Three M2s and one M1 were standing in the hallway chatting. The M1 currently is in Anatomy.
M1: My cadaver has a megacolon, which is really cool.
M2s: Cool!!
M1: What causes megacolon?
M2s: [long silent pause while we rack our brains]
Elaine: Wait, wait, I know we learned this in microbiology a few months ago. It was Dr. Bearman's lecture. I think it's caused by some sort of bacteria.
Joe: I thought it was caused by parasites.
Elaine: Oh... Maybe....
Anthony: It's also caused by Hirschsprung's disease, but I only know this because I was assigned Hirschsprung's last year for my Genetics presentation.
Elaine: What's Hirschsprung's disease??
None of us M2s could remember the specific microorganisms. Sigh, not encouraging for Boards.
But at least Joe, Anthony, and I were all right--I just looked it up: megacolon can be caused by 1) Clostridium difficil (a bacterium), 2) Chaga's disease's Trypanosoma cruzi (parasite), or 3) Hirschsprung's disease--congenital absence of the Auerbach's plexus, the nerves that innervate the colon. At least we didn't say it is caused by a "virus"--score! (kind of).
Edit 11/23: I just posed the "what causes megacolon" question to four other M2s. They were all silent, until Billy said, "We haven't had the GI course yet." They forgot too. Score!
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Monday, August 23, 2010
the bet
I made a bet with my classmate and friend Min in the first semester of medical school. Back then (and throughout the entire year), I often felt overwhelmed by the sheer volume of material we had to learn for every test.
E: I am going to fail my first year. I won't go on to M2 [medicine second-year].
Min: OK, if you fail, I'll treat you to dinner. But if you pass, you'll treat me to lunch.
E: That will be the saddest dinner ever, but OK.
I just treated Min to lunch at Lulu's today. I loved her company, and the food was so good!! They sure put me in a happy mood. And of course, I am now an M2--God has pulled me through the M1 year!
The new bet we made during lunch:
E: I need an incentive for passing the M2 year. Let's make the same bet again.
Min: No.... This time, if you pass M2 year, I will treat you to dinner. But if you fail, you treat me to dinner.
The stakes are a bit higher this time! I hope I don't have to pay for dinner next year.
On a somewhat related note, my classmate Guannan devised a brilliant backup plan in case med school doesn't work out: open a dim sum cart on our campus that caters to the med students. (My current city is somewhat lacking in quality Chinese food). I said I would be her cashier/accountant, so we are future business partners. I even named our cart "Tasty Escape." An apt name, in my opinion. Seriously, though, there were one or two times when I thought opening a food cart is a tempting idea.
What does the future hold?
E: I am going to fail my first year. I won't go on to M2 [medicine second-year].
Min: OK, if you fail, I'll treat you to dinner. But if you pass, you'll treat me to lunch.
E: That will be the saddest dinner ever, but OK.
I just treated Min to lunch at Lulu's today. I loved her company, and the food was so good!! They sure put me in a happy mood. And of course, I am now an M2--God has pulled me through the M1 year!
The new bet we made during lunch:
E: I need an incentive for passing the M2 year. Let's make the same bet again.
Min: No.... This time, if you pass M2 year, I will treat you to dinner. But if you fail, you treat me to dinner.
The stakes are a bit higher this time! I hope I don't have to pay for dinner next year.
On a somewhat related note, my classmate Guannan devised a brilliant backup plan in case med school doesn't work out: open a dim sum cart on our campus that caters to the med students. (My current city is somewhat lacking in quality Chinese food). I said I would be her cashier/accountant, so we are future business partners. I even named our cart "Tasty Escape." An apt name, in my opinion. Seriously, though, there were one or two times when I thought opening a food cart is a tempting idea.
What does the future hold?
Sunday, August 22, 2010
the coming storm
Just now, I was reading my school's USMLE Board Step 1 study strategies. Not only are we second-year med students expected to keep up with school, we have to prepare for the hair-raising USMLE test on top of that. That means we must read our thick syllabi as well as a bunch of review books--combined, those materials probably weigh more than I. What is worse, our beloved Dr. Costanzo, an expert on individualized Board prep, retired last year. I am just now beginning to realize the enormity of our loss. I can feel the bubbles of stress welling up within me, even though the Board test is about 10 months away (only 10 months away!?).
OH no! Must trust must trust... in God.
OH no! Must trust must trust... in God.
Friday, August 13, 2010
breast cancer and children
Let's talk some breast cancer statistics:
Women who have a child before age 20 have decreased risk of breast cancer.
Women who have a child after age 35 have increased risk of breast cancer.
Women who have no children at all have an even higher risk of breast cancer than women who have children.
What! I don't want to have a kid just to lower my chance of breast cancer--that'd be a really screwed-up kid.
notes:
*the stats refer to having any child, not just the first child
*the stats show correlation and not cause and effect. As time progresses and generational habits change, statistics may change as well
*learned from my pathogenesis course
Women who have a child before age 20 have decreased risk of breast cancer.
Women who have a child after age 35 have increased risk of breast cancer.
Women who have no children at all have an even higher risk of breast cancer than women who have children.
What! I don't want to have a kid just to lower my chance of breast cancer--that'd be a really screwed-up kid.
notes:
*the stats refer to having any child, not just the first child
*the stats show correlation and not cause and effect. As time progresses and generational habits change, statistics may change as well
*learned from my pathogenesis course
Thursday, June 17, 2010
trapped
This morning I woke up with a deep feeling of depression, even though it was bright and sunny outside.
I have known for a long time that, ever since I started medical school last August, I have not been happy. I have had happy moments and days, yes, but they are brief glimmers in a night. Overall, I have not had a happy period here, so far away from home.
My friend Angela said my personality reminds her of Eeyore. (Albeit she said Eeyore is her favorite character). Have I always been like this? I am so tired.
Edit: I just went back and read my previous posts. This latest is just another one of those depressing entries. How annoying.
I have known for a long time that, ever since I started medical school last August, I have not been happy. I have had happy moments and days, yes, but they are brief glimmers in a night. Overall, I have not had a happy period here, so far away from home.
My friend Angela said my personality reminds her of Eeyore. (Albeit she said Eeyore is her favorite character). Have I always been like this? I am so tired.
Edit: I just went back and read my previous posts. This latest is just another one of those depressing entries. How annoying.
Monday, May 24, 2010
dreamy integration
The night after G-chatting with Wendy about what ICA folks are up to now that many of them are leaving Berkeley, I dreamed that:
Wendy, Helen, Alice, and I are on a medical relief trip in Honduras. Along with other people also on the trip, we rode on a medium-sized bus. The scenery was quite safari-like: we were dressed in tan and wearing hats, and the landscape was mostly yellow with clusters of dark green trees and bushes. (I am not sure what Honduras actually looks like). Upon arriving at our sleeping quarters, which was merely a large rusty tin-roofed shack with one bunk bed, we lay down our blankets, some on the bed and some on the floor. Wendy, Alice, and Helen immediately lay down (to rest, I guess? It was still the middle of the day). I, on the other hand, went outside to look at the surroundings, when suddenly a giant thunderstorm erupted. I got drenched and went back into the shack, thinking, "At least I have already showered today. This place has no running water." For some reason I hung my wet clothes outside to dry, even though it was still pouring.
Then I woke up.
This dream integrated events from real life:
1. None of us are at Cal anymore. We are going on/ have gone on to very different places.
2. I will be going to Honduras next week for medical relief trip.
3. Last week I really was drenched by a freak thunderstorm in Richmond, VA (which contributed to my subsequent illness).
4. I sometimes miss my ICA sisters.
Wendy, Helen, Alice, and I are on a medical relief trip in Honduras. Along with other people also on the trip, we rode on a medium-sized bus. The scenery was quite safari-like: we were dressed in tan and wearing hats, and the landscape was mostly yellow with clusters of dark green trees and bushes. (I am not sure what Honduras actually looks like). Upon arriving at our sleeping quarters, which was merely a large rusty tin-roofed shack with one bunk bed, we lay down our blankets, some on the bed and some on the floor. Wendy, Alice, and Helen immediately lay down (to rest, I guess? It was still the middle of the day). I, on the other hand, went outside to look at the surroundings, when suddenly a giant thunderstorm erupted. I got drenched and went back into the shack, thinking, "At least I have already showered today. This place has no running water." For some reason I hung my wet clothes outside to dry, even though it was still pouring.
Then I woke up.
This dream integrated events from real life:
1. None of us are at Cal anymore. We are going on/ have gone on to very different places.
2. I will be going to Honduras next week for medical relief trip.
3. Last week I really was drenched by a freak thunderstorm in Richmond, VA (which contributed to my subsequent illness).
4. I sometimes miss my ICA sisters.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
"Do you take medications for anything?"
In a medical interview, we ask all patients about the medications they take.
At my preceptor's office, where I interviewed quite a number of patients, it is not uncommon for me to hear the answer "Anti-depressants."
Oh man....
Restless.
At my preceptor's office, where I interviewed quite a number of patients, it is not uncommon for me to hear the answer "Anti-depressants."
Oh man....
Restless.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Chinese women...
I mailed my mother a Mother's Day card this week.
Today, on Gchat...
May: btw, Mom got your card and the first thing she commented it on was that it was $6.
E: sheesh.
E: if I had known mom'd have commented about the price i'd have bought a cheaper card
E: it hurt me to buy a $6 card too
May: yeah, she said the one she gave grandma was only $3
May: lol
E: but that one was the prettiest
May: well, you can tell her that
E: and i took time to pick that one out man
E: grandma wouldn't even know about mother's day (note: my grandma is senile)
E: are you doing anything for mother's day?
May: no
May: i'm studying.
Chinese women.... (exasperated)
Edit: Mom later called me to say she appreciates the card's beauty and my message, and that she was just joking about the $6.
Today, on Gchat...
May: btw, Mom got your card and the first thing she commented it on was that it was $6.
E: sheesh.
E: if I had known mom'd have commented about the price i'd have bought a cheaper card
E: it hurt me to buy a $6 card too
May: yeah, she said the one she gave grandma was only $3
May: lol
E: but that one was the prettiest
May: well, you can tell her that
E: and i took time to pick that one out man
E: grandma wouldn't even know about mother's day (note: my grandma is senile)
E: are you doing anything for mother's day?
May: no
May: i'm studying.
Chinese women.... (exasperated)
Edit: Mom later called me to say she appreciates the card's beauty and my message, and that she was just joking about the $6.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Thursday, May 6, 2010
"Ma'am"
I just got off the phone with several customer service representatives who addressed me as "Ma'am."
Which then reminded me of two pediatric patients I interviewed at my preceptor's office--one a 16-year-old boy, the other a 10-year-old boy. Both these boys were true born-and-bred Southern gentlemen--they ended the answer to every one of my questions with the word "Ma'am." "Yes, ma'am," or "No, ma'am," they said politely. Once the 10-year-old simply answered "Yes" to my question, and his father, who was also there, immediately reprimanded him by adding "Ma'am." "Yes, ma'am," the boy corrected himself.
Although of course not every patient is this polite, at times like these I really appreciate those boys and Southern civility.
But it has also made me realize I now look and sound old enough to be called "ma'am." When I was a kid, I associated this term with ladies that are at least middle-aged. Bummer.
Which then reminded me of two pediatric patients I interviewed at my preceptor's office--one a 16-year-old boy, the other a 10-year-old boy. Both these boys were true born-and-bred Southern gentlemen--they ended the answer to every one of my questions with the word "Ma'am." "Yes, ma'am," or "No, ma'am," they said politely. Once the 10-year-old simply answered "Yes" to my question, and his father, who was also there, immediately reprimanded him by adding "Ma'am." "Yes, ma'am," the boy corrected himself.
Although of course not every patient is this polite, at times like these I really appreciate those boys and Southern civility.
But it has also made me realize I now look and sound old enough to be called "ma'am." When I was a kid, I associated this term with ladies that are at least middle-aged. Bummer.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
late night Gchat statuses
Jensine's: im going to sing this song/to let you know you are not alone/and if you are like me/you need hope, coffee, and melody
E's: hope, beer, and punk rock
Joel's: hope, water, and bluegrass
Disclaimer to any residency directors that may be viewing this post: I actually neither drink nor listen to punk rock.
E's: hope, beer, and punk rock
Joel's: hope, water, and bluegrass
Disclaimer to any residency directors that may be viewing this post: I actually neither drink nor listen to punk rock.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
autism spectrum quiz
autism-spectrum quotient
“Psychologist Simon Baron-Cohen and his colleagues at Cambridge’s Autism Research Centre have created the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ), as a measure of autistic traits in adults.
Below is a link to the test. The average score from a control group was 16.4, and 80% of those with autism or a related disorder scored 32 or higher.
This is not a diagnostic test – and many people who score above 32 and who meet the diagnostic criteria for mild autism or Asperger’s have no difficulty in functioning in their everyday lives.”
My sister scored 26. "Haha," I thought. Then I scored 27. Damn.
Me: Doesn't that make you feel better? [my also scoring relatively high on the autism spectrum curve]
May: No, because you are kind of weird too.
“Psychologist Simon Baron-Cohen and his colleagues at Cambridge’s Autism Research Centre have created the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ), as a measure of autistic traits in adults.
Below is a link to the test. The average score from a control group was 16.4, and 80% of those with autism or a related disorder scored 32 or higher.
This is not a diagnostic test – and many people who score above 32 and who meet the diagnostic criteria for mild autism or Asperger’s have no difficulty in functioning in their everyday lives.”
My sister scored 26. "Haha," I thought. Then I scored 27. Damn.
Me: Doesn't that make you feel better? [my also scoring relatively high on the autism spectrum curve]
May: No, because you are kind of weird too.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
a prayer
Dear God,
This week, my class did a compliments list. From reading my and other people's compliments, I have come to realize I am very inward-focused. Lord, forgive me for being so inward-focused. I have always been thinking about me me me, and my own misery. I have rarely thought about loving my classmates, and much less acted on it. I should have been looking out for ways I could love. Lord, please help me love you, so that your love for others can also be transmitted through me. Concomitantly, God, let me feel and know how much You love me, so that I can be sated and give in turn. God, please let me place myself third--you first, my neighbors second.
Lord, there are some classmates I disdain because I saw only one of their personality traits--and perhaps it was even an inaccurate perception. Yet they have received compliments from others that convey great admiration. Lord, even if I did not see wrong, please remove my disdain, and help me love.
Lord, in a class of 200, I don't know how I can show love--there are too many people, and the only way I know how to care is through one-on-one interactions, not in groups. I feel stiff and reserved. Show me, oh Lord, whom to love, and how, without compromising the personality you gave me. Yet at the same time, help me exert effort and go out of my comfort zone.
Please remember my prayer, O Lord. Help me remember it as well. Please grant my prayer.
In Your Son's Name,
Amen
This week, my class did a compliments list. From reading my and other people's compliments, I have come to realize I am very inward-focused. Lord, forgive me for being so inward-focused. I have always been thinking about me me me, and my own misery. I have rarely thought about loving my classmates, and much less acted on it. I should have been looking out for ways I could love. Lord, please help me love you, so that your love for others can also be transmitted through me. Concomitantly, God, let me feel and know how much You love me, so that I can be sated and give in turn. God, please let me place myself third--you first, my neighbors second.
Lord, there are some classmates I disdain because I saw only one of their personality traits--and perhaps it was even an inaccurate perception. Yet they have received compliments from others that convey great admiration. Lord, even if I did not see wrong, please remove my disdain, and help me love.
Lord, in a class of 200, I don't know how I can show love--there are too many people, and the only way I know how to care is through one-on-one interactions, not in groups. I feel stiff and reserved. Show me, oh Lord, whom to love, and how, without compromising the personality you gave me. Yet at the same time, help me exert effort and go out of my comfort zone.
Please remember my prayer, O Lord. Help me remember it as well. Please grant my prayer.
In Your Son's Name,
Amen
I shadow Dr. Jaded
This semester, I shadow an internal medicine doctor every other week as part of my Clinical Skills course.
Dr. Cool but Jaded: How's it going?
Me: I hate school.
Dr. CbJ: Well, you have got three more years. [snicker] Then you have more years of residency. [snicker] Then you will work everyday until you drop dead.... So cheer up!! [fist pump][snicker snicker]
... I love this guy.
Dr. Cool but Jaded: How's it going?
Me: I hate school.
Dr. CbJ: Well, you have got three more years. [snicker] Then you have more years of residency. [snicker] Then you will work everyday until you drop dead.... So cheer up!! [fist pump][snicker snicker]
... I love this guy.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
popular hits: med student version
Bali and Sindhura: imma be imma be imma be imma be imma be in debt
E: I am alreaddddy in debt, alreaaaddy in debt, there is no moving on, so I am already in debt
E: I am alreaddddy in debt, alreaaaddy in debt, there is no moving on, so I am already in debt
Saturday, March 27, 2010
I am not a GRITS (Girl Raised In The South)
E: Eating grits is like eating oatmeal.
Evelyn: WHAT?! You definitely are not from the South.
Evelyn: WHAT?! You definitely are not from the South.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
grapefruit
I did Fine Needle Aspiration on a grapefruit today! FNA is a process where you extract cells from a tumor or mass with a needle for biopsy.
What you do is insert needle into grapefruit, then saw the needle up and down to cut up "tissue", and draw up juice. Then you let a drop of the juice fall onto a microscope slide, and smear the drop with another slide for reading. Voila! Somewhat painful for the grapefruit, though.
What you do is insert needle into grapefruit, then saw the needle up and down to cut up "tissue", and draw up juice. Then you let a drop of the juice fall onto a microscope slide, and smear the drop with another slide for reading. Voila! Somewhat painful for the grapefruit, though.
specialties
The following scores represent the probability that you will enter into one of the 16 specialties based on your interest in performing specific activities in medicine. A higher probability indicates a stronger preference for that specialty.
Specialty Probability
Internal Medicine 66 %
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 22 %
Psychiatry 7 %
Pediatrics 2 %
Family Medicine 1 %
Orthopaedic Surgery 0 %
Otolaryngology 0 %
Pathology-Anatomic and Clinical 0 %
Radiology-Diagnostic 0 %
Surgery-General 0 %
Obstetrics and Gynecology 0 %
Neurology 0 %
Emergency Medicine 0 %
Urology 0 %
Anesthesiology 0 %
Dermatology 0 %
Specialty Probability
Internal Medicine 66 %
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 22 %
Psychiatry 7 %
Pediatrics 2 %
Family Medicine 1 %
Orthopaedic Surgery 0 %
Otolaryngology 0 %
Pathology-Anatomic and Clinical 0 %
Radiology-Diagnostic 0 %
Surgery-General 0 %
Obstetrics and Gynecology 0 %
Neurology 0 %
Emergency Medicine 0 %
Urology 0 %
Anesthesiology 0 %
Dermatology 0 %
Saturday, March 13, 2010
zestless, again
Sometimes I feel that everything in my life is meaningless.
I am grateful for my parents, though.
Edit: May on 5/1/10: excuse me. where am I?
Oops oversight.
I am grateful for my parents, though.
Edit: May on 5/1/10: excuse me. where am I?
Oops oversight.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
a request
Dear Future Significant Other,
Please meet me while I am still in my prime and still relatively decent-looking (perhaps even good-looking, depending on your taste). Hurry up and date me while I am in my 20s, before I become wrinkled, white-haired, fat, and saggy. If you are someone whom I will love deeply, I want you to enjoy (or at least be content with) the way I look, even if it's for a limited time. Please remember that being in medical school accelerates the aging process, so stop dawdling: come into my life already. Thank you.
Sincerely,
E
Please meet me while I am still in my prime and still relatively decent-looking (perhaps even good-looking, depending on your taste). Hurry up and date me while I am in my 20s, before I become wrinkled, white-haired, fat, and saggy. If you are someone whom I will love deeply, I want you to enjoy (or at least be content with) the way I look, even if it's for a limited time. Please remember that being in medical school accelerates the aging process, so stop dawdling: come into my life already. Thank you.
Sincerely,
E
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
lame haikus to commemorate winter break 09
California,
My wonderful yummy home.
Hasta la Vista!
Winter Break ended.
I am now back in Richmond.
Wah wah wah wah wah!
(Just kidding about the "wah wah" part, but I thought that was hilarious, if I could say so myself).
My wonderful yummy home.
Hasta la Vista!
Winter Break ended.
I am now back in Richmond.
Wah wah wah wah wah!
(Just kidding about the "wah wah" part, but I thought that was hilarious, if I could say so myself).
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