Well hello out there.  Second semester has begun and I thought I’d give you a peak at the new line-up and what lies ahead.

This semester we have ( in no particular order):

1) Immunology

2) Physiology

3) Histology

4) Microbiology

5) Intro to Clinical Medicine I (continuation from fall semester) 

6) Clinical Problem Solving (continuation from fall semester)

Its funny because if you ask 10 people what they think this semester is going to be like you’ll get 10 different answers. I’ve heard things such as: ” I think its going to be alot easier than last semester”, ” I’m not sure about class X everyone says its going to be really hard”, and ” yikes I’ve never had any of these classes before…. Its going to be a rough one”. 

If we aren’t careful we will fall into the “white noise trap”.

It’s a trap that is very easy for medical students to fall victim too. We hear the chatter of how other people are studying, or how easy they think a class is and we get worried that we aren’t where we should be. This is not a topic that is limited to medical students and I’m sure many people run into similar situations.

Now I don’t think there is anything wrong with thinking a class is going to be easy, hard etc. I think the problem arises when we begin to compare ourselves to other students in general. It’s easy to get caught up in the “snippet” that you may hear from other students without knowing the whole story.  Whether student X has a background in a particular area, or it just comes easy to them we have to be careful and try not to compare ourselves to others ( I know, I know…… it’s always easier said then done lol). It is perfectly ok to get advice from students who are high achievers in a particular topic but at the end of the day just remember that what works for one person may not work for another so proceed with caution.

My goal this semester is to do the best that Jenn can do. I truly believe that its possible to do very well in all of my classes this semester as long as I don’t fall into the “white noise trap” . 

I could definitely go on and on but I think I’ll leave it at that. I’m looking forward to this semester and I definitely feel better prepared to handle what lies ahead.

I’ll leave you with a verse that always helps to keep me focused. It reminds me that my plan/path won’t be the same as someone else’s but God has one that is outlined Just for me.

“ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29: 11

Happy Monday Everyone !!!

Happy New Year Everyone!!!!

Its been a whirlwind over the last few weeks but I’m so glad to be able to say that I completed my first semester of medical school…. Whooo Hooo !

The winter break was wonderful and I definitely was able to enjoy much needed rest, catch up with friends, and begin scheduling for second semester (yes I did do a little studying over break).

Its funny because you don’t really realize the stress that you put on your body under until you stop suddenly and have nothing to do. You kind of go into a semi shock LOL. However, I’m blessed to have wonderful people in my life who insisted that I take a few days to just sit down RELAX AND BREATHE b/c they know that I feel guilty when I just “do nothing”.  So I did my best to relax, catch up on some reality tv, and hangout with friends and family.

That lasted all of a week and a half and then I got bored LOL. After studying so intensely for the last few months I didnt know what do with myself. I mean I’m not complaining for the extended holiday break but after Christmas day I went to work planning for this upcoming semester.

Now the time has come to start again and I’m ready. It definitely took me a while to get re-adjusted to the academic setting after being out of school for a while last semester but I think I’m getting the hang of it . Its still a work in progress but I plan to give it my all and do my best.

Well that’s all for now. Class starts tomorrow at 9am and I’m ready for round two :)!!!!!!

Have a Blessed Week Everyone!

Well after a little hiatus I have returned……

I can’t believe its been a month. I have been meaning to post for a couple weeks now but I have been in a groove with classes and exams and have not been successful in completing that task  (that’s how it goes sometimes lol).

As my good friend Kim says “Time sure flies when your head is in a book, or two, or three” lol. With the semester just one short month from being over I knew it was time to take a break and catch up on blogging!

Yes, you read correctly, as crazy as it sounds in just one month my first semester of medical school will be complete. It seems surreal to think that just a few short months ago I was walked in the doors of IUSM for my first lecture.

Ahhh, but I don’t want to day dream to much because even though December 14, 2011(3pm to be exact) is just around the corner there is still a lot of work to be done before it gets here! We have one exam on Friday then right after thanksgiving we begin a “mini sprint” to the finish with our 3rd round of exams and finals December 2nd – December 14th.  But all will work out in the end. 

Ok, switching gears a bit, the rest of this post is dedicated to my big sister!

She went from 0-26 in less than a year. This is not seconds, minutes or hours…. I’m referring to miles.  She completed her first marathon a few weeks back and I’m extremely proud of her. I emphasize first because I know once she’s hooked there’s just no stopping her.

A little less than a year ago she tells me “I think I want to start running”. I connected her with a friend of ours who is an avid runner and I assumed that and if nothing else she’ll have a good jogging buddy. However, after a short time of running she decided to challenge herself and train for a marathon.  She completed her goal a few weeks ago and I’m super proud of her!!! 

She always calls me her “little big sister” but her accomplishment is truly a source of motivation as I begin to prepare for the final push of the semester. I found this definition of the word marathon and I think it says it all. 

Now I have absolutely no desire to run 26 miles (heck any distance in the upper single digits just sounds crazy to me LOL).  However, the rest of the definition hit it right on the nose. Simply put a marathon (whether used in the literal or figurative sense) is a “gut check” so to speak.  There are good miles and challenging miles but in the end it’s about digging deep and enduring until you reach finishline.  

Well that’s all for now……… It’s back to studying about microtubules, development/differentiation, and cancer.

I want to finish strong so it’s time to get back on the grind!

Happy Thursday Everyone :)!!!!!

Hello Everyone,

So I looked up and realized its been way too long since I posted . Things have been busy busy and time has flown by.  So its time for a few updates before going into more detail on the title of this post.

Updates

1) Finished up the first test block and I still have my brain in tact (kind of lol). I learned alot about my study habits like late night studying & Jennifer DO NOT MIX lol. I mean I already knew this but when you feel the pressure and the test date is nearing it’s easy to try and change the game plan. Trust me that won’t be happening again b/c all those who know me know I’m Molly morning bird and no matter how late I go to sleep I STILL wake up early. I’m not a coffee drinker and thus will usually end up feeling like this the next day while studying if I’m not rested:

Thus I’ve instituted operation ”Sunrise Study” in which I start my studies by 6/6:30am either at the library or at home. Let me tell you its simply amazing. I feel my best in the morning and am definitely more productive. I’m able to get a few hours of study in before classes start and can get to bed at a decent hour.

2) Just celebrated my birthday on Thursday (Whoohoo). It was a nice day. I seem to move to new/unknown locations just prior to my birthday so I didnt do anything to celebrate but I did make sure to take some ME time. After strong influence from some good friends (thanks KC) I took the night off from studying and just relaxed (with icecream cake of course ). BR has these nifty little cake bites/bars….. Minimizes the caloric intake guilt (well as long as you don’t eat all four at once lol).

I think thats all in the way of updates and now on to the title of this post.

I was just finishing up with my studying for the day and about head to the store. As I was leaving the parking lot I drove past a classmate and something told me to stop the car and speak rather than just wave. Long story short we ended up speaking for about 45minutes and I was telling my friend “you know we are all in this together and here to support/lift each other up when we get overwhelmed.” 

The funny thing is this friend thinks that I “have it all together.” I think they usually catch me smiling even when I feel overwhelmed so they were led to this crazy idea…….boy oh boy if they only knew LOL!!! I promptly let them know that the encouragement I was offering had just been given to me earlier that day from another classmate and family member (former med student).

This experience just shows the importance of having a strong classmate support system (in addition to our outside ties). Most of us have external support systems: family, friends, significant others etc. But it’s hard to fully convey the medical school experience to the outside world. They know we work and study hard but unless they themselves have gone through the “gauntlet” (as I so loving refer to it lol) I think its hard for them to truly understand it.

I can’t speak for anyone else but I know for me these first couple of months have been a little crazy. Adjusting back to the school, the sciences in particular, after such a long break has been tough. That coupled with the fact that my external support system is out of state has made for an “interesting” experience.

Oh, I by no means am trying to say that a classmate who I may have only known for couple months should replace my external support system (The are very important). However, I know that even with my classmates that I may not know well, our brief encounters of “yea I know EXACTLY how you feel” can get me through in a special kind of way.

Ahh who knows……. maybe I’m the only one who feels this way and maybe I take comfort in these brief encounters with my classmates because my external support is long distance. But it takes me back to our white coat ceremony when the Dean emphasized “We’re all in this together”…… I think the administration was on to something .

Well I think thats all for now and its only fitting that I leave you the song that so eloquently is the reason for the title of this post lol. I only added the instrumental with the hook but if you like Whodini you can still vibe to the beat .

Whodini- Friends

Keep smiling……Its infectious

Have a GREAT week everyone!

Hi everyone,

This will be a short post but I wanted to provide updates before I head into “exam mode” as our first block of tests start this Friday.

As my post says I feel like I’m in the on-deck circle and my first at bat is coming up this Friday(I’m a baseball fan so just look past the corny references if you aren’t lol).

When I think about it exam prep is very similar to a batter’s time that is spent in the on-deck circle. Its the time to analyze, prepare and get focused prior to taking your turn at bat. I, similar to a designated hitter, have been out of the game for a while so I definitely feel the pressure to perform well.

It’ll be an intense this week, but I find solace in the fact that I know who’s in control of my life and of the situation. I’m going to continue to study hard, prepare the best that I can…….. and then give the rest to HIM .

Two random notes before I leave:

1. I’m DEFINITALY a Spartan and glad we showed out in football yesterday. However, I must say that the wolverines had a good game last night as well. I only saw the last minute of the game on my computer this morning but in honor of my friends: Kris and Jos I’ll give them a brief mention (Mainly b/c I despise Notre Dame lol).
2. The countdown continues…..17 days to go  

Well thats all for now…back to studying. I probably won’t post until after the last “at bat” for this test block so I hope everyone has a GREAT week.

Remember to smile…… its so much easier than frowning :)

Jenn

Happy Saturday evening (Well Technically Sunday morning)!

Its been a good week. We had our first CMB (Cell and Molecular Biology) Quiz and I’m glad to have one under my belt. Its only the beginning but it is a good starting point. Aside from studying I had a pretty great experience that came “right on time.”

Immediately following our quiz on Thursday I went on my first home visit in ICM (Intro to Clinical Medicine). I decided to take the palliative care section and will have one patient that I will follow throughout the year.

As my classmate and I walked into the patient’s room my preceptor introduced me by saying “Hello….. this is “Student Doctor Weekes” (I must say that gave me chills).

I was then given the nod to proceed and begin my first patient interview. I was outwardly smiling but inwardly nervous. Would I say the right thing? Would she be up to talking to me? What if I don’t ask the correct questions? However, after talking to the patient and listening to her story I begin to grow at ease. Her positive attitude despite her prognosis truly touched my spirit.

My first patient visit was just what I needed to help put things in perspective this week. Up until Thursday I just considered myself a first year medical student with my head down in a science book trying to keep pace. But my experience as “student doctor Jennifer Weekes” helped remind me to look up and remember the purpose behind it all…… THE PATIENTS!!!!

Having a solid grasp on the basic sciences is a requirement in order to become a successful physician. However, the end-game can become a little blurry early on when the work begins to pile up.

ICM helps to provide small glimpses of the goal we are all working hard to attain.

Thats all from me this evening/morning……… Student Doctor Jennifer Weekes is signing off . 

Enjoy the rest of the weekend!

P.S. We have entered the wonderful month of September and I’ll be keeping a running countdown at the bottom of a few of my posts this month. We are Only 25 days from the BEST day of the year (Well I may have a slight conflict of interest :))

Hello Everyone!

Sorry I haven’t posted this week, we started all of our classes and its been a little busy. I can definitely say it will be a matter of proper planning and making efficient use of the time we are given (hmm speaking of time can I get a couple more hours in the day lol).

My anatomy professor made a comment that sums everything up quite nicely. He said “The train has officially left the station and we are going to be picking up speed very fast”.  Well I’m on board and I”ve got my seatbelt fastened. I’ll need to dust off a few spiderwebs but I hope to be churning on all cylinders soon (preferably BEFORE the first test block LOL).

All in all I am still enjoying myself and there are always things to celebrate. My Good news of the week:

• Two of my friends from grad school got married today. WhoooHoo for Love and Happiness. So I’m sending virtual BEST WISHES and CONGRATS to Jacky and Denise on their special day. Wishing you all an eternity of happiness.
• I’ve gone the whole week without having to fill up my gas tank (Super Score ). I’m sure this will change but I take my blessings when I can lol.
• I received new anatomy wall art in my apt that will hopefully assist me in learning all these bones (yes, its the little things excite me the most lol).

Well that all the news I have to share. Its been a long day and I”m about to turn in. We have our first Cell and Molecular Biology quiz on Wednesday so there has been and will be lots of studying going down this weekend.

I’ll leave you with a quote that put things in perspective and helped me to keep studying this evening.    

“Faith makes things possible not easy” ~unknown

Whoop Whoop………Grind until you Shine  :)!!!!

Have a Great evening and enjoy the rest of your weekend everyone!

Hello to everyone who may be passing by and reading. I’m new to the Tour the Life blogging world so I will use my first post to introduce myself.

At the hip age of 27 (and eleven twelfths lol) I’m an MS-1 and originally from West Bloomfield, Michigan. Similar to a lot of folks interested in becoming physicians, I started my undergraduate career with every intention of beginning medical school immediately following graduation. I majored in chemistry at Michigan State University (Go Green!!!!) and planned just about every step of my path to becoming a physician upon graduation…… or so I thought.

Despite my best efforts I was unsuccessful in gaining direct admission to medical school once I graduated; however, after getting over the initial shock I remained optimistic. I took a year off to teach and reapplied assuming the second time around would yield the result that I desired. Boy was I WRONG! I endured the same small letter sized envelopes that basically stated “Dear Ms. Weekes…… Thanks but no thanks”(Well that was my interpretation at least ).

Knowing that my interest in healthcare hadn’t changed I decided to pursue another career goal to work in administration and was accepted to the University of Michigan School of Public Health. As I packed my bags to move to Ann Arbor I received notification that I had been accepted into Michigan State University College of Medicine’s Post-Baccalaureate program.  The program would have been one year and upon successful completion I would have progressed into the traditional four-year medical program. It was an awesome opportunity so naturally I was excited, right?! Not even close. I was torn, frustrated and began to doubt whether I even wanted to be a physician. In my opinion, the road to MD was too long and arduous to have that level of uncertainty so I declined the offer and thought that I had closed the door to a clinical career forever. After completing my Masters in Healthcare Administration I was accepted to a fellowship program in Revenue Cycle and Financial Management at Duke University Health system. Upon conclusion of the fellowship I transitioned to a full-time position within the Patient Revenue Management Organization.

Some may call me crazy for turning down the opportunity at MSU (including myself especially as I studied to retake the MCAT while working a full time job last year lol). But looking back on the past six years I know God led me to make the right decision for ME. I have been extremely blessed to work with and learn from very talented senior hospital leaders, physicians, and staff members (both clinical and non-clinical) over the years. My experiences with them have helped to reinvigorate and solidify my passion for a clinical career in medicine. I now begin medical school knowing 100% that this is the path that I want to pursue and my future patients will benefit from that greatly.

You may be asking yourself, why is she sharing so many details? Well the answer is pretty simple: I believe that you should “Lift while you climb.”  My story is probably similar to some of my colleagues and I’m not sure if anyone is reading this but I’ve learned you never know how your words can be beneficial to someone. There have been many people who have encouraged me and renewed my passion to become a physician simply by sharing their experiences. IUSM has provided me with an awesome opportunity to do the same through the TTL blog. Additionally, self-reflection(in one of the most public ways possible lol) is very therapeutic.

Well this is only the first post and it’s time to wrap it up. Tomorrow’s the first day of school and I’ve got to get my mind somewhat prepared for the first Anatomy Lab.

I’m a music enthusiast so I’ll leave you with a song that’s been playing in my head as I reflect and write this post. Nobody can sing it better than Donny can.

 Thank You Master by Donny Hathaway

So long and good night (Who am I kidding, with so much anticipation I probably won’t catch too many Zzzz’s tonight ).