up?
Little Brenna: A doctor!
Generic adult: Oh, no, no, no. If you do that, you'll have to study all the time, even on the Fourth of July. You don't want to study on America's birthday, do you?
Little Brenna: That sounds horrific! (little Brenna has a big vocabulary) Maybe I should be an astronaut...?
Generic adult: That sounds much better. You don't get motion sick do you?
[fade to black, indicating the end of the dreamy flashback.]
Alas, poor little Brenna didn't know any better. So big Brenna finds herself studying the day away. Independence day my gluteus maximus.
It is nice to see that I did learn something over the last year or so, though. When I studied for Step 1, it took a long, long time to get my overall average on the Kaplan Q-bank up to 65% (the rumored average you need to get to pass the boards) Right now, I'm at a comfortable 69%, and still have another week of studying to go. In high school or college, 69% is abysmal. Now, though, it is cause for celebrating (bring out the comet probes!) - it means that I have remembered almost 70% of EVERYTHING that has been crammed into our heads over the last three years. Imagine taking a test in your senior year of college about what you learned in freshman philosophy. Sounds more impressive when you put it that way, huh? Or, maybe I'm just trying to make myself feel better...
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