How to Breathe While Buried in Books

It's the last day of my third week of medical school, and I've finally gotten a moment to get on here and spit out some thoughts. Right now I'm sitting in a lecture hall watching a video on the gross anatomy of the upper limb, having just finished a lab with the cadavers about the same. The volume of the material has been staggering, but all pretty fascinating.

To be able to put together the pieces, why certain muscles are anchored here or there, why and what the various bones do, how everything works in concert to perform such incredibly smooth and complex motions - the human body is by far and away the most awe inspiring machine I've ever gotten to study. So while I'm working harder than I've ever worked (I'm at school either in class or studying for about 10 hours a day, 7 days a week) I've never been happier or more interested in what I've been doing.

During the first week I had some doubts as to whether or not I should be here. It's easy to have one of those "what the hell am I doing here" moments, because starting med school is a transition like none I've ever experienced. On day 1 we started with anatomy lectures, and learning anatomy is like learning a new language. You've got to memorize the structure, function, innervation, blood supply, and attachments for pretty much every muscle in the body as well as the corresponding bones. So not only am I learning a new language, I'm learning a complex 3D topography to mesh with it. While anatomy is fascinating, some aspects (histology mainly) are a bit tedious. Anatomy at the microscopic level isn't as interesting to me, but that's probably just personal preference.

We've started on the osteopathic manipulation course and being able to palpate different landmarks in the body. It's pretty neat to be able to look at a skeleton, see something like the radial tuberosity, and be able to go directly to a person and feel it. I can't wait until we can do the adjustments and treatments - that stuff looks incredible.

Also we've begun on clinical examination, primarily learning how to properly take a patient history. A good history is essential, and while emergency medicine interests me (ER doctors typically take vastly abbreviated histories and physical evals) I love this stuff. The thought of being able to sit down in front of somebody and be the doctor, the one they immediately look to when you enter a room - that's just incredibly cool to me.

I've met a pretty good group of friends here, and for the most part, my classmates are great. There are lots of hard workers, bright people, and considerate people always willing to help. I've been extremely pleased so far, but then again, being only 3 weeks in I've got a long way to go.

Alright, back to the books. So much for lazy Friday evenings.