It Begins

So, med school. I like my new room, and the dorms are a nice mix between real life and apartments. Most people who live here don’t party or go out together since some people in the dorms are married and have kids, but at the same time, people will have parties in their suites. The first year class has been pretty good at going out together and having a good time. Orientation was full of awkward periods of meeting people mixed with free alcohol. We had a “river cruise,” which was basically a booze cruise. As the days went by, everyone started getting more at ease with one another.

One of our professors told us that she’s surprised at how little we ask about exams and work. She attributed it to maturity, but I just think we’re more laid back (for now). I’ve been trying to go out and do things outside of med school while I can. I’ve been running in Central Park, playing tennis with my sis and my brother-in-law, going home to hang out with the family, going to the gym, playing basketball, and going out with the kids in my class and friends from HS and college. I’ve decided to work and play hard while I can, since first year is supposed to be relatively easy.

On that note: on the fourth day of school, I decided not to go to any classes that aren’t required. My time can be much better spent studying on my own (and sleeping), just as in college. They also give us really good study sheets and old exams passed down from class to class, which help. I haven’t cracked open a book yet. Yes, I may be your doctor one day. Be afraid, but be more afraid of others.

Anyway, we watched the birth video today. It was a bit graphic, but luckily the accompanying music was a light, airy, piece. Think of blood and crying to the wonderful musical accompaniment of greensleves. My favorite line from the professors was “Those things [babies] are slippery! Don’t drop them.” As the baby was coming out, most people in the auditorium were grossed out, groaning and going “eww!” All I could think of was how weird it would be if during their first live birth they stared at the baby coming out and said things like “That is so disgusting!” I’m sure it would do a number for the mother’s mental well being. Sick, twisted, but funny with my sense of humor.

Here are a few pictures I took in my Emergency Medicine class: