tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42182688903543553482024-03-05T08:42:12.874-05:00Chronicles of a Medical StudentThe Journey through the University of Cincinnati College of MedicineColinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18308880122414954135noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4218268890354355348.post-27885985862285909692012-04-16T17:27:00.000-04:002012-04-16T17:27:07.750-04:00It's a Marathon, Not a SprintAs my third year of medical school begins to end and I look forward to residency applications and Boards Step 2 (details to follow), I consider the mantra that I would proclaim to my classmates two years ago:<blockquote class="tr_bq">Medical School is Marathon, not a Sprint!</blockquote>It is a race of endurance and this has been proven by my third year, with 36-48 hr shifts, 2 days off a month, and over 1,000 pages to read per rotation. But these are the things that are expected. Here are some other challenges: going without clean underwear, use the hospital scrub service for your laundry service, have to make a decision between sleep and food, have to make a decision for your future, oh and you get two weeks, but most of all be prepared for a loneliness of the winter that will be your life.<br />
<br />
I cannot imagine what it is like to go through it with a wife or family, but to go through as a single man there are days in which you talk to different types of people: medical professionals and patients. Vacations are wrought with studying for exams and career planning, and there is only one piece of advice to help you weather the storm of medical school:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">"Brace Yourself"</blockquote>Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18308880122414954135noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4218268890354355348.post-29498335452062911232011-07-03T09:15:00.000-04:002011-07-03T09:15:59.816-04:002nd Year done and now into 3rd yearWith the conclusion of the USMLE Board Step 1 I now enter into my third year and am halfway done with the school part of my medical education. To sum up the second year of medical school in a short post is not as hard as it sounds. Most days I have spent reading, studying, going to clinical opportunities, and not much else. The second year of medical school was increasingly more difficult that the first year and I am looking forward to not sitting for the next two years.<br />
<br />
It is hard to imagine that two years ago I new nothing and now I know just enough to make things worse. In the next two years I will be completing my clinical rotations on the wards in various hospitals throughout Cincinnati, beginning with OB/GYN. I will now enter into wide world of patients.Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18308880122414954135noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4218268890354355348.post-5710181273507029752010-09-10T07:06:00.000-04:002010-09-10T07:06:23.209-04:00Stories from the Summer: The Flag<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Twice a day everything on Fort Sam slowed to a halt. Cars would stop driving and pull over to the side, people would stop running, and each soldier would turn to the south, stand at attention, and salute the flag. The procedure for this was outlined very specific with specific </span><a href="http://bands.army.mil/music/bugle/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">bugle calls</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. I am sure there were some that found this an annoyance, but for me it was a time to remember who I was, why I was there, and those who had come before me.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"The Soldiers Creed"</span><br />
<br />
<blockquote>I am an American Soldier.</blockquote><blockquote>I am a Warrior and a member of a team. I serve the people of the United States and live the Army Values.</blockquote><blockquote>I will always place the mission first.</blockquote><blockquote>I will never accept defeat.</blockquote><blockquote>I will never quit.</blockquote><blockquote>I will never leave a fallen comrade.</blockquote><blockquote>I am disciplined, physically and mentally tough, trained and proficient in my warrior tasks and drills. I always maintain my arms, my equipment and myself.</blockquote><blockquote>I am an expert and I am a professional.</blockquote><blockquote>I stand ready to deploy, engage, and destroy the enemies of the United States of America in close combat.</blockquote><blockquote>I am a guardian of freedom and the American way of life.</blockquote><blockquote>I am an American Soldier.</blockquote>Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18308880122414954135noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4218268890354355348.post-65908176774404323312010-08-23T18:47:00.007-04:002010-08-23T19:12:28.916-04:00Back from a Whirl Wind Summer<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA3q_wajZfKb1jg5da7TQMXMx8B2dzyubQsodZOYncpqpVnq8s3pK13bGMz0PMK2tJ58BUQ7dxCJil1xpOJJEXHqWasHzoO_4kVT2yqgpAtpQ62Eon7u-sLc-iENDZ18iYZL1tqo2YfFDw/s1600/DSCN0155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA3q_wajZfKb1jg5da7TQMXMx8B2dzyubQsodZOYncpqpVnq8s3pK13bGMz0PMK2tJ58BUQ7dxCJil1xpOJJEXHqWasHzoO_4kVT2yqgpAtpQ62Eon7u-sLc-iENDZ18iYZL1tqo2YfFDw/s200/DSCN0155.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">blackhawks come bringing patients</td></tr>
</tbody></table>My last summer off has ended, if you could even call it a summer off. I spent 6 weeks training with the military in the art of being a soldier as well as what it means to be a doctor in the military. Then I spent my final two weeks in Peru hiking the Inca trail t Machu Picchu, horseback riding in the sacred valley, and sleeping on the Uros Islands in Lake Titicacca.<br />
<br />
There is too much to share in on blog post. The military was both exciting and exhausting with temperatures ranging from 80 to 85 in the morning and 90 to 110 degrees in the afternoon, I was out of my comfortable climate in the north, but I learned to cope. The first three weeks were fairly uneventful and dull, learning the ins and outs of army protocol for everything from "what do you do if you get arrested," to "this is how the hospital works."<br />
The next three weeks were much more exciting. We practiced convoys, shooting M16s and M9s, land navigation, and finally the combat hospital system.<br />
<br />
Peru was a welcome change of climate. to cool, dry, and high. Cusco is about 3300 meters above sea level and on the inca trail we reached 4,215 meters on the second day. There was no sensation of the wind getting sucked out of me or even a feeling of light headedness, just a being a little winded when I walked a few flights of stairs.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmgcWUaJ18sS1XzI3BWygRdU1bD9gWqGiCS66IikvFedpnrsaQX2t0hZObxjLgczrV1ugmAzWmuAUaPy5vagyYWLlyVSd5pX3II5qLj1DXB_GY1Wux_Q9OAAV8GuchcQsdhvg2leQ_hQdH/s1600/DSC_0810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmgcWUaJ18sS1XzI3BWygRdU1bD9gWqGiCS66IikvFedpnrsaQX2t0hZObxjLgczrV1ugmAzWmuAUaPy5vagyYWLlyVSd5pX3II5qLj1DXB_GY1Wux_Q9OAAV8GuchcQsdhvg2leQ_hQdH/s200/DSC_0810.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My brother and I sitting of Machu Picchu</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Now I am back, a second year, and continuing the medical education with late nights and cold pots of coffee.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPEhhdXJ8Xtw2DKrdWbi35KV5vnSqwK83vO_MOvul-CXlnZRGahL4BlqeMwmlBXDOE4yXvDibcZ9IEDofl8lWJ0tCZc5ECF-tdlBtMu_Abp0j8WtP-VUYEiBuw2aPFbm3fddGtu7wmFrRp/s1600/DSC_0824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPEhhdXJ8Xtw2DKrdWbi35KV5vnSqwK83vO_MOvul-CXlnZRGahL4BlqeMwmlBXDOE4yXvDibcZ9IEDofl8lWJ0tCZc5ECF-tdlBtMu_Abp0j8WtP-VUYEiBuw2aPFbm3fddGtu7wmFrRp/s200/DSC_0824.JPG" width="133" /></a></div>Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18308880122414954135noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4218268890354355348.post-28313160776099731692010-04-24T13:04:00.000-04:002010-04-24T13:04:36.591-04:00On "Pathologies of Power" by Paul Farmer<a href="http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1472188">Paul Farmer</a> is an author of numerous books, both anthropologist and physician, and a promoter of social justice. Recently, I have just read his book "<a href="http://books.google.com/books?id=2sbP7J-lckoC&dq=pathologies+of+power&printsec=frontcover&source=bn&hl=en&ei=9xjTS9KxBIOQsAOCm9H_Ag&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=6&ved=0CCMQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q&f=false">Pathologies of Power</a>" about the health, human rights, and the war against the poor for my <a href="http://medicalstudentchronicles.blogspot.com/2009/12/international-poverty-justice-and.html">IPJH</a> student elective.<br />
<br />
Paul Farmer speaks from a passion that can only come from a changed heart. It is an uncommon phenomenon that one who has been witness to such suffering, poverty, and the evils of the world emerges un-jaded and unwavering in his mission. Standing amidst hopelessness he seeks hope, continually marching onward and fighting against an apathetic nation. His words penetrate as one who has lived and experienced as the poor do, not that he understands completely, but he has an empathetic heart and not of a sympathetic pride.<br />
<br />
Why is someone who has the ability and knowledge to anything in this world choose to enter into relationships with those who are often viewed as the dregs of society? I would like to think it comes from both a profound understanding of who man is, and the simplest of revelations: because it is right.<br />
<br />
This is a dangerous statement, because if there is a right way then it follows by laws of reason and logic there must also be a wrong. It is easy to define the right even if it is not easily accomplished. The wrong is not so, not because the answer is elusive, but because the inevitable reality frightens us. We work against it lest our conscience be tainted or guilt over take us and are then forced to adopt the logical eventuality that it is apathy and selfishness that rules over us, myself included.<br />
<br />
If the opposite of work is to rest, the opposite of to go is to stay, and the opposite of selfishness is selflessness, then it follows that if the correct course is action the incorrect course is inaction. If it is right to help the poor then it flows that it is wrong to ignore them. The biggest enemy in the fight against poverty, justice, and health is not those force working against us, but the apathy of those who can rectify these injustices that exist.<br />
<br />
We must be careful because of the evil of a sympathetic arrogance lurks in shadows. Instead we must be driven by <a href="http://medicalstudentchronicles.blogspot.com/p/secondary-essay-altruism.html">empathy</a> (see link for more on this subject).<br />
<br />
Can we, those in a position to help, save the world? I do not believe we can. However, it does not change what is right:<br />
<blockquote>"but what does the Lord require of us, but to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8</blockquote>Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18308880122414954135noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4218268890354355348.post-9681000825989727462010-04-04T15:16:00.002-04:002010-04-04T15:29:44.050-04:00If Only I Could Become and Ant!Recently, I was having a conversation with a few of my classmates, and we stumbled across an interesting aspect of a physician. We were discussing living situations and our plans for next year. I was thinking out loud as a I often do that I was considering living in "<a href="http://www.overtherhine.com/">Over the Rhine</a>" a particular bad neighborhood in cincinnati with numerous homeless shelters.<br />
<br />
<blockquote>"but it isn't safe, and you could have your car broken into, or have things stolen. And you don't know what unsafe neighborhood is really like," my roommate replied.</blockquote><blockquote>"But if I want to work more with the homeless, how can identify with them at any level when I live far away in a nice suburban and 'safe' neighborhood," I countered.</blockquote><blockquote>"You can always travel and give them care while living elsewhere, and that will do just as much good." </blockquote><br />
I could see now that there was no point in explaining that the safest place was where I was doing the Lord's will, or that our goals in medicine were at all the same. To him affecting change was to change the physical manifestations of a set of diseases.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I remembered a very important sermon illustration I heard from my dad several times, in several different sermons:</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><blockquote><i>There once was a boy who was watching an ant hill with all of its ants coming and going working very diligently not at all concerned with the boy. Suddenly a few sprinklers came on in a yard close by and the boy watch as a flood of water was coming straight for the ants. So he tried directing the ants away from the flood, but they continued around him. He then tried chasing them and scaring them, but it was to no avail. The ants simply would not listen. Finally, the boy cried out in his frustration, "Oh! If only I could become and ANT! then I could tell them of the flood and save them all!"</i></blockquote><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Now this was used to illustrate one reason in which Christ became a man, but it may also be applied to physicians. How are we to tell people of the impending flood health problems if we live away from the injured and cannot understand our patients. We must become one of them; simply put, we must be human as they are human. </div><div><br />
As a final note, if you haven't been watching <i><a href="http://www.jamieoliver.com/campaigns/jamies-food-revolution">Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution</a></i>, Start! He is exemplifying this quality for the health of people, meeting them at their level and trying to change their lives.</div>Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18308880122414954135noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4218268890354355348.post-67792139100864987892010-03-02T19:08:00.000-05:002010-03-02T19:08:44.263-05:00Medical Liability or Asset?It has been a few months since I last wrote, which may tell you something about the mid year schedule of a medical student. With snow days, postponed exams, and the completion of the ischioanal fossa in gross lab, I am at my breaking point, but maybe that is overly dramatic.<br />
<br />
There has been several national disasters recently. First the devastating earthquake to Haiti an already devastated country and then the worst earthquake to hit Chili in recent history. I had the good fortune of being able to visit haiti when I was in high school. I remember thinking two things, "Where did all the trees go?" and "Where can I buy a machete?" Now that I have matured slightly and seen a more small parts of the world, my eyes have begun to defog, and I am more able to learn from past experiences that were previously forgotten. These two recent events have me thinking about a new question posed to my class by a physician of wilderness medicine, "Will you be a medical asset or a Liability?"<br />
<br />
When people are sent into disaster zones initially it is search and rescue effort and basic medical help. Doctors, nurses, EMTs, and other medical professionals are some of the first to enter into the scene. Yesterday, at a lunch talk about wilderness medicine this question was proposed, "Will you be a medical asset or a hinderance?" I pondered this for a while. What classifies a physician or even a person as an asset. The first thing I though of was humility.<br />
<br />
My dad constantly told me, "Approach others with humility and you will go far." Hearing this as a teenager, I never believed him. To my teenage self I knew for a fact that putting yourself behind others is no way to win at anything. I think the words of Green Day's song 'Nice Guys Finish Last' echoed a little louder in my head than my dad's words. But on the field if there is a truck that needs unloading or dishes that need to be cleaned, does it matter that you are a pediatric vascular surgeon specializing in neurovascular trauma? NO!<br />
<br />
Being a medical asset has little to do with how well I preform on my next biochemistry test or even my class rank, but to remember the task at hand, understand what the team is working towards, and by whatever means necessary achieve the common objective.Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18308880122414954135noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4218268890354355348.post-84619452856750163112009-12-29T18:23:00.000-05:002009-12-29T18:23:22.962-05:00International, Poverty, Justice, and Health Student Elective: Medical Schools Still CareTwo weeks for Christmas Break and we will be back to school. I thought I would take an opportunity to explain what the International, Poverty, Justice, and Health Elective (IPJH) is all about. The elective is a way for students at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine to continue pursuing justice among the impoverished and medically underserved populations domestically and abroad. Our main focus throughout the year is to be involved with the people in and around Cincinnati. There a four sub groups within the elective for homelessness, women's health, Latino population, and childhood obesity. I currently serve on the homelessness committee.<br />
<br />
In the homeless committee we sort of contain the category of "other" and we take care of anything that does not quite fit into the mold of the other three. Currently, we have random activities throughout the year, and because we are relatively new to the UC campus we are trying gain a presence by becoming involved in a variety of different areas. There are many opportunities to serve the homeless and there is a lot of space for new ideas.Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18308880122414954135noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4218268890354355348.post-32362411134993526582009-12-18T09:07:00.001-05:002009-12-18T09:08:59.092-05:00Block 3 Closes: No Time, No Time, No Time, I've got No TImeBlock 3 ends in a few hours. So before I do some last minute cramming and my pretest rituals of singing songs about the end of the world, I though I would post this link that was given to me by a friend of mine.<br />
<br />
The catch line is: "We have mapped all the genes for cancer."<br />
In reality, all the possible mutations have been mapped for the two most common forms of cancer. This is no small achievement and has taken literally thousands of hours and years of work to accomplish.<br />
<br />
This is not a cure, and currently is only really good for diagnostic testing of patients and matching each patients condition to the best form of chemotherapy.<br />
<br />
<span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #464646; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; line-height: 14px;"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="storycontent" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 10px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 786px;"><tbody style="font-size: 10px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<tr style="font-size: 10px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><td colspan="2" style="font-size: 10px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div class="mxb" style="font-size: 10px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><h1 style="font-size: 2.4em; font-weight: bolder; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 5px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Scientists crack 'entire genetic code' of cancer</h1></div></td></tr>
<tr style="font-size: 10px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><td class="storybody" style="display: block; float: left; font-size: 1.3em; line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: top; width: 466px;"><div class="videoInStoryB" style="font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 8px; margin-right: 8px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 448px;"><div class="emp" id="emp_8414957" style="font-size: 13px; height: 287px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><embed allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" flashvars="embedReferer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fprofile.php%3Fref%3Dprofile%26id%3D110901114&embedPageUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.bbc.co.uk%2F2%2Fhi%2Fhealth%2F8414124.stm&config_settings_language=default&companionSize=300x60&companionType=adi&preroll=http%3A%2F%2Fad.doubleclick.net%2Fpfadx%2Fbbccom.live.site.news%2Fnews_health_content%3Bsectn%3Dnews%3Bctype%3Dcontent%3Bnews%3Dhealth%3Badsense_middle%3Dadsense_middle%3Badsense_mpu%3Dadsense_mpu%3Breferrer%3Dnonbbc%3Breferrer_domain%3Dwww.facebook.com%3Brsi%3DJ08781_10139%3Bheadline%3Dexpertscrackcancer%2527genecode%2527%3Bslot%3Dcompanion%3Bsz%3D512x288%3Btile%3D6&config=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.bbc.co.uk%2Fplayer%2Femp%2Fconfig%2Fdefault.xml%3F2.18.13034_14207_20091118114410&domId=emp_8414957&playlist=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.bbc.co.uk%2Fmedia%2Femp%2F8410000%2F8414900%2F8414957.xml&holding=http%3A%2F%2Fnewsimg.bbc.co.uk%2Fmedia%2Fimages%2F46928000%2Fjpg%2F_46928128_-3.jpg&config_settings_autoPlay=false&config_settings_showPopoutButton=false&autoPlay=false&config_plugin_fmtjLiveStats_pageType=eav2&config_plugin_fmtjLiveStats_edition=International&fmtjDocURI=%2F2%2Fhi%2Fhealth%2F8414124.stm&companionId=bbccom_companion_8414957&config_settings_showUpdatedInFooter=true" height="287" id="embeddedPlayer_8414957" quality="high" src="http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/emp/2.18.13034_14207/9player.swf?revision=11798" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="448" wmode="default"></embed><br />
<br />
Thanks Kyle for the link.<br />
</div></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18308880122414954135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4218268890354355348.post-49211059359142240942009-12-05T18:15:00.001-05:002009-12-06T15:01:29.653-05:00The Generic 'What I did after my bachelors' Essay<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Many medical schools will ask a question such as if you are not completing you undergraduate training this year or enrolled as a full time student briefly describe what you have been doing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Although this a sort of list the things you have been doing type of essay it is important not to overlook. What most medical schools are looking for is continuation of a medical education or movement to make yourself a more desirable applicant for the coming application cycle. They do not want you to say I worked in a bank and partied with my friends. They want to see medical experience, initiative, research, or graduate school. Here is a sample of what I wrote for them:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I completed my undergraduate work in August 2006. From August to December of 2006 I participated in an Intercultural Studies Internship to Southeast Asia. Upon returning to the USA I began work as a laboratory and surgical assistant at the University of Minnesota Lions Eye Bank from February 2007 to July 2008. After working as a lab assistant I completed a masters in cell and molecular biology at Tulane University with research in cellular neuroscience as it relates to brain health and exercise in ovariectomized rats.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Now is not the time to show them your creativity and/or writing ability. Make brief and the to the point. Give approximate dates and above all be honest. If you did research for one month do not say I did research for two or three months. Here simplicity and easy to understand is key, giving them an accurate picture of what you have accomplished; the details of which may come out in other essays or a sent in Curriculum Vitae.</span><br />
</div>Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18308880122414954135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4218268890354355348.post-49356373993385489162009-11-20T11:02:00.000-05:002009-11-20T14:11:34.895-05:00Oldest Player Piano Shop in CincinnatiI stumbled on this fine establishment one day and a got a few good photos from the experience. Please enjoy<br />
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</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNA5spL6Mh31lFaqoFng43OKPPqB6Ksbl87GJ98FxMfUvYGpAJXwGMczsJkRFdqwDRLqMdN67TI6hMomd4lJ1P1fGJNwweNcIptlofqUs-D6hS6xmWNoOYxKumIJJUbzj3BEcwEUKkgSpw/s1600/DSC_0318BW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNA5spL6Mh31lFaqoFng43OKPPqB6Ksbl87GJ98FxMfUvYGpAJXwGMczsJkRFdqwDRLqMdN67TI6hMomd4lJ1P1fGJNwweNcIptlofqUs-D6hS6xmWNoOYxKumIJJUbzj3BEcwEUKkgSpw/s400/DSC_0318BW.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUHj2V4q2w_ZRBwLi7GXy058tkRpKxBZV1O6-qJGUUsxc5Dm0i6R1Tpt0H0_oIxsbfCGVyFpxuFFgFwwe7UGz2tdoU4ie0eNL_imzlxkjsuARkMrO5mZWbJAtLIV1uA8r7ZgQUWVeEAAR6/s1600/DSC_0349BW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUHj2V4q2w_ZRBwLi7GXy058tkRpKxBZV1O6-qJGUUsxc5Dm0i6R1Tpt0H0_oIxsbfCGVyFpxuFFgFwwe7UGz2tdoU4ie0eNL_imzlxkjsuARkMrO5mZWbJAtLIV1uA8r7ZgQUWVeEAAR6/s400/DSC_0349BW.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuJw67bQnqHbm4xvAv3spNS7_JThE9JaPc6Rv955q_gqiJIeGaApW5wG-untytE4Q6GitxGUfayr5lVMX5iXnCpbeB9jjjXw4sjyvk66oxy7d91orRJ2CUQeaGlGS7C-EAZxKuQZirJ9Ig/s1600/DSC_0331BW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuJw67bQnqHbm4xvAv3spNS7_JThE9JaPc6Rv955q_gqiJIeGaApW5wG-untytE4Q6GitxGUfayr5lVMX5iXnCpbeB9jjjXw4sjyvk66oxy7d91orRJ2CUQeaGlGS7C-EAZxKuQZirJ9Ig/s400/DSC_0331BW.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHri5yG_SdQej4mZtslXPtF5FO6SnpyCJE10tWjWetvjHMHRVph1DEKw7OtKK-cPsxVtIA06jhM3RV3_Ca-0pGPkt5G3joRB1P6ozLHnP4niNn4wdfLibEWomXJepRC5FChUB2XIskQ3zU/s1600/DSC_0304BW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHri5yG_SdQej4mZtslXPtF5FO6SnpyCJE10tWjWetvjHMHRVph1DEKw7OtKK-cPsxVtIA06jhM3RV3_Ca-0pGPkt5G3joRB1P6ozLHnP4niNn4wdfLibEWomXJepRC5FChUB2XIskQ3zU/s400/DSC_0304BW.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrBaT5oKra0xAzryilHpDmc7owlqmohQ7hQR0zlKBsH9FVsQx-tscxnVamolGu995A3HTQ-ndv66SFIts6zlnVJOEZHPSOLCuQM4769vx_uTpZcqGNilIxuAlq_C0GjUXB3OLCpnUlGowl/s1600/DSC_0323BW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrBaT5oKra0xAzryilHpDmc7owlqmohQ7hQR0zlKBsH9FVsQx-tscxnVamolGu995A3HTQ-ndv66SFIts6zlnVJOEZHPSOLCuQM4769vx_uTpZcqGNilIxuAlq_C0GjUXB3OLCpnUlGowl/s400/DSC_0323BW.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiihaNwjWiQUfsS4Z9ymxO1NIdxXETqzPdHFBlmceDEsPYkU3wsIhGTvTDe3tvs9agj6mhkU7krAX57cbPU4EovTyqxV6dM7FDn34lUg4x0vGMEe1FbxG2vYjbED6wdDfUkUt_c-jh-8OMc/s1600/DSC_0357BW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiihaNwjWiQUfsS4Z9ymxO1NIdxXETqzPdHFBlmceDEsPYkU3wsIhGTvTDe3tvs9agj6mhkU7krAX57cbPU4EovTyqxV6dM7FDn34lUg4x0vGMEe1FbxG2vYjbED6wdDfUkUt_c-jh-8OMc/s400/DSC_0357BW.jpg" /></a>Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18308880122414954135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4218268890354355348.post-11826510922215151272009-11-18T10:00:00.000-05:002009-11-18T10:37:07.262-05:00Learning by Doing: Medvouc and the ERLearning in the classroom gets boring, but listening to a lecturer drone on about the creatinine levels in the urine and plasma is a lot more enjoyable after I have seen the application. Knowledge has been sinking in and while I still know next to nothing connections are being made for the reasons to learn about the minute details of any number of physiological concepts.<br />
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I was given the pleasure of being able to shadow in the ER and although I worked in the Emergency Department at Fairview hospital it was nice to see things from the perspective of a doctor. I experienced a small piece of the end goal of medical school that is the practice of medicine and caring for patients.<br />
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Last night I participated in Medvouc once again and this time I not only was able to present my patients in a clear and concise manner but I was also to make a few diagnosis, with the help of the doctor, and devise my own treatment plan for each patient. One patient in particular was especially interesting to me. After having just finished the cardio block I was able to diagnose a Mitral valve prolapse/Mitral valve regurgitation through auscultation, patient history, and vital signs.<br />
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I did not realize when I started that I would be able to diagnose and treat minor patients this quickly. I still have a lot to learn, but the little clinical experiences along the way help me to plow through the mundane reactions of biochemistry.Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18308880122414954135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4218268890354355348.post-1106760690281072102009-11-12T09:30:00.001-05:002009-11-12T10:01:51.447-05:00Music of the Heart: The Finale of Block IIMusic, besides its round about connections with similar principles of study and discipline, would help me decipher heart sounds. Arrhythmias come in all different tones and qualities form a grand Chopin Waltz to a smooth jazz and every rhythm in between. I think I even heard Dave Brubeck's "Take 5" in split s1 and s2 with a systolic murmur thrown. After dissecting and analyzing of all different types of music listening for qualities like tone, pitch and rhythm are second nature. It is too bad that they were not tested on the recognition of the sounds in a practical exam format. That will come next year.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_U19OlVi7KQC9qk7ptSws0yjw9GXAS_GQu_gFpzPTtz9WCX-tlp38Ybj4BbQYQTB9VuZU8SFoe__W0CdY9DN0OZ66_BWQbC2yJWWC2pprE1MFtL_snO9TQdHVTGDCxn31SayFd_AOwhS/s1600-h/stethoscope.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_U19OlVi7KQC9qk7ptSws0yjw9GXAS_GQu_gFpzPTtz9WCX-tlp38Ybj4BbQYQTB9VuZU8SFoe__W0CdY9DN0OZ66_BWQbC2yJWWC2pprE1MFtL_snO9TQdHVTGDCxn31SayFd_AOwhS/s200/stethoscope.jpg" /></a>This block was all about Cardiovascular System. So far it has been the most clinically oriented section this year. The skills and knowledge are directly applicable to the practice of cardiology many of the techniques and knowledge gained are in use on a daily basis and not just the necessary background information.<br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Well, Another Block is finally over and time is continually increasing its speed. It seems like only a few weeks ago I was scrambling to move all my things down to Cincinnati and looking for a place to live. Opportunities have been piling up and filtering through the different group involvements has been challenging. Coming from undergraduate when it was feasible to participate in every extracurricular known to man to medical school where one must make tough decisions of involvement.<br />
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I have narrowed things down to a select few that do not conflict with each other. They are as follows:<br />
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<ul><li><i>IPJH Vulnerable Populations Student Elec</i><i>tive</i> - this ties into my work with the homeless and will enable me to have a heightened involved with the medically undeserved.</li>
<li><i>Neuroscience Elective Scholars Program </i>- will allow me to continue in a limited capacity with research and help me gain clinical experience in neurology and neurosurgery.</li>
<li><i>Medvouc</i> - which I have discussed in previous posts. This will tie into the IPJH elective.</li>
<li><i>American Medical Association - </i>a form of student leadership in a national medical organization.</li>
<li><i>Medical Wilderness Club </i>- this one is just for fun.</li>
</ul><br />
Writing these down seems like there is a lot of extra work on top of classes, but most of these are a long term commitments which only has about 3-4 hours per month or less, and working with these organizations comes in spurts.Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18308880122414954135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4218268890354355348.post-33029626818000509642009-10-23T17:00:00.000-04:002009-10-23T17:20:07.264-04:00MedWar 2009: The Great Medical Race of Wilderness Warriors<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGUgqsjVSwXvzQX-XW2YWQjLerrzFxz8wKguBJpVtjP3Zk5LAAibTiHlA0gLPfBnjhLOAf5yVT-kX7gVGrpGQPd7JILgQzvCwREjEPIH0X3X1XoltilGLg1yvxRkZM1D6YG09IIoU03nQQ/s1600-h/DSC_0259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGUgqsjVSwXvzQX-XW2YWQjLerrzFxz8wKguBJpVtjP3Zk5LAAibTiHlA0gLPfBnjhLOAf5yVT-kX7gVGrpGQPd7JILgQzvCwREjEPIH0X3X1XoltilGLg1yvxRkZM1D6YG09IIoU03nQQ/s200/DSC_0259.JPG" /></a>All scenarios although seemingly real were all controlled situations, and no endangered species were actually killed during the race.<br />
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Aaron, the Nate, and I woke on a cold October morning with the sharp air piercing our lungs. We shivered either with excitement of the upcoming race or because of the 20 degree night we spent in our tents. We scarfed down the oatmeal random day old bagels and headed off to register for the race.<br />
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</div><div>Team name: The Mounties<br />
</div><div>Destination: the world<br />
</div><div>Goal: Save as many as we could and make it home safely<br />
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The Rules were simple. Finish, save as many patients (mannequins) as you can, and DO NOT BECOME A REAL PATIENT. The scenario was a ten plus mile race around the world. It begin promptly, give or take fifteen minutes, at 9:15 AM.<br />
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It began in the USA with a mass canoe start. Thirty teams of three people set off east across the lake to our first destination. As we landed at the shore somewhere in East Asia we ran to our first disaster. A bombing raid had just been carried out and civilian casualties were everywhere. We raced to the closest three bodies, assessed the scene and went to work. Aaron performed a Cricothyrotomy complete with fake blood, the Nate stopped the blood gushing from the wounded body, and I went to work on a motionless baby.<br />
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Well ahead of most of the teams we set out for our next destination, a dream of mine for a long time, Everest. When we got there we found that Aaron had come down with a severe case of High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) a common pathological state in high altitude zones. In addition to that he had sustained an isolated mid shaft femur fracture as well as a severe neck injury. The cure: splint the leg, dexamethosone, and getting him down off the mountain.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYah-YCLm_QeAc3voYldmXjqlGRn2c2VIJ2Iv8fetfU4jy2GrmxzTUemHVREaSWBD4rf27GD3hBMlO2TSqhi1ZmPgTrqqh0ErlxuIlH4NHojcjidln_GKnI6PtsvVucSbKQYutBnrBXox9/s1600-h/DSC_0264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYah-YCLm_QeAc3voYldmXjqlGRn2c2VIJ2Iv8fetfU4jy2GrmxzTUemHVREaSWBD4rf27GD3hBMlO2TSqhi1ZmPgTrqqh0ErlxuIlH4NHojcjidln_GKnI6PtsvVucSbKQYutBnrBXox9/s200/DSC_0264.JPG" /></a>Just as we got down the mountain we were instructed to board a plane (AKA walk) to Antarctica, where I was found with a severe hypothermia. Aaron instinctively got me off the ground, the Nate selflessly through his own coat on to of me and they began to build a fire. After burning through the pencil we were provided with the Nate and I came down with snow blindness in the form of goggles that were blotted out.<br />
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As we continued our journey we met with a kidnapping in South America, a man with a fishhook in his lip in Wyoming, neurotoxin poisoning in France, a safari in Africa, and finally finishing with basic survival skills in Australia. Finishing 23rd place we were tired, cold, and hungry. Ready for sleep and a hot shower.<br />
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For full details about <a href="http://www.medwar.org/">Medwar</a> click on the link.<br />
</div>Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18308880122414954135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4218268890354355348.post-5993985919484085242009-10-19T17:37:00.000-04:002009-10-23T17:38:18.154-04:00Pictures of University of Cincinnati College of Medicine<span style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 11px;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdKEeAxzIb6HFYMQ2n-z7dNFnC3wTzTgo7QGEBncBnoPG3TtJ7D6uvwO8J0hM85bnfPUH00cJldTl6PExLSROrTmudcs-_l0nCSpQXVGD7uIG37OooB2iLYsoJpaYpeTJZqzFVKO6DWbyU/s1600-h/DSC_0046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdKEeAxzIb6HFYMQ2n-z7dNFnC3wTzTgo7QGEBncBnoPG3TtJ7D6uvwO8J0hM85bnfPUH00cJldTl6PExLSROrTmudcs-_l0nCSpQXVGD7uIG37OooB2iLYsoJpaYpeTJZqzFVKO6DWbyU/s400/DSC_0046.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdKEeAxzIb6HFYMQ2n-z7dNFnC3wTzTgo7QGEBncBnoPG3TtJ7D6uvwO8J0hM85bnfPUH00cJldTl6PExLSROrTmudcs-_l0nCSpQXVGD7uIG37OooB2iLYsoJpaYpeTJZqzFVKO6DWbyU/s1600-h/DSC_0046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Children's Hospital<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDfNaLuDMdZv1a87RgTtm8kZYN5G05EcPCknLIvSv9FapqnuVz3dxt0ylnYPlQ88WPdXXQSx10nz3yJPXMWdnpeCKhGFHmv5s-6a3QXFmEQ-cadSzufu2v408barQOIL3t4_c8VNxW57Wm/s1600-h/DSC_0056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDfNaLuDMdZv1a87RgTtm8kZYN5G05EcPCknLIvSv9FapqnuVz3dxt0ylnYPlQ88WPdXXQSx10nz3yJPXMWdnpeCKhGFHmv5s-6a3QXFmEQ-cadSzufu2v408barQOIL3t4_c8VNxW57Wm/s400/DSC_0056.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Medical Sciences Building<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The atrium of MSB<br />
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</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw82yJu_xxV-6HRJsUJ1Jx-AS7IwNXdfhMuqNnDo0QHfgOhHEtH2SfUO9XXKdMSMPIuhUDQyFpLnSoy58QFInhVqQBvOw5UaUFEZu270V6WWqNhPcMGsG3BQJ6H5ygXorxIw-rS7FxaQh1/s1600-h/DSC_0216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw82yJu_xxV-6HRJsUJ1Jx-AS7IwNXdfhMuqNnDo0QHfgOhHEtH2SfUO9XXKdMSMPIuhUDQyFpLnSoy58QFInhVqQBvOw5UaUFEZu270V6WWqNhPcMGsG3BQJ6H5ygXorxIw-rS7FxaQh1/s400/DSC_0216.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Other Side Atrium<br />
</div>Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18308880122414954135noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4218268890354355348.post-72795162334500112842009-10-17T18:16:00.003-04:002009-10-17T18:16:00.157-04:00Special Training or Education<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><div style="text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I am away this weekend so I am posting another secondary application essay for all the premeds out there. Others may find this amusing as well.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When presented with this question it is necessary to answer it. <b>DO NOT LEAVE IT BLANK.</b> Many applicants will not know what to put down here that would be seen as unique. You may see answers about EMT training, various cross cultural trips, or foreign language education, but I encourage you to think further into the past and remember what brought you to this point. There are many answers to this question, but here is the one I most often used:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As physicians we seek to do justice in the community and to treat others with compassion, but these goals are often inhibited by the separation of culture. The ability to bridge the gap between cultures is not a natural pursuit, but it is a skill that must be obtained in order to thrive in today’s increasingly multicultural world. My father gave me two very important things as I grew up: an early exposure to people of different backgrounds and a strong desire to learn how to work cross-culturally. However, the most important thing he taught me was to be a life-long learner through interaction with people from diverse backgrounds.</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 45.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Throughout my childhood, I remember our house being a second home for international students studying at nearby universities. I fondly recall playing Jenga with Russian engineering students from Cleveland State University one Thanksgiving, and I clearly remember seeing our kitchen taken over by Korean music students from Oberlin Conservatory. While in college, I continued to learn how to relate to people from many backgrounds through Streetlight, a mission to the inner city of Minneapolis, and through an intercultural studies internship in 2006. Through the internship I was able to connect with people from Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. I found that humility and a genuine desire to learn about someone else’s customs, traditions, language, and background opened doors to relationships that would have otherwise remained closed. </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My friendships with the people of Asia began with knowledge, but knowing someone else’s language, customs, or cultural nuances alone will not break the walls between conflicting societies. These barriers are broken down through humility and the commitment to learn about another’s life. Knowledge is the beginning, but it must be guided by wisdom, driven by humility, accompanied by perseverance, and exercised with patience if we are to cross the cultural gaps and do justice among humanity.</span></div>Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18308880122414954135noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4218268890354355348.post-81621211016183620212009-10-12T16:46:00.001-04:002009-10-12T16:46:55.953-04:00Medvouc Update 2Since my first time at Medvouc I can tell a large difference not only in my patient interview but also in my diagnostic and treatment ability. While there is always a doctor looking over my shoulder, I give the physician my diagnosis and treatment plan of the patient.<br />
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The first bridge that I had to cross was the lack of confidence in my decision. There is a mental block that seems to be in my mind that I am not allowed to make major treatment calls or a diagnosis from my days as an EMT in the emergency room. The last physician who was with us wanted us to be able to present the patient very systematically. The patient's name, age, chief complaint, physical exam findings, diagnosis, and treatment all needed to be ready. And after all that work done he expected to tell us, "No, here is what we will do instead."<br />
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One of the things I have appreciated about UC is the opportunities they provide to get to know the medical profession from many different aspects. From shadowing doctors in the ER to working at Medvouc, they give you ample time to crossing the gap that separates the textbooks from the clinic.Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18308880122414954135noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4218268890354355348.post-69480416275224115952009-10-06T17:00:00.001-04:002009-10-07T15:51:36.730-04:00Oh the Horror of Block One ExamsWe sat waiting to enter the exam as R.E.M.'s "...It's the end of the world as we know it... And I feel fine..." Blared from my computer. Just a little something to the ominous atmosphere in front of the auditorium.<br />
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Medical school exams were very different in contrast to undergrad. Not only do you need to remember the information presented in class but also proper exam procedures. And the kicker is each exam has different rules, rooms, and times. No two exams are a like, but they are finally over. Some went better than others, but on the whole I am still a medical student which is the important thing. They did a really good job of spreading them out so to ease us into the exam process of medical school so that we had at least one day off in between exams.<br />
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We hit the ground running on monday with Block 2: Cardiac and Respiratory systems. The way the curriculum is set up at UC is in a block system, but instead of class blocks like histology and anatomy, we have organ or system blocks. So we learn all about the heart i.e. anatomy, embryology, physiology, histology, and clinical aspects of heart and blood vessel diseases. This is one of the reasons I chose to apply to UC is their curriculum which very few schools in the US use.<br />
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One aspect of medical school I did not anticipate was the need to adjust quickly to new instructors. I found with each new instructor I have had to adjust my note taking or use the powerpoint slides versus textbooks or just listening to the recordings. I have to be more attentive and observant with each professors teaching styles.<br />
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All in all school is going very well. I am enjoying every aspect of it including taking exams. Thanks for reading.Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18308880122414954135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4218268890354355348.post-83090050316814017282009-09-25T14:41:00.000-04:002009-09-25T14:41:42.612-04:00Middle of ExamsI am in the middle of the first block exams so It will be a while before I get another post up.<br />
Exam schedule<br />
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<ul><li>Biochem: completed this morning</li>
<li>Histology: Monday</li>
<li>Physiology: wednesday</li>
<li>Anatomy: Friday</li>
</ul><div>Good luck to all those who are interviewing.</div>Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18308880122414954135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4218268890354355348.post-18086037476361389172009-09-24T11:00:00.002-04:002009-09-24T12:01:06.469-04:00The Multiple Mini Interview: Interview Speed DatingI Apologize in advance for the typos and general poor writing, but I wanted to get this post out for some of you who are interviewing in a few weeks.<br />
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So many people are curious about the MMI. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b><i>DO NOT FEAR THE MMI.</i></b></span><b><i> </i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Th</span></b>is was the most enjoyable interview experience I had from four different schools. If you like talking and acting this is the interview system for you.<br />
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The Do's...<br />
<ul><li>Be yourself</li>
<li>speak clearly and authoritatively</li>
<li>Generally state answers in the positive and use the sandwich criticism paradigm</li>
<li>use the lower register of your voice ( not as important)</li>
<li>have fun with it</li>
<li>make eye contact</li>
<li>speak slowly</li>
<li>stick to your story</li>
<li>Stay calm</li>
<li>speak with authority and confidence</li>
<li>humble and ready to learn</li>
</ul>The Don'ts...<br />
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<ul><li><span style="text-decoration: underline;">do no</span>t fear, interviewers can smell fear</li>
<li>mumbling</li>
<li>Studying current event news articles (almost completely useless)</li>
<li>stress</li>
<li>to absolute in your statements</li>
</ul><div>How to prepare...<br />
</div><div>It is important to note again do not stress over this, stay calm at all times, and speak clearly. To practice the formulation of ideas get together with some of your premed friends, find an article that is interesting and controversial, and discuss it together without previously researching or thinking about the ideas presented. This is to help you think quickly and efficiently and to help you formulate ideas clearly and efficiently. I know this sounds stupid but an improv acting class would be your best benefit.<br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div>The knowledge of the case or situation is not important and your position on issues matters very little. What is important is articulation of ideas. A good idea poorly articulated will be recognized by no one, but a mediocre idea presented with confidence will general be accepted. Remember this is to be an indicator of your third and fourth year scores which is not only based on test performance but patient interactions and clinical abilities.<br />
</div>Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18308880122414954135noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4218268890354355348.post-3458300333707804212009-09-22T11:42:00.001-04:002009-09-22T11:42:00.755-04:00Livin' It Up in CincinnatiRecently I have been getting a few questions about what to do in Cincinnati. So here is a simple post of some listings of what the first and second years do. It is mostly catered to what I do. I have also provided links to various resources in the list. Please enjoy.<br />
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Night out sort of thing<br />
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<ul><li><a href="http://www.blackfinncincy.com/">Black Finn</a> (if you like dancing)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.lodgebarcincy.com/">The Lodge Bar</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.cadillacranchnashville.com/">Cadillac Ranch</a> (mechanical Bull included stay posted to watch me get thrown)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.myfountainsquare.com/">Fountain Square</a> (has a lot of stuff going throughout the year)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.mtadamstoday.com/">Mt Adams</a> (area has a lot of things)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.mtlookout.org/">Mt Lookout</a> (area has a lot of restaurants and bars)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.cliftoncommunity.org/">Gas Light District</a> (tons of great indian food and coffee shops)</li>
</ul><div>If you are like me and don't really enjoy making small talk and dancing at clubs here are some outdoor type things</div><div><ul><li><a href="http://www.ohioriverway.org/">the Ohio River</a></li>
<li>Rock Climbing (there are several <a href="http://www.rockquest.com/">indoor gyms</a> and <a href="http://www.rockclimbing.com/routes/North_America/United_States/Ohio/Southeast_Ohio/">outdoor crags</a>)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.redrivergorge.com/">Red River Gorge</a> (2 hours away but worth the trip)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.perfectnorth.com/">Skiing</a></li>
</ul><div>Dancing...</div><div><ul><li><a href="http://www.stepnoutstudio.com/">Lindy Hop Weekly Dance and Lesson</a> (this is swing dancing and is awesome)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.cdt-dance.org/content.jsp?articleId=260&sectionId=0">College Town Hall Dancing Lessons</a> (I cannot comment because I have never been)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.kamasalsa.com/">Salsa</a></li>
</ul><div>Sporting Events</div><div><ul><li><a href="http://www.gobearcats.com/">Bearcats</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.bengals.com/">Bengals</a></li>
<li><a href="http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=cin">Reds</a> (student nights and cheap tickets available)</li>
<li>In addition to these at UC there are numerous intramural sports that students can participate in</li>
</ul><div>This is just the basics. There are tons of other events that go on throughout the year and there are also several other close cities to visit such as Columbus, Indianapolis, Lexington, Dayton, and Louisville. Also D.C., Chicago, Nashville, Pittsburgh, and Cleveland are not too far either.</div></div></div></div><br />
<a href="http://www.blackfinncincy.com/"></a>Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18308880122414954135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4218268890354355348.post-22581524401957889892009-09-19T09:00:00.025-04:002009-09-19T09:00:01.676-04:00My first Dose of Medvouc: Medicine for the Homeless"This is real third world medicine." the doctor with us explained. "We've got no money, we live off donations, and these people have no transportation or viable way to pay for healthcare. It is just like practicing in the third world."<br />
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Tuesday night was my first healthy dose of the medical practice. I saw patients, gave and received a flu shot, and even made a diagnosis or two. Mostly I was able to practice conducting a thorough medical history, obtaining vitals, and completing a physical exam. It was fantastic. I left the clinic really feeling like I was on my way to becoming a doctor with a strong desire to learn more. More over it was fun, and in the midst of medicine being muddled with the hard sciences of biochemistry and physiology during the first year, I was taken back to the beginning, the source of my desire to become a physician.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-sqGtwTbbOoBw3wYpWUujHUQTFFYj73rUK7VrQ_thURKb-xwXCbbrVNgaU9JOqZvf9XrwmyMQSosvMS-Qe0fyGlkXFyvlLjrwD6-1oycZ0xgU7rMJsjsjJBvp2lqNaCzDdE7KvDdLx8eQ/s1600-h/oktoberfest2003cincinnati0017.sized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-sqGtwTbbOoBw3wYpWUujHUQTFFYj73rUK7VrQ_thURKb-xwXCbbrVNgaU9JOqZvf9XrwmyMQSosvMS-Qe0fyGlkXFyvlLjrwD6-1oycZ0xgU7rMJsjsjJBvp2lqNaCzDdE7KvDdLx8eQ/s200/oktoberfest2003cincinnati0017.sized.jpg" /></a>The smell of the homeless shelter brought back more memories than I can count from my days with the Marie Sandvick Center in Minneapolis. I recall being a helpless sophomore in college on the cold windy streets trying to explain to a man that he needed to get to a shelter. I just wished and hoped I could do more, and for the first time since I have been involved with the homeless I feel as though I made a physical difference in their lives. I was able to do more than just a coat or a bowl of soup, but even as I write this I realize more and more than I am still just a band-aid with a glimmer of home for the future.<br />
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<div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">above is a picture of the fountain square fountain in downtown Cincinnati</span><br />
</div>Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18308880122414954135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4218268890354355348.post-74034732152266355582009-09-17T11:00:00.000-04:002009-09-17T11:41:05.982-04:00One Last Lesson: First Impressions of Cadaver DissectionThere are as many career paths in medicine as there are careers in the US, but all medical professionals from dermatologists to neurosurgeons have one thing in common, cadaver dissection. Cadaver dissection is viewed as a rite of passage for medical students, an experience that we all have or will share. While there have been many attempts by computer programs to simulate the experience, the dissection process, the smell that just won't seem to wash, and the looks of disgust on crowded elevators cannot be duplicated in its fullest by any other means. There is not substitute.<br />
<br />
For many we go through life teaching others whether it be one's children, students, co-workers, we have all taught in life and I am no exception. One of the things that attracted me to medicine was the ability to continuing learning and teaching. Even the hippocratic oath states:<br />
<blockquote>"... To give a share of precepts and oral instruction and all the other learning to my sons and to the sons of him who has instructed me and to pupils who have signed the covenant and have taken the oath according to medical law, but to no one else..."</blockquote>We have all taught in life and now some have chosen to teach in death, and their final instruction is to the next generation of medical students, to carry on a tradition that is thousands of years old. It is not only our privilege but also our responsibility to learn as much as we can from these special instructors. Each day I go into dissection, I have the words of my professors ringing in my ears: "The Cadaver is always right."<br />
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And so, I want to extend my deepest thanks to all those who have allowed a family member to be one of our teachers.Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18308880122414954135noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4218268890354355348.post-20382891487130237192009-09-15T14:20:00.002-04:002009-09-15T23:38:29.062-04:00MCAT Review: Which One WorksA friend of mine asked how I prepared for the MCAT and how I think he should prepare. This led me to write this new blog about the different review tools I have used.<br />
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I have taken the MCAT three times and have used three different book series to study. The first time I took the exam on paper I was at the testing center from 6:30 AM to 5:00 PM and the next two were both on the computer.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQDDAbvadhrMoAS5kjqfUW-iGlPb4tWniu_Uv0lLSkeuyt0N__w-OKr5HVaEaxEU9aX57ovUhMG62Wf-NY7a1I5wMj-HuwjhTt74ShWBMEATRK8VUb50I_hgQsb-kDE3tns-hni8GuzBVW/s1600-h/26_princeton_review.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQDDAbvadhrMoAS5kjqfUW-iGlPb4tWniu_Uv0lLSkeuyt0N__w-OKr5HVaEaxEU9aX57ovUhMG62Wf-NY7a1I5wMj-HuwjhTt74ShWBMEATRK8VUb50I_hgQsb-kDE3tns-hni8GuzBVW/s200/26_princeton_review.jpg" /></a><b><a href="http://www.princetonreview.com/">Princeton Review</a>:</b> This was okay. It contains all necessary information, but it is extremely wordy. It also includes a lot of information that is unecessary and is not ideal for the non-science major or those with limited study time. The method used in the writing and verbal portions of the exam are awful and are conducive to wither a paper or a computer exam. I used this the first time and I got a 26O, which was a little below national average at the time.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuOX803fIWZy3pPv66VyetLpcMSRB0p8VucJ0xxG03lX6wpaFSx4oO0ksq21w2WUQcBtIfzu4pNWSGySlfNFOh3yo6lBwVPHTiF-3hgq8diQZgf6wj1re-EohvsIoOFYA_RT2VOgIhBnx-/s1600-h/kaplan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuOX803fIWZy3pPv66VyetLpcMSRB0p8VucJ0xxG03lX6wpaFSx4oO0ksq21w2WUQcBtIfzu4pNWSGySlfNFOh3yo6lBwVPHTiF-3hgq8diQZgf6wj1re-EohvsIoOFYA_RT2VOgIhBnx-/s200/kaplan.jpg" /></a><b><a href="http://www.kaplan.com/Pages/default.aspx">Kaplan</a>: </b>This is not even worth my time to explain the good points. The tests that are provided are more difficult than the real MCAT. Some people like this. I think it is always better to go with the most similar questions to the actual test, and taking these test will reduce self confidence which is the most important tool you have in the MCAT. If you decide to use their exams, use them at the beginning of your study schedule as a way to practice test taking skills and not as a diagnostic. I used these books the second time and did a little better at a 28S. I do not recommend these prep books.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh18uMZClAkNGNwCX_3ubIy_sOuY-1ppEpytaKE-79RmIpfWVSrNGiS94gRqUHOh95r_uKAH-jb1CMScP4Xw67qwIcFuvcTJg6mDYAswDXlSL8y4L8jk2wek2to6FTZLGSAP-68fryDb0bY/s1600-h/big1893858499.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh18uMZClAkNGNwCX_3ubIy_sOuY-1ppEpytaKE-79RmIpfWVSrNGiS94gRqUHOh95r_uKAH-jb1CMScP4Xw67qwIcFuvcTJg6mDYAswDXlSL8y4L8jk2wek2to6FTZLGSAP-68fryDb0bY/s200/big1893858499.jpg" /></a><b><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.examkrackers.com/index2.php">EXAM KRACKERS!</a></span></i></span></b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span>is the best and most concise review on the market and I do not get paid to say that. There are some typos, but they are easily detected. Just make sure you read the answer explanations to make sure it matches the key in the back of each test. I found that to be a small problem. Their writing and verbal strategies were the best I worked with. They also feature questions throughout the chapters and tons of questions. I also found these test to be most similar to the real MCAT. Using these the last time I took the MCAT I got a 31R, but with these on the MCAT practice exams provided by AMCAS I did not test below a 33 and sometimes saw a 36. Follow Jonathan Orsey's directions in the books to the letter. It took me a month into my study to find out they worked.<br />
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No matter which you decided to use I strongly recommend buying all the exams offered by <a href="http://www.e-mcat.com/">AMCAS</a> online. They give an exhaustive diagnostic of your testing ability and knowledge after each one.<br />
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Amount of time to study should really be up to you. I find that it is good not to draw out the study time for the sciences. About two or three months should do it if you are not in school. The verbal reasoning on the other hand will only get better with practice so beginning 14 weeks or more before the exam is not a bad idea. Just make sure you are reading and answering questions.<br />
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Keep the questions coming send me an email or just reply to the blog, and I will get back to you either in the form of a blog post or a personal email.Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18308880122414954135noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4218268890354355348.post-43042201048966796692009-09-11T08:45:00.000-04:002009-09-11T08:51:58.469-04:00Health Professionals Scholarship Program: My DecisionI made the decision to join the military last year when I returned to Cleveland for Christmas break. It happened so quickly that when I told my old roommate I was joining the Military he assumed I would be an officer in the infantry with a gun in my hand and the artillery at my back. I distinctly remembering him ask, "What happened to becoming a Doctor?"<br />
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I reassured him and everyone else that was confused about my future that I would still be a doctor, but my patient population would change slightly. Instead of treating civilians I would be treating soldiers, veterans, and their families in addition to civilian patients who use military facilities.<br />
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My parents had already been planting the idea of the armed forces in my brain for years. I had already accrued a considerable amount of school debt, and I knew that the average medical student debt is around $250,000. I also considered the state of the economy and the future of the profession. So I began completing my own research on the subject. I spoke with several doctors in specialties that I was interested in, infectious disease, general surgery, cardiology, etc. and was surprised to find that each one had a drastically different experience. My biggest concern was when would I start my carreer. If I was going into the military it would be another four years before I was a real doctor in the civilian sector.<br />
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Dr. Endy at SUNY Upstate was particularly convincing without even knowing it. He basically explained how through the military I could have a Curriculum Vitae that was equal to any of my counterparts. I would not only be a doctor but also and officer and a leader. I would be able to travel the world living in many different countries, though not always were I would choose. I was also pleased to find that most of the medical work done during employment is with the local people of the country and relief work was more common than I anticipated all aspects which I look forward to with great anticipation.<br />
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Finally I made this decision for the following reasons: A love for my country and those that defend it, a strong desire to practice medicine in a third world setting and disaster relief, and the absence of some of the bureaucracy of healthcare so that I am free to practice medicine.<br />
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When I returned home from New Orleans for Christmas break. I called the recruiter and had a complete application in three days, a record time for that particular office. I have posted a link on the right hand side of the blog if you are interested.Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18308880122414954135noreply@blogger.com0