So I find myself at the end of my first semester of medical school. I thought undergrad went by fast ... woah, did I not know what I was in for. I seriously cannot believe that I have completed 1/8th of my medical school career. I swear I just started yesterday. And after a few months, I know wayyy too much about the intricacies of the human body and human metabolism/genetics. I am quickly learning how to perform a complete physical and neurological exam, and have been active in many clubs. I went to Houston for a national American Medical Association meeting to advocate for relaxing FDA blood donation laws and was successful in obtaining a study to further my cause (and got to meet the new surgeon general!), I have been volunteering in the free clinic as a Spanish translator, providing a bridge to provide healthcare for the uninsured, I performed with the Brigadiers Drum and Bugle Corps many times, played intramural volleyball, I helped MC an event for promoting Latin American culture and art, I managed to become certified in yet another alternative medical practice, I helped start an acapella group within my class, The Lymph Notes, and have made a bunch of amazing new friends.
This new lifestyle does not leave much room for flexibility, but I have managed to get away to upstate NY and home to NJ on many occasions, maintain a semi-healthy diet, and still maintain a sensible amount of sanity. I never expected to be doing so much in so little time. I still don't know how I feel about this all, but I do know that it's all happening way too fast.
On a lighter note, I went caroling with my fellow Lymph Notes today around the hospital wards. Our friendly guide, one of the hospital directors and doctors, took us through various departments that welcomed us with smiles and cheers, including oncology (cancer patients), pediatrics (but we couldn't stay long), bone marrow transplant, orthopedics, neurosurgery, internal medicine, and a few others. We sang for a little over two hours to a multitude of patients, spreading holiday spirit to the needy, and it felt absolutely amazing. Of note was singing to an elderly woman who had just gotten out of a 100+ day coma, singing to a young girl in pediatrics who lit up like a lightbulb at our voices, the lovely 95-year-old woman who began to cry because our voices were "just so beautiful," and the elderly gentleman who told us that this was a wonderful holiday gift since "this might be [his] last Christmas." I was incredibly touched ... you don't need to be a doctor to instill love, hope and joy into other people's lives. You just need a good heart. Holiday spirit helps too.
I look back on the past few months with a proud smile. I made it this far (I'm pretty sure I didn't fail ... ) and plan to keep going! Cheers! And Happy Holidays to all! :D
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