Though we had a week of orientation prior, classes at the UC Denver School of Medicine officially started last week. So far, things are going all right (though we'll see if I still feel that way in three weeks after the first exam). The curriculum is arranged in blocks; for these first 9 weeks we will be covering anatomy, and after that physiology, pharmacology, and biochemistry in the alliterative "Molecules to Medicine" course.
One of the great things about medical school is that of focus. Because courses are taught in blocks and we students (the vast majority of us, at least - last week I spoke to a fellow student, a pharmacist, who is picking up shifts at a pharmacy on weekends) are not working, all of our energy can go into the current courses. That said, the sheer volume of material is almost overwhelming at times. These 9 weeks in anatomy comprise the entirety of anatomy we will receive over our medical training, and thus over the time we are learning everything - bony landmarks, muscles, blood vessels, nerves, ligaments, joints, fascias, ect., ect., ect. - that we will need to know as future physicians and surgeons.
The last anatomy class I had was my first semester of college - exactly 10 years ago. I took the class early to get it out of the way, but right now I regret the choice. Though terms are familiar - acromion, subscapularis, vagus - I usually don't remember to what they refer. Give me a few weeks, though, and I will (I hope).
The class structure is irregular right now. I've been told that later on in the year, the schedule is 4 hours of classes in the morning and 1-2 afternoons of classes. But right now we usually have classes in both the morning and the afternoon, usually instruction in the morning and anatomy lab or clinical skills (where we learn how to perform a physical exam) in the afternoons.
I am grateful for Sundays - time to step back and think about something other than medical school. I'm also grateful for Sundys - at least the one I'm married to. She cooks, cleans, drops me off, picks me up, makes flashcards, studies with me, and puts up with my moodiness. Only 17 of the 157 students in my class claim to be married - I feel sorry for the 140. I don't think I could make it without Sundy's support.
Tomorrow it is back to the books and cadaver lab (my first dissection is on Tuesday). Wish me luck!
Oh, I'm a day too late with the wish of luck. But I'm sure you could use a few more well wishes throughout your med school days. :)
ReplyDeleteTyler, you're very inspiring. You give me the inspiration and hope I need to go after the worthy things I want.
I'm excited about the prospect of "experiencing" med school with you through your blog posts. :) It's like my very own, real life, appropriate Grey's Anatomy...we'll call it Anderson's Anatomy. :) Can't wait for the next episode!