Summer came and went, orientation geared us up for our 3rd year and before you know it was time to start back up and be sent into the wild. Let me catch y’all up on life as a 3rd year medical student and all that has been happening since our last installment. Seen here is Tiffany and I’s picture from our first day of rotations!
August 2021 - OBGYN
After orientation my first rotation of the year and first as a medical student was in OBGYN. I learned to appreciate the unique aspects of women’s health and had a wonderful time welcoming babies into the world!
OBGYN Links, Tips and Tricks
September 2021 - Surgery
Surgery was a rotation that I was initially intimidated about. That intimidation was soon put at ease by a preceptor who was probably one of the kindest and most personable individuals I have ever met. He provided a tremendous environment to experience surgery and the unique problems that occur in this arena. I learned a lot about what goes into preparing and planning for surgery, what makes a good surgical candidate and got to practice some suturing skills. Not to mention learning more about Mobile from a native!
Surgery Links, Tips and Tricks
October 2021 – Behavioral Medicine
Psychiatry was a change of pace from OBGYN and Surgery as the former were more procedural based specialties while psychiatry is more focused on the inner workings of the mind requiring patience and empathy. I learned so much about the human mind and the care and support that we need. Not to mention did I have a wonderful preceptor who was caring and nurturing at every step of the learning process. He was such a wonderful teacher and drove me to reach for so much more. Not to mention the staff were extremely warm and caring! Also, something that I didn’t expect is just how much pharmacology there is when it comes to psych!
Psychiatry Links, Tips and Tricks
The Mental Status Exam
Psych Drugs
Psych Didactic Presentations
As we approached Halloween Tiffany and I ended up deciding to do our take on the Addams Family and were invited to a wonderful party! Here you can see us getting into character!
November 2021 – Rural Rotation
November had me heading back to Dothan, AL for my rural medicine rotation where I got to experience caring for a smaller and less urbanized population as well as get some additional practice with Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine techniques. Our school made the month transition painless and the rotation itself was filled with opportunities and unique experiences.
While Tiffany and I were apart, we did make the time to see each other and to our luck ACOM’s Casino night fell right during my rotation!
Additionally, I had a close friend of mine head to this part of the country and spent some time in PCB, FL dolphin sighting!
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving was a special time where Tiffany and I got to head to Florida to see her family and spend some much-needed quality time! The food and company was superb! Check out some of the wonderful pictures we got from our trip!
Also check out some videos I had fun experimenting with as I explore other avenues of creativity!
December – IM 1
My first internal medicine rotation was something that I hoped would help drill in my skills and I was not disappointed. I had a preceptor who kept a busy clinic, was extremely patient and always enthusiastic about teaching. I learned so many things and I was so grateful for this rotation.
IM Links, Tips and Tricks
Winter Break
Before we knew it we had made it to winter break and some much needed rest and relaxation. Tiffany and I spent plenty of time hiking, checking out the traveling Van Gogh Exhibit, seeing friends, family, as well as enjoying some wonderful togetherness. Some pictures from our travels are below!
Also for your viewing pleasure here are some videos from our break!
Also check out some of the other wonderful moments that I skimmed over in the interest of time via the pictures below!
Looking forward Past Break
As we wrap up our winter break and look forward we begin to gear up to get back into our routine and start preparing for our second round of boards as well as the next few rotations to round out 3rd year. Stay tuned as we continue this journey on into the new year!