A breakthrough?

Anatomy and histology have not been my strong point in medical school this year. They're both longitudinal committees (or "classes" as most people say), which seems like a good idea in theory (learn bit by bit instead of having to "master" the subject in just a few weeks), but in reality the longitudinal structure seems to just make it easier to never actually learn the fundmental principles. And, perhaps more importantly, both subjects rely heavily on visual interpretation, a skill which I've never really had to practice in an academic context.

And yet, for some reason, I've made huge strides in both subjects in the last few days. Conceptually, things finally seem to be falling into place. In part it's because we've had a lot of this material before. But that doesn't explain it all. At any rate, it feels good to no longer be paralyzed with frustration on both topics.

Our endo/repro exam is coming up on Friday, so the next 31 hours will consist of either studying or sleeping. And so far I'm loving endocrinology.

I also figured out my summer research plans -- more on that after the exam. Back to the books for now...

Mood: upbeat
Song: Eric Prydz, "Call on Me" (Ministry of Sound)

P.S. Three years from tomorrow I'll be matching for residency. Crazy.

Going home? Returning home?

Last weekend I went to DC for a few days to attend an AMSA Political Leadership Institute. It was basically a weekend seminar on politial skills -- speechwriting and delivery, grassroots organizing, interacting with the media, preparing issue briefs, lobbying, delivering presentations, etc. It was particularly fun to meet other med students from around the country (most of whom were 1st-years) and hear about their experiences. I'm looking forward to seeing most of them at AMSA's national convention at the end of the month.

It was both exciting and unnerving to be back in DC. Living there was a really good experience for me -- good job, fun social scene, lots to do. And the fact that I got into med school while I was there certainly doesn't hurt. And I got to see a lot of my friends while I was there. The strangest part about being there, however, was the feeling that it was home. Or that it had been home. And that I hadn't really recognized it while I was there.

It's an understandable feeling -- I only lived there for a year, but it felt a lot more like home than had Baltimore (which, admittedly, was only my home for 10 months). DC was the place where I established my first real community after leaving California...among coworkers, old college friends, and new friends. It was the first time I'd really forced myself to become more independent by living alone. And unlike Baltimore, I didn't really want to leave.

Anyway, the trip helped me recognize how much life has changed in the last 7 months, in terms of friends, lifestyle/schedule, personal goals, and self image. The fact that is has only been 7 months is pretty scary...but at least I'm able to visit my old home, enjoy it, and come back to a place where I am happy to be.