I've been out of Dominica for a little over a month. Classes have started, and things are moving on.
It's been interesting running into medical students from the US in my classes now. The students are generally in their clinical years, which are the last two of medical school. However, Ross does things a bit differently. I have a separate semester between my basic sciences and clinicals where I do some clinical work and some class work before I take step 1.
The interesting thing is this actually means that I get one extra semester of medical school beyond American students. It's honestly neither here nor there, just interesting.
This past week, I've been farmed out to a pediatrician in private practice by Hollywood, FL. It's been a good thing to get out of the environment of Ross to see medicine outside of the "Ivory Towers" of academia. It's also been entertaining getting lectures a couple days of the week about how to conduct a proper, thorough physical exam, and then go around with my preceptor and do what he considers a proper, thorough physical exam on a 4 day old child he's never seen before. I'm not saying there are huge differences, but his reasoning for what he doesn't do is sound, and it shows that many things in education are included because of tradition, not reality.
What else is happening? Well, we started the semester by taking the USMLE Comprehensive Shelf exam. I did that and waited for a week for my scores. When I got them back, I was not only happy that I'd done passed, but was really pleased to find out that I did well. For those wondering, no, I didn't get the high score. But I'm happy.
However, there's no rest for the wicked. I must begin to study for the USMLE Step 1 exam soon. That exam is starting to loom large in front of me. And, Becky and Helena are trying to figure out what marathon we want to run in January or February. It's an attempt to find time to lose this spare tire that's trying to grow around my middle. I've also noticed that when I exercise, I can focus on my schoolwork better. So, benefits all around.
Life isn't all peaches and cream, though. Becky and I came here with grand hopes of being able to ride our bikes many places. And, from what I have seen, Miami is a VERY bike-able town compared to Lincoln. Unfortunately, access to and from the Miami airport wasn't created with bicycles in mind, and Becky and I are right at the airport. Yes, occasionally, we could probably throw a rock and hit a plane on the tarmac. So, hopefully we can find some afternoon or weekend times to take our bicycles out. We just need to experience more of Miami to figure this out.
On the subject of Miami transportation, several family and friends have mentioned visiting us in Miami, and Becky and I have said that we would let you know how our availability will be when we know my schedule more. The unfortunate thing is that my schedule comes out week to week. However, the administration has shown that they are understanding that we have been away from family and friends for a while. All they ask is that we keep them informed of any social engagements we have before the fact. So, please visit, and let us know when you'll be around and how we can help. I'll get the time off, and my busiest days are Wednesday, when I usually have a whole day of lecture. But, please visit! There's amazing things to do and see here.
Viva la compagnie!
-j
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