My Guy!

So Jay left today, but we had a nice visit, and look what he left for me! Super cute. I have lots to update..coming soon...well after my anatomy practical tomorrow!

Till Next time... 

First 5 Weeks

Hello Everyone!

            I know I know this post is about 5 weeks over due! I got on island, started class and haven’t stopped since, so lots to catch you all up on. So coming back to the island was bitter sweet, bitter to be leaving my family and friends and sweet because it means I start semester 2 of medical school which puts me one semester closer to being done! Before classes started I just got ready, relaxed, etc. The first “block” that we had was our Neuro-Endocrine block, which means that for the first 5 weeks of school we were studying EVERYTHING to do with neuroscience and endocrine. We started classes with the first 3 weeks being all Neuro, mostly 8 hour days of lecture with lab thrown in. Again this semester I have to take anatomy lab, so I have a new group, a new patient, and a world of new experiences. The anatomy lab this semester we will focus on the head/neck for the first practical (which I take next Monday) and the GI/Viscera for the second practical.

Following our three weeks of neuro we had a neuro practical in which we got to look at both slides of brain and “wet” brains. The practical exam would be different from most medical school exams because it was to be fill in the blank and not multiple choice. Well let me just say way scarier to have fill in the blank because spelling counts; and for all of your who know me, you know that spelling is NOT my strong subject. Also, in the brain/spinal cord there are lots of words that sound the same. The exam went well though and I feel as if it was a good way to test what you actually know because when I am in the hospital, and a physician asks me a question he will not give me a multiple choice option but I will have to know the answer!

Work The Brain!

After the neuro practical it was on to the endocrine system which was interesting and put together a lot of the different diesases you see. We learned all of the hormones that are produce and what they do, where they act, what regulates them etc. I learned how to do a thyroid examination to check for nodules in the thyroid gland which was very interesting.

This past month I also had to go on a “reflective practice” trip to Roseau (the capital) I went to the Dominica Disabled Persons Association and had time to speak with the founder, the president and other members of DADP. It was interesting to learn that in Dominica although the government tries to help people with disabilities it is difficult and that there are a number of disabled persons in Dominica who are kept away from the public because their families might be embarrassed or ashamed. It is amazing to see that the disabled person does not have all the privileges and support that disabled persons in the United States have. This includes persons who are mentally disabled. The DADP is working to improve the legislation and spread the knowledge of disabled people, they are trying to educate the community about their cause and show the world that they are just like you and I. I hope to one day have time to get involved with the DADP and one of their clinics that they hold.

Simulated Intubation 

Bone Marrow Aspiration

We had a simulation this semester for airway management, and were able to practice using the different types of airway management tools on the sim-man. I even learned how to intubate! I think that intubation will take practice just like everything and so I plan on going into the simulation lab to practice. The new simulation building is amazing it is like a real hospital. Another interesting thing that I did so far was I learned how to do a bone marrow aspiration. I was taught the technique and how to locate the proper place and then how to retrieve bone marrow. We practiced on our cadavers and it is another skill I can add to my bag of knowledge.

Red Rock Haven 

So yesterday I had my first block exam, because we completed the Neuro/Endocrine block. It was a pretty long test about 3 and a-half hours, and we took the exam on the new computer system. I am not sure how I feel about the new exam because of the fact that you are only allowed 20 questions at a time and once you submit your 20 questions you can never go back to those again! I will let you all know how I feel about that when I get my grade next week! But good news is that yesterday Jay flew in!  So Jay is here for the week, we went to dinner with some friends last night, which was great, it was by far the BEST meal I’ve had on the island, I went all out and got surf-and-turf! If any of you ever come to Dominica go to Red Rock Haven, it was Outstanding, the atmosphere was wonderful, food was great, and they even gave us marshmallows to roast over one of their many fires!

How I feel taking a Computer Exam

Well I think that’s it for now, I’m sure I’m leaving things out but this is a super long post and I apologize for that! Hope all is well with you guys! Miss you tons!

Till next time…..