The First Year of Medical School…Done!!!

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The past few months have been both challenging and amazing! I can’t quite believe that the first year of medical school is already done! It went by so quickly and I am amazed at how much I have grown and learned over the past year. We covered 8 blocks: Public Health, Respiration, Circulation, Renal, GI, Defense, Infection and the Musculoskeletal System.

The last block was particularly heavy in anatomy and one of the most challenging blocks I have done. I have to say that it brought me to a whole new level of appreciation for the human body as we learned over 1000 new terms for different muscles of the body in Latin. Difficult to do but also fascinating and rewarding! I am also gaining valuable ultrasound skills and have signed up to teach this to first-year medical students. I think it’s going to be a fantastic experience.

Throughout this past year, I have grown in my appreciation for my teachers, mentors, classmates, our silent “teachers” in the anatomy lab, and of course, the patients who I have had the privilege of interacting with. Our medical school curriculum is hands-on so we have had several opportunities to gain exposure in the clinical setting.

My favorite block so far was Defense (the Immune system). I loved learning about the various ways the body keeps foreign invaders in check. Truly a marvel of the human body and a beautiful reminder of the majesty of God’s creation.

Other exciting events that happened in the last few months:

  1. The celebration of our 10th wedding anniversary (happy anniversary to my dearest hubby!)
  2. My son’s completion of kindergarten and “graduation” to Grade 1 (that’s my boy!)
  3. My big brother’s graduation from medical school as he embarks on his pediatrics residency (so proud of you!)

How was the first year of medical school? It was about as challenging as I expected it to be (particularly when trying to balance the voluminous amount of material with family life, church activities, extracurriculars etc.) but it was even better than I imagined in terms of how interesting the material was and what a privilege it is to be a part of the medical profession.

Through it all, I couldn’t have done this without the grace of God, and the wonderful support of my amazing husband, kids, friends and family. I am looking forward to the summer break over the next 2 months, spending more time with my family and getting some rest. In late August, I will be starting my last two blocks of the Fundamentals of Medicine and then Transition to Clerkship (rotations) in January 2018. Exciting!

Time will continue to pass regardless of what you are doing….make sure you are doing what you love! It makes life more meaningful and full of purpose!

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Studying on the deck during final exam week

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A visit to Ann Arbor, Michigan for my brother’s graduation from medical school

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Daddy and his little girl, hand-in-hand. A visit to Quebec city to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary.

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Our cutie-pie! A visit to the Aquarium in Quebec city.

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A beautiful view of Le Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City from the rotating restaurant Ciel! 

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Ready for summer fun! So blessed to have these little ones in my life!

40 thoughts on “The First Year of Medical School…Done!!!”

  5. The actor.The pianist (and then some). And the Surgeon! But he was a dad whose passion for medicine compelled you to follow in his footsteps — that is, to be the best physician you can be. To be the people’s physician. Congrats to you both and continued success!

    Liked by 1 person

  10. I am in second year medical college in india. I can’t tell you how hard it is for me without any responsibilities and with kids oh God!. I congratulate and it is nice to read such things once in a while.
    good luck!

    Liked by 2 people

  13. Really great post! I’m a pre-med student majoring in biopsychology with plans on going to med school, but I do have some doubts about the work load and the material but reading your post makes me feel that my anxiety is just in my head and that it’s manageable. Thank you so much!

    Liked by 1 person

    • You’re most welcome! I’m so glad the post encouraged you. And congratulations on your decision to pursue medicine. It will take a lot of hard work and there is no doubt that it is challenging! But I know that you can do it and will succeed! Go for it! Wishing you all the very best on your journey! 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  18. Congratulations! First year is tough but the second year will be easier as you’ll be accustomed to it already. In my school, second year is the honeymoon year as they say it. Haha

    Liked by 1 person

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