The difference between herpangina and herpes simplex I...

The first official day of classes as a second-year student started out by diving head-first into the water, so to speak.  I had become accustomed to starting with note-taking and actively learning during college, where, as a biology major, there was no such thing as "syllabus day," as some of my marketing major friends fondly knew the first days of each semester as.  So, I expected no less with PA school.

Second year classes are such an amazing difference from first-year classes!  Because of our 3-year program format, we have essentially 2 years of didactic work before full-time clinic, and the 2nd year is composed primarily of the clinically oriented classes, that deal exclusively with the clinical presentation, pearls, and treatment options for pathologies in different specialties.  Today was jam-packed with Pediatric Clinical Medicine, Dermatology, Pharmacology, and Professional and Clinical Practice (where we discuss the nitty-gritty details about being in clinic, like coding, charting, referrals, dictations, etc.).  We had a fascinating lecture on oral health issues in peds. patients (I'm really going to love this class), and it's so nice to finally be at that place where the focus is entirely on the true clinical stuff.  We discussed the clinical differences between herpangina and herpes simplex I infection, among other pathologies that commonly affect the oral cavity.  Derm. was equally as fascinating, where we discussed the biochemistry and pathologic process involved in the development of acne vulgaris.  Pharm. was....pharm, and then it was time to go back home.  Excited to start clinic again next Tuesday, with endocrinology at Children's Hospital for the first 7 weeks.  Endocrinology is still high on my radar as far as possible career paths, so it will be interesting to have some more experience this fall.

Ok, on to reviewing everything from today; I already know that there's no way that procrastination will lead to anything good with this year, and the work-load ahead of me...

And it's back to work

It's hard to believe that 14 weeks away from classes is already at an end, and that I will be returning to class in just 5 short days.  I've never been a big fan of summer, because, being the nerd that I am, I always loved learning over having an extended period of relaxation.  Therefore, I never thought I'd be saying this, but this truly has been one of the most amazing, life-changing summers!  I had my 2 incredible rotations (pediatric endocrinology and orthopedic surgery), did 2 sessions of a summer science camp for HS students, and had some much-needed time to sleep, read books without -ology in the title, and catch up with my family and friends.

This year is one that I'm both dreading and absolutely looking forward to at the same time.  It is so exciting that for the next 9 months, my classes will all be clinically oriented (Adult, pediatric, emergency medicine, psychiatry, dermatology, orthopedics (yay!), and some others mixed in there).  Aka, no more basic science classes....everything will be clinically applicable.  However, after having such an AMAZING summer in rotations, I have had a taste of how great life is going to be on rotations/working after graduation, the thought of going back to sit in a classroom for 9 more, long months seems like cruelty.  Give everyone a taste of how much fun practicing actual medicine is, and then make them sit in a classroom again.

But, the nice thing is that I'll still have clinical time once a week for the entire year.  I'm actually looking forward to my fall rotations: for the first 7 weeks of the semester, I'll be in an orthopedic rehab. clinic (yay, more ortho and musculoskeletal patients!!), and for the second 7 weeks, I'm in an urgent care/family practice office.  It will be a great combo. of patients, and I hope to really nail down my exam skills and refine my clinical thinking.  Since I've already had a family practice rotation, I feel much more comfortable with this upcoming rotation, as I know the questions and exams I should be doing, and how my thinking should proceed.

I will try to keep my posts coming fairly regularly, but considering that I will be losing my free-time in T-5 days, who knows how often I'll be able to do so.  There may be a few mega posts covering large chunks of time....

So many firsts

I didn't realize when I started PA school that there would be as many "firsts" as I have had.  Every time I start a new rotation, I feel like it's the first day of school all over again.  The slight sense of nervousness and anxiety, going into a different practice environment, with a different preceptor, and seeing a different patient population.

"Firsts" aren't necessarily bad, though.  Most of my firsts have been exciting and fun: first time assisting in surgery, first time removing stitches, first time seeing a rare endocrine disorder, first time doing a steroid injection, etc.  I still always get a little nervous, but mostly excited when the opportunity to do or experience something for the first time arises, because I know it brings me one step closer to finishing school, and practicing medicine.

Nothing else exciting to report; 2 more blissful weeks of vacation left before starting classes again, and more clinical time.  I am happy that this will be the last "first" day of didactic work EVER in my career, but after experiencing such a phenomenal summer, and realizing 2 of the best clinical experiences ever, it will be difficult to return to the classroom for another year, before diving back into clinic in earnest.