Time flies when you're having fun... or are over-worked and stressed. Work was great, the research (though overwhelming at times) was interesting, the docs were awesome, etc, etc... But faster than you can say 'medicine' here we are back at school again. Summer sure flew by quickly and bam, before you know it, we're in second year. As in we've passed first year. As in WE'RE the senior pre-clinical med students. As in we're one year away from actually having to take care of REAL patients. Gah! So, so, so scary.
Second year has really started off like first year never ended. No intros, no 'hi, how are you's', just straight into endocrinology and all them hormones. I guess learning about stress hormones by getting the students to release their own endogenous cortisol is one way for us to learn.
Classes this year are now in the afternoons. Good news? More sleep time. Bad news? Less time and therefore inclination to study... ugh...
Yesterday, I had a little accident that lead to a huge query on stuff we learn in school. Let's just say it involved the kitchen knife, my index finger and lotsa blood. Needless to say, after my botched attempts at first aid I was left with the question on whether I required stitches or not [luckily I think not]. This left me with my question... When do we learn about these 'practical' issues in medicine. Sure, we've learned that Cushing's Syndrome is due to cortisol excess, and that there are two types of calcium channel blockers, dihydropyridines and non-dihydropyridines. But how do you set up an IV drip, or give a person a needle, and most importantly, when, WHEN does a cut require stitches?!
I know, I know. We're supposed to learn this all in clerkship. I guess it's true what they say, third year's going to be straight into the deep end, head first and all. Trial by fire, eh?
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