Half an MD

So much to say.

So many things have happened in what feels like such a short amount of time.

First, I am done with the basic sciences section of medical school. Translation- I've finished the first two years of medical school and completed the part of the US Medical Licensing Exam relevant to that material. I haven't gotten my score yet - and I probably wont tell anyone when I do :) But there's this huge sense of relief, a through-and-through, soul lifting, mood changing, life altering sense of having a monumental weight lifted from my shoulders and I can just come back to being myself and not some stressed out medical professional. The experience was interesting in multiple ways. One, it's amazing how much stress the human body and mind can tolerate. Alternatively, it's equally amazing what that level of stress can do to your body and mind. Next, I'm happy to know that I'm not a raving lunatic jumping down everyone's throat even when I'm stressed beyond belief. Hopefully, I can maintain that when I'm sleep deprived, also. Get ready to experience that! :)

Two, I'm moving away from Lubbock. TTUHSC splits it's medical school class up to surrounding West Texas communities- some go to Amarillo (like me), some go to Midland/Odessa, and the rest stay in Lubbock in an effort to provide medical professionals to the surrounding, underserved areas. Surprisingly (most of all to me), this is going to be a somewhat difficult transition despite the excitement of moving forward in my training. I've made some amazing friends here, both in and out of medical school. I've established strong professional connections through the County Medical Society and with the school administration via teaching for the Global Health Elective. I've found a church that I adore, which is very rare for me. I've come into myself a little and been able to admit some defeats and tear down some walls (HUGE for me). And while I'm excited about the opportunities I am being presented in Amarillo, I now have a little soft spot for Lubbock.

Mornings at home.

Alternatively, I've been home for only two days and am reminded exactly how much of a water person I am. The sound of the cicadas in the morning, the bullfrogs and lightening bugs in the evening, the humidity, the back-porch sitting, the heat (also described as a southern summer night...). We bought fishing poles that I have every intention of breaking out today and the kayak is just waiting to go in the water. I just love being closer to nature, able to interact with it personally. Makes me very happy.

Green, water, & flowers? Paradise.

We leave for Belize on Friday. I cannot tell you how excited I am about that- 5 days of beaches, SCUBA, and all around relaxation. I wish I could take everyone I know with me that way I could actually see everyone I love in the week and a half that I have off, but it doesn't work that way and unfortunately, I'm not going to get to see everyone. I had intended on driving all over TX to see everyone, but it turns out my sweet little car had different plans. So while she's getting some work done, I'm in Dallas just enjoying the ride. I'll post pictures of Belize soon.

I got to work with patients a lot more this year, shadowed a doctor I respect very much (Dr. Brad Snodgrass is amazing if you live in LBB). From patient interaction to professionalism to the ins-and-outs of running on office, it was a very exciting experience for me. I was able to complete full exams on patients and present their cases... I even got to do my first full mini-Mental (just another exam). It's just... it's so much more real now, that this dream I've had for so long is getting so much closer to becoming my reality.  Yikes. [Am I ready??]

Thanks to LBB, I've added a few new lifelong friends to the list. People who get me, see me in ways I haven't experienced before. I love how much other people can make life  so much more pleasant, more appealing, more important. I can't thank you all enough for that. The people here have helped me get through medical school without losing my sanity (thus far). Love!




Ok, so basically I love you peeps. I'm busy but miss you. I may not get to see you, but I think of you.