Dem Bones, Dem Bones

Our first part-time week is at an end, and, I must confess, it’s been a bit of a blur. Most of us are still trying to find our rhythm and create a workable study schedule. Seems like life is just one long series of implemented plans. But that’s a good thing. We actually accomplish important goals using that method. It’s amazing how quickly our moments can be wasted when we aren’t paying attention…

We are well into our cadaver dissections and have already learned a dump truck full of terms - and we’ve only been in class for two days... I have held a man’s spine in my hands and gotten back to my Latin (old Latin) roots. I can’t help but wonder how we will all find a path from this humble beginning. Our fingers have just begun to fumble around for the keys to the future. There will be so many bones that will create the skeleton of our education, and we will soon be engaged with patients in order to flesh out the reality of caring for actual human beings. Will be great to watch everyone blossom.

Most of us have had some sort of interaction with patients, so I know we all won’t be complete idiots as we start our preceptorships with the doctors who so generously donate their time and patience (and patients) to the cause of educating the next generation. I’m fortunate to be spending some time in my chosen specialty at the outset. Most folks in the class are quite undecided, but, as an older person, I have a pretty good idea where I want to be and what “best fit” actually looks like for me. It’s been recommended by several savvy folks that we decide earlier than later if at all possible. My recommendation is to take the personality tests, visit with and shadow anyone interesting, rule out any obvious “no’s”, and get on a specialty track right away. Ain’t no time like the present.

I’ll spend most of this weekend preparing for next week and thinking about how to get it all done. There are still a few loose ends to be tied up as the term begins: a few introductions with Big Sibs and physician preceptors, writing my first check for school fees, and doing a 4-hour training session on the hospital computer system. Will also get a chance to spend some time with my wife and step-daughter this weekend. Will be a welcome respite.

Organization and diligence are key here. Persistence will be our watchword. One step after another.

In the beginning...

... my brain was without form and void... disbelief, I guess you could say. Numb fer sure, dude.

When I received the email that I was admitted to the medical school I was hoping for, I was in complete shock. Truth is, it lasted for several days. I couldn't believe they actually let me in. In fact, I confess that I didn't even start this blog until I had finished orientation in the off chance that there had been a terrible mistake, and at some moment a kind-but-lower-level-official would pull me aside into a quiet corner to explain I would not be joining the class.

But, no news was clearly good news in this regard. And, with more pomp and circumstance than I could have imagined, all 120 of us were ushered into the inveterate halls of medicine yesterday. Indeed, we were all "cloaked" with our white coats in an official ceremony commemorating the beginning of our careers. The marker has been created, and the work is ours to swim in as we now float in strong currents toward a new life.

As I remember the ceremony, I hear the speakers reminding us again of the tremendous privilege of our new undertaking and of the deep trust reposed in us as future medical practitioners. As I sat there, I couldn't help but take it to heart. You see, I truly believe in this stuff. I feel unbelievably honored to be allowed here. It's a humbling thing to be so trusted by so many. Misty eyes were the order of the day, I think. I hope every day for the courage and strength to be worthy of that amazing trust. May our hands be true and our intentions pure. It was a big day. Even for an old guy.