Something to keep going on

It’s been tough to concentrate these days.  The material doesn’t seem as exciting as it did in first year and, just to be dramatic, I’m finding myself forgetting why I’m doing this.  It’s normal and happens to all second years, especially in the lead-up to the step 1.  But it does make me appreciate reading things like this post, reblogged from a 3rd year medical student:

I’m not taking this for granted – from Notes from spice island

“This” being medicine.”This” being a chance to be a medical student. Which if you really think about it, is a pretty awesome job. I get to spend my days learning about things I find interesting. I’m on my feet, talking to patients and practicing skills I hope to spend the rest of my life doing. I am not really responsible for anything. Nothing is expected of me beyond being interested and showing up.”This” being a part of patients’ lives when they are at their most vulnerable. As a medical student I have time so I can spend an hour talking to and educating my patient about whatever disease and treatment is relevant. I have time so I can talk about life or anything really… and I like this time.I can spend half the day in the library reading. Or I can spend it in the cath lab, or GI suite or wherever else my patient may need to go. I get to see medicine from the perspective of someone who knows a little but has the time to absorb it all.I’m only 10 days in but so far I’ve see the textbook come to life.
Ascites with a fluid wave. Gout with tophus nodules. Stephenson-Johnson Syndrome. Hypertensive retinopathy complete with arteriovenous nicking, cotton-wool spots and flame-shaped hemorrhages.

This is medicine and this me getting to do it.

I love this time in medical school. Third year is nearly over and I’m just happy to be here. This is good.

Gastrointestinal truths

I have female patients who try to convince me that they don’t pass gas.  I tell them, “Well I know you pass gas every day, and I know how much you pass every day!”

– GI Pathophysiology prof

For the record: 7-8 times a day.  Males do it twice as much.