By now, you may have realized all I talk and or think about is the MCAT. I should be ashamed to admit that I even dream about the MCAT. We were lucky enough to have a weekend filled with snow. That couple with a new/used stove brought out my inner Martha Stewart. So, I decide it was time to crank up the oven and start the holiday baking. Even as I stood at the counter mixing ingredients, I was thinking about chemical reactions and whether or not I have down the H2CO3 (Bi-Carb - thinking Baking Soda for my non-science friends) Buffer System. It's sad, but true.
I believe that the MCAT has taken over my entire thought process. This must be a good thing. I have often read that preparing for the MCAT is similar to the way athletes prepare for a big game. Focus, practice, practice, more practice, and take a break the day before.
Because I am working on my own prep plan, I am always scrolling through websites looking for extra advice. On a blog post by Alex Sassani, it was mentioned that you should start the day off doing MCAT passages: 2 passages each that cover Verbal, Chemistry, Physics, Biology and Organic Chemistry. Ten passages to start the day off. WOW.
The same post also mentions getting into a sleep rhythm. That is an area I have never been great in. So, starting this week, I am going to do my best to get to bed at the same time every night, and get up at the same time every morning. Hoping to get to bed by 10 pm, and up by 6 am. Before the kids get up and moving, I am hoping I can get through the 10 passages that Sassani recommends. I have purchased access to MCAT Question Q Bank. There are tons of passages. In addition, I have two books from AAMC with passages. That should be plenty. I sure am making changes to pull this off. Hope they work.
Here is my question to all of you. When you have been working towards a goal what changes did you have to make in your life to pull it off? What worked and what didn't?
Saturday, December 21, 2013
Friday, December 20, 2013
Final Grades - They're In!
Final Grades:
Biochemistry: A
Organic Lab:A
Organic Lecture: B
Cell Biology: B
Psychopharmacology: B
Not a 4.0, but did well and maintained some balance.
Thank you to everyone who helped. I appreciate all of the support, encouragement, occasional babysitting, and smacks in the face when I fretted. I am so excited to be preparing for the MCAT. For those of you who have known me since childhood, this has always been my dream. For those of you getting to know me, now you know.
If you see me out and about and I am not studying for the MCAT, yell at me. (Well, at least if it is before Jan 25th.) In the meantime, thank you and please understand if I say no to something. You get one shot at this exam, and I intend to crush it!
Biochemistry: A
Organic Lab:A
Organic Lecture: B
Cell Biology: B
Psychopharmacology: B
Not a 4.0, but did well and maintained some balance.
Thank you to everyone who helped. I appreciate all of the support, encouragement, occasional babysitting, and smacks in the face when I fretted. I am so excited to be preparing for the MCAT. For those of you who have known me since childhood, this has always been my dream. For those of you getting to know me, now you know.
If you see me out and about and I am not studying for the MCAT, yell at me. (Well, at least if it is before Jan 25th.) In the meantime, thank you and please understand if I say no to something. You get one shot at this exam, and I intend to crush it!
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Finishing Finals....Beginning the Road to the MCAT
This past week was a tough one. I shouldn't complain. I only had four finals and a ghastly cold. Others had it worse. I have wrapped up the semester and it is now time to hunker down and study for the MCAT while I await my final grades. This semester was not my best work. Family stuff on my plate was a bit distracting in the middle of the semester, and it took a bit to pull myself out of that slump. I guess we'll all know soon if the dream is still alive. On my blog, I started a page titled MCAT Study Guide. This is exactly what I will be doing each day. I am putting it together as I go. We'll see at the end of this process if it works. I will be sure to report back. If you are doing the same and find something particularly helpful, be sure to share. I will be appreciative. In the meantime, I could use your thoughts and prayers for myself and my family. Got a lot riding on this!
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Why Medicine?
"Why Medicine?" - the most commonly asked question I get these days. Well, the second most, right after, "What kind of Dr. do you want to be?" It is an important question. One I expect will be asked during my interviews for medical school. I feel as if everyone expects some life altering scenario that sent me down this path. I hate to disappoint them, but that is not the case for me. I did not have a trip to the ER, an ill family member, or a life altering experience that told me that medicine was my calling. In fact, it is just the opposite. I have always known. I am the cliche. The kid who when asked, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" answered, "A doctor." I know that is boring, but it is true.
I have always wanted to do this. I have always been fascinated by the body and how unique we are as a species. Humans are fascinating. We are can think, build, design, and create from the world around us. We can feel, hurt, and absorb the emotions of others in our species. We can grow, bend, and break all at the same time. We can process light into images, process those images, and make decisions as a result. We make and then hear beautiful music that stirs our souls. We learn (well sometimes) and remember. Even though we are simply composed of a few atoms that are found abundantly on our planet, we are complex, ordered beings that seem to defy the very laws of physics that govern the universe. Yet when you look closer, we are really following them. We don't understand how we work. We are just beginning down that path as a species. For everything we think we have learned today, we will later realize that we were just turning the page of discovery.
Medicine is breathtaking. The ability to study the human condition is only for a privileged few. A privilege that often brought persecution. One that is a solemn honor. To care for others, to help heal others, is the greatest calling one can have. While others in my life have struggled with what they wanted to do when they grew up, I have never experienced that agony. Instead, I have been on a long journey to return to the calling I held as a small child. To go into medicine. To become a life long student of the human condition. To use all my learning and knowledge to help better my fellow man. That is why I chose medicine.
I have always wanted to do this. I have always been fascinated by the body and how unique we are as a species. Humans are fascinating. We are can think, build, design, and create from the world around us. We can feel, hurt, and absorb the emotions of others in our species. We can grow, bend, and break all at the same time. We can process light into images, process those images, and make decisions as a result. We make and then hear beautiful music that stirs our souls. We learn (well sometimes) and remember. Even though we are simply composed of a few atoms that are found abundantly on our planet, we are complex, ordered beings that seem to defy the very laws of physics that govern the universe. Yet when you look closer, we are really following them. We don't understand how we work. We are just beginning down that path as a species. For everything we think we have learned today, we will later realize that we were just turning the page of discovery.
Medicine is breathtaking. The ability to study the human condition is only for a privileged few. A privilege that often brought persecution. One that is a solemn honor. To care for others, to help heal others, is the greatest calling one can have. While others in my life have struggled with what they wanted to do when they grew up, I have never experienced that agony. Instead, I have been on a long journey to return to the calling I held as a small child. To go into medicine. To become a life long student of the human condition. To use all my learning and knowledge to help better my fellow man. That is why I chose medicine.
Sunday, December 1, 2013
$25/week for Groceries - Can you do It?
Recently I have been browsing the Internet looking for ideas to cut my family's grocery bill and to better prepare for gardening season 2014. These things go hand in hand. In doing so, I stumbled across several posts discussing the idea of spending around $25 per week. Some of the posts have suggested that this is the amount that folks on food stamps receive. Several of the posts mentioned that the owners of Panera Bread were purposely abiding by the $25 per week amount in order to raise awareness of hunger in the US.
This has really got me thinking. First, I am not sure I believe that a family of four receives only $25 per week in food stamps. It is my understanding that the amount a family receives varies upon the set of circumstances the family experiences. I am not however an expert on this, but that seems reasonable. I intend to make some inquiries on this and report back.
Second, $25 seems challenging if your family is relying solely upon the grocery store. If you are unable to cook from "scratch", it would be difficult or at the very least there would not much variety each week. On the other hand, if you know how to cook from scratch and you have a slightly green thumb, you could easily be successful in achieving this goal. I think you can even achieve a variety of healthy meals for your family. So, I am asking all of you - what do you think you could make for $25 a week? If you found yourself with only $25 to get through the week (let's assume a reasonable pantry), what would you buy and what would you give up?
Hunger is definitely present in our community. But so to is a lack of life skills. Gardening, canning, and home cooking have somehow gotten lost in our modern society filled with gadgets. I would like to suggest we fight to bring those skills back.
This has really got me thinking. First, I am not sure I believe that a family of four receives only $25 per week in food stamps. It is my understanding that the amount a family receives varies upon the set of circumstances the family experiences. I am not however an expert on this, but that seems reasonable. I intend to make some inquiries on this and report back.
Second, $25 seems challenging if your family is relying solely upon the grocery store. If you are unable to cook from "scratch", it would be difficult or at the very least there would not much variety each week. On the other hand, if you know how to cook from scratch and you have a slightly green thumb, you could easily be successful in achieving this goal. I think you can even achieve a variety of healthy meals for your family. So, I am asking all of you - what do you think you could make for $25 a week? If you found yourself with only $25 to get through the week (let's assume a reasonable pantry), what would you buy and what would you give up?
Hunger is definitely present in our community. But so to is a lack of life skills. Gardening, canning, and home cooking have somehow gotten lost in our modern society filled with gadgets. I would like to suggest we fight to bring those skills back.
Friday, November 22, 2013
The Lessons I Learned while sitting at Chick-Fil-A
Lately life has handed me a few curve balls. As if studying for the MCAT was not tough enough, add in trouble with a teen and figuring out how to pay for the MCAT and Christmas at the same time. Top it off with Organic Chemistry Exams, Papers, and other coursework. I have been drowning myself in my own problems and it has hurt my focus a bit. Some perspective has been needed.
Generally I study at Chick-Fil-A once a week. Not sure why I go there; I could just as easily sit at home. I just find that there is a comfort in my booth that helps me focus. I get the best results from studying at Chick-Fil-A. This morning while I ordered my usually chicken breakfast burrito and split tea without ice, I could not help but eves drop on the booth behind me. (Blame it on the powers of the BAHA.) There sat a man with the owner. The man must have recently lost his wife. The owner graciously listened as he talked, and talked and talked. He didn't take a breath. I smiled to myself and thought about what it was like at the Butcher Shop. Talking to the older clients was the highlight of my time there. This gentleman aroused such an emotion in me as he talked about remembering all the things his wife said to him over the years. Not the romantic notions, but the things like "boil the potatoes 9 1/2 minutes to 10 minutes, that's all they need," or 'use the salt shaker over the sink" or "that's none of your business". He spoke with such affection and heart, that I could not help but be moved.
As I sat there listening, not getting much studying done, I could not help but think about my own relationship with my husband. I am sure I drive him crazy. Life with me is certainly not without its annoyances. I wonder if I pass first, if he will find himself talking about me the same way, remembering fondly the phrases he now considers nagging. Listening to this stranger has reminded me of my own immortality and that each day I must accomplish something worth being remembered. However that accomplishment may not be an award or a prize, but rather a relationship with another human being. After all, it is the relationships that we leave behind that keep our spirit alive. As the man wrapped up his conversation, he said that he caught himself laugh for the first time in a year. And that in that moment, he realized that he might be doing alright.
When I am a doctor that will be what I prescribe for my patients - Laughter, Lunch Dates, and Good Conversation. So the next time that you stop in for a delicious chicken sandwich, or to let your kids play inside of the gym, take a moment to listen to the people surrounding you. These are your neighbors, friends, or just folks passing by. You never know what life lesson you might learn.
Generally I study at Chick-Fil-A once a week. Not sure why I go there; I could just as easily sit at home. I just find that there is a comfort in my booth that helps me focus. I get the best results from studying at Chick-Fil-A. This morning while I ordered my usually chicken breakfast burrito and split tea without ice, I could not help but eves drop on the booth behind me. (Blame it on the powers of the BAHA.) There sat a man with the owner. The man must have recently lost his wife. The owner graciously listened as he talked, and talked and talked. He didn't take a breath. I smiled to myself and thought about what it was like at the Butcher Shop. Talking to the older clients was the highlight of my time there. This gentleman aroused such an emotion in me as he talked about remembering all the things his wife said to him over the years. Not the romantic notions, but the things like "boil the potatoes 9 1/2 minutes to 10 minutes, that's all they need," or 'use the salt shaker over the sink" or "that's none of your business". He spoke with such affection and heart, that I could not help but be moved.
As I sat there listening, not getting much studying done, I could not help but think about my own relationship with my husband. I am sure I drive him crazy. Life with me is certainly not without its annoyances. I wonder if I pass first, if he will find himself talking about me the same way, remembering fondly the phrases he now considers nagging. Listening to this stranger has reminded me of my own immortality and that each day I must accomplish something worth being remembered. However that accomplishment may not be an award or a prize, but rather a relationship with another human being. After all, it is the relationships that we leave behind that keep our spirit alive. As the man wrapped up his conversation, he said that he caught himself laugh for the first time in a year. And that in that moment, he realized that he might be doing alright.
When I am a doctor that will be what I prescribe for my patients - Laughter, Lunch Dates, and Good Conversation. So the next time that you stop in for a delicious chicken sandwich, or to let your kids play inside of the gym, take a moment to listen to the people surrounding you. These are your neighbors, friends, or just folks passing by. You never know what life lesson you might learn.
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Struggling with Balance
Returning to school as a mother of three, a wife, an active community member, and a well rounded individual has been hard. I have a real life. I have board meetings, committee meetings, sick kids, football games, cheerleading competitions, and travel softball games to make. I try to visit my grandparents, my great Aunt, my friends and I work hard at my marriage. In the midst of my real life enters Biochemistry, Organic Chemistry, Cellular Biology, and Psychopharmacology. While I am the kind of person that actually enjoys school, sometimes I find myself making choices between talking to my husband about his day and studying for Organic Chemistry's infamous NMR and IR spectra.
Fortunately for me, I have a great support system. Everyone is rooting for me to succeed. Even my little ones, who recently spent Columbus Day at college with their mom. Getting a six and seven year old to sit quietly for three hours is an accomplishment. Getting them to sit through three hours of Biochem, O-Chem and Psychopharm without a bathroom break is just miraculous. It really put things into perspective for me. Not only am I making those choices of where, what and how to spend my time - my children are learning the very same lesson. This journey to Medical School certainly has not been easy or quick, but the lessons I am teaching my children remind me how important it is that I reach this goal.
I hope this provides you with a bit of inspiration on your journey as a non-traditional student.
Fortunately for me, I have a great support system. Everyone is rooting for me to succeed. Even my little ones, who recently spent Columbus Day at college with their mom. Getting a six and seven year old to sit quietly for three hours is an accomplishment. Getting them to sit through three hours of Biochem, O-Chem and Psychopharm without a bathroom break is just miraculous. It really put things into perspective for me. Not only am I making those choices of where, what and how to spend my time - my children are learning the very same lesson. This journey to Medical School certainly has not been easy or quick, but the lessons I am teaching my children remind me how important it is that I reach this goal.
I hope this provides you with a bit of inspiration on your journey as a non-traditional student.
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Shadowing....In the beginning.
As I began this process I went to our local hospital and spoke with the individual that works with the Medical School students as they come out for rotations. I explained my situation and asked for help with arranging shadowing opportunities.
For me, arranging shadowing opportunities on my own was getting me nowhere fast, so I knew that I needed help. In my full time career and life, I just did not have interactions with physicians to build relationships to pull upon for shadowing opportunities. Going to the source was the best option I had.
What did I ask for and why? I have a great deal of experience as an ENT patient. I had nearly 20 surgeries on both ears before I was 18. I worked in the ER while in college, but that was nearly 10 years ago and in another city/state. I worked in a lab and taught at a Community College. Again, 10 years ago and no where near my current home. So basically all my "medical" experience is ancient! UGH! In order to figure out what things are like now, I knew I was going to need to jump in. So I asked to shadow everyone. Every type of physician. If I am going to leave a great career behind to pursue my dream, well, I owe it to my family to remind myself of what that dream really looks like - GOOD, BAD, & UGLY. Luckily for me, my new found ally thought it was a great idea to shadow different types of docs, too.
And that is how I began down the road of shadowing. I have learned an enormous amount from each physician that has permitted me into their world. It has been amazing. In future posts I will break down each experience, questions I asked, bites of wisdom shared. Thank you to all of the physicians that have been so wonderful to allow me to spend a few moments with them, their teams, and their patients.
Monday, July 29, 2013
More Arsenal for the MCAT
I am still gathering resources and in the beginning stages of studying for the MCAT. I have decided on purchasing all of the available AAMC Practice Exams. Go straight to the source. I plan on taking all of them. A very large task to undertake.
Next on the purchasing list is the Complete Examkrackers package, and I mean the whole enchilada. All five resource books, the 1001 Questions for each core topic, 16 mini-mcats, and Audio Osmosis CD package. From all the forums, research, checking the books out. I think these will be the best for my style of learning. In addition, I have a host of websites that I have pulled together and book-marked. I will start to compile those for a later post.
I have also pulled together a select few podcasts to listen to on a regular basis. Those include:
- Medical School HQ by Dr. Ryan Gray - first one I discovered with good quality audio and useful material. Plus I actually had the opportunity to meet Dr. Gray in the flesh at the OldPreMeds conference this summer. Nice guy. Thanks for the podcast and encouragement. Oh, and if you listen, give the guy a positive review. Help the cause!
- Mental Math Secrets - This is really because I know as an older student, time is not my friend. Speeding up my ability to process numbers in my head will really be helpful. Plus this podcast includes videos as well as audio. Good quality recordings that are easy to listen to.
So, I am feeling pretty good about my game plan. Working on study calendar and timeline. Hope to have it together by the end of this week.
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Gathering MCAT Study Materials
Finished up my first semester back with an A in General Chem II. Big confidence boost. Now I am in the thick of summer gathering resources to study for the MCAT. While I have read many a blog post about preparing in two or three months, I just don't think that is enough time for me. I have put together an plan to study that is a bit unorthodox.
Many blog posts, tweets, articles, and even the AAMC resources discuss how the MCAT is unlike any test you have ever taken. There is much discussion that the MCAT is more about testing your ability to read, analyze, and think critically. Based on that, I have decided to go about preparing for the MCAT a bit differently than I have seen elsewhere.
Of course I am focusing on Physics, Chem, Bio, A&P, O-Chem, and Biochemistry, but I am also taking a good bit of time to work on math skills, logic, and critical thinking skills. I believe those skills will be helpful to work my way through the passages and figure out the science that slips my mind the day of the exam. Afterall, isn't that what doctors do in the real world. They think their way through problems, often with only the information available right in front of them and what is tucked away in their minds.
In addition to studying this summer, I am taking a Physics course and Psycology course, plus shadowing. Those are for the next post.
Many blog posts, tweets, articles, and even the AAMC resources discuss how the MCAT is unlike any test you have ever taken. There is much discussion that the MCAT is more about testing your ability to read, analyze, and think critically. Based on that, I have decided to go about preparing for the MCAT a bit differently than I have seen elsewhere.
Of course I am focusing on Physics, Chem, Bio, A&P, O-Chem, and Biochemistry, but I am also taking a good bit of time to work on math skills, logic, and critical thinking skills. I believe those skills will be helpful to work my way through the passages and figure out the science that slips my mind the day of the exam. Afterall, isn't that what doctors do in the real world. They think their way through problems, often with only the information available right in front of them and what is tucked away in their minds.
In addition to studying this summer, I am taking a Physics course and Psycology course, plus shadowing. Those are for the next post.
Monday, January 7, 2013
Day One
Day One. I can remember being a little girl knowing that I would be a physcian. That with my hands, I would help fix people. Sometimes, when you can't fix yourself, fixing others fills that hole. It has been a long, windy, and often broken road that I have travelled that has led me to today - Day One.
Today is the day that I straighten the road and take back the promise of that little girl. Today is the day that I start back down an old path, slowly removing the over grown debris, and blaze a new trail. Today is the day I start down the road of becoming a physician.
I am not sure I can accomplish this goal. I have faultered many times. Once as an eighteen year old. A life altering decision made the goal of college a little bit tougher. Then again, leaving college and chosing a different path. All this time, sitting in my gut, has been a sinking feeling speaking to my mind, saying - "You are on the wrong path."
Today is the day I start back to taking classes and begin studying for the MCAT. I wonder if that phrase, "Three strikes and you're out" is really true. This is my third strike. It is time to swing, and swing big. I am aiming for the fences in center field, channeling my inner Babe Ruth. Come along this journey with me. Encourage me. Hold me accountable. Challenge me.
Through a busy work schedule, a hectic family life, this mom of three is pulling the little girl inside out. I know that I am suppose to be a physcian. This is my Journey.
Today is the day that I straighten the road and take back the promise of that little girl. Today is the day that I start back down an old path, slowly removing the over grown debris, and blaze a new trail. Today is the day I start down the road of becoming a physician.
I am not sure I can accomplish this goal. I have faultered many times. Once as an eighteen year old. A life altering decision made the goal of college a little bit tougher. Then again, leaving college and chosing a different path. All this time, sitting in my gut, has been a sinking feeling speaking to my mind, saying - "You are on the wrong path."
Today is the day I start back to taking classes and begin studying for the MCAT. I wonder if that phrase, "Three strikes and you're out" is really true. This is my third strike. It is time to swing, and swing big. I am aiming for the fences in center field, channeling my inner Babe Ruth. Come along this journey with me. Encourage me. Hold me accountable. Challenge me.
Through a busy work schedule, a hectic family life, this mom of three is pulling the little girl inside out. I know that I am suppose to be a physcian. This is my Journey.
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