Medical Spec (week 2)

Having a lot of fun at the moment. The 8 week term is divided into 2 x 4 week blocks in two different core specialties. The assessment for this rotation consists of a consultant mark at the end of each block and a 100 question MCQ test on anything in medicine (and knowing my uni - will be completely random) at the end of the eight weeks. Reportedly one of the easier rotations of the course, I am not too worried at this stage.

I am practically halfway through my 1st block. I am enjoying it more than last year (3rd year - Medicine) as far as I don't have the pressure to learn how to do short or long cases like in third year and that I am getting the opportunity to consolidate my knowledge, and feel more respected by my team now that I am in my final year. I am starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I also enjoy being the only student on the team, as much as I do like having someone to bounce ideas off, I didn't like the competition that sometimes went with both trying to do (or see) a procedure and making sure I looked at least as good a student as my fellow 3rd year student who was also being marked by the same consultant.

I am starting to feel like I am ready to handle the job of an intern and the concept of "being out-there" in the workforce as a doctor isn't as scary. It is only the start of the year though, I guess we will see how I feel when I am doing my O & G or paeds terms!

I'm back finally...

Hi All

Well I have finally returned after a long, well needed holiday from the virtual world of blogging, facebook and non-essential emails. I really enjoyed my surgery rotation (I will write of more later this week) but by the end of the year, I was less elated and more exhausted. For the first time since starting my medical studies (in fact since well before) my end of year break involved nothing medical. No study (the occasional rash or spot here and there from concerned friends/relatives - which ended with the similar speal of "See your GP, having your GP in the loop is the best thing I can recommend...") but otherwise a med free period. I didn't let my brain go to mush though - I am still doing some research on a part-time basis, and work always managed to evoke thoughtful discussions with the consultants at work on treatment options etc, but no dedicated study time for me. I also did a lot of reading on investment strategies, financial planning etc for when I finally do get some money, which was fun.

I guess as illustrated above, I will never truely get away from medical issues, but I don't want to (I do still have a passion for learning and helping) but the key thing is that I feel rested, recharged and ready for the new year. It looks to be an exciting yet hectic final year. Wow in less than 1 year, I will be a doctor!! A very green doctor, but a doctor nonetheless.