I'm still alive

Haven't posted in a few weeks...more a indictment of my laziness than of being overloaded or overstressed. The best thing about medical school is that studying isn't so painful as some of the studying in undergrad. No more physics, calc, random course that I really don't give a rat's ass about. No, using up valuable socializing time in the dissection lab or studying immunology is not my idea of fun, but the information really is interesting and I feel priviliged to be in the process of becoming a physician.

Yesterday was my first experience with the brachial plexus. I must say the hype is a bit much. I don't feel too intimidated by any of the structures we've gone over yet. Then I read the manual for tomorrow's lab... How many fucking muscles can there be in the forearm and hand? Talk about gross anatomy. hahahahaha, get it?

Other than studies, I've spent a bit of time at free lunches and dinners which are abundant in medical school. There was a posh dinner complete with filet mignon and free drinks last week, not too shabby. We've also been on boat cruises and an assortment of activities to get us to get drunk and bond, which I have been more than happy to do.

First week of real class

I am finishing up my first week tomorrow. Though the week hasn't been overly difficult or intimidating, my first dissection looms tomorrow. We were able to view our cadaver briefly a couple of days ago. The sight of the hands and the tattoos on our cadaver made me feel uneasy. I think the first cut will be difficult. Once entering the cavity, I think it easier to think of the dissection as simply a tool. Of course, I am not speaking from experience yet.

The coursework has been great thus far. After years of taking classes, I feel as though I am finally taking the courses I want at the level I want them. Get back to me in a month or so when I am barely treading water and wanting the tidal wave of info to stop. Some of the more interesting factoids I have learned thus far include the fact that Prostate Specific Antigen testing and Digital Rectal examines aren't as good for finding cancer as I had believed. Also, the immune system is crazy. I guess if I'm worried about any courses it's immunology and anatomy.

Otherwise, things are going well. Still adjusting to the med student life. It is a little bit odd coming back after a couple of years. I don't feel like as much of an individual right now, more a cow being hearded in different directions. The options of things to do are endless, now I just need to find the time and motivation for them. Too bad I am so shitty at setting priorities sometimes. That's all I feel like writing right now, though there is much more on my mind. My next post may be political, just a warning.