Metabolism and Function (MaF) is just about at the end of week two and my schedule feels like it is starting to fill up. I think at this point I feel pretty good about the content of the lectures, but in addition to the lectures we have a ton of other activities that keep us busy.

One of the highlights for me this week include the “History in Medicine” dinner that included talks on the “Differential Diagnosis of Alexander the Great: Was he killed by poisoned beer?” as well as a talk on how materials in medicine have changed over the years and the kinds of advancements in technology and medical practice that followed.

Another high point of my weeks is my clinical elective. I chose to do an elective in anaesthesiology this year and each day I spend in the OR I learn a ton of things and my motivation for studying increases**. This week was especially exciting as I’m starting to get opportunities to do a few things hands on. I’m not talking about any major responsibilities, but getting to know how the equipment works, taking a few blood samples and pushing a couple different drugs gives you a real appreciation for the complexity of these different situations.

Its funny to think that 3 years ago, I was still in the IT industry with the government and only just beginning to get serious about starting medical school. I never would have guessed three years ago that I’d be standing in an OR seeing some of the fascinating procedures that I’m seeing!

And now back to my mini case readings about sickly Sarah and her rickets!

Note
* There will be no “Benefits of taunting your professors: Part B”, but I encourage you to go up to your professor after a difficult lecture or exam and say “So… when does this get tough?”. Let us know how that turns out by commenting on the blog!
**Length of time that the observed increase in motivation for studying persists varies significantly and may or may not be cumulative.