for Pre-medical, Pre-dental,(and pre-physician assistant) students:
1.) Science concentrations(or majors) are optional! In medical school, I notice English and humanities majors perform just as well as Biochemistry and Neuroscience majors. Why? because we all took the same science classes in undergrad. As long as you give yourself a strong science background by taking the right classes, who cares what you major in? (studies show that medical schools don't)
2.) On the subject of a strong science background, give yourself one by going beyond the minimal pre-med/dental requirements with additional science classes. A strong science background is essential to success in med/dental school! Only you can choose which advanced classes are right for you. My picks: biochemistry, some form of physiology, and (I wish I took this) Cell or Molecular biology. Yes, they are difficult, but it will help you in the long run. You're going to learn the material anyway in grad school, so why not learn it at a slower pace first during undergrad?
3.) Take psychology. Especially if you're going into medicine. Most of my med school colleagues fear our neurology/psychiatry course, and I wouldn't be surprised if other school's psych/neuro classes are just as daunting. Prepare yourself accordingly.
4.) Take it easy! Seriously. Run. Read Leisurely. Play sports. Play an instrument. Develop a hobby. Become an interesting person. You have time. Trust me.
Can't you tell I used to be both an Academic Peer Advisor and a Pre-med Advisor?
Monday, November 23, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
Lose that weight...
I got upset in my problem based learning (PBL) session the other day. For those who don’t know, PBL involves receiving a sample case from a fictitious patient who presents with certain symptoms and figuring out what disease the patient might have. I love this way of learning. It complements the lectures that sometimes make me want to gouge out my eyes with a dull spork, but I digress…
This week, we assessed the symptoms of a 55-year-old African-American female who presents with symptoms of diabetes mellitus (i.e., frequent urination, yeast infections, excessive thirst, etc.). While she presented to be an “overweight” (5’4, 170 lbs) female, she had a blood pressure of 124/80, which is regular. This puzzled some of my colleagues who expected the patient to automatically have high blood pressure because of her overweight Body Mass Index (BMI). This assumption (among others) triggered a thought I must share with cyberspace.
One can’t assume a patient is automatically unhealthy simply because a he or she is overweight. Being overweight doesn't ruin your health. Ingesting excessive sweets/sodium, not exercising, and smoking ruin your health. Now might there be a problem with her blood pressure? Perhaps, but I feel very uncomfortable assuming her issues result from her weight alone. In fact, a 2005 study showed that those in the overweight range (of the BMI) are at a lower risk of death than those who are considered to have a “normal weight.”
For me, this poor assumption is analogous to discussions on evolution. Many people who haven’t studied biological anthropology may incorrectly assume that men evolved from monkeys, yet they didn’t. Both men and monkeys evolved from a common ancestor (most likely from the early catarrhini family). Juxtaposing that to obesity and diabetes, many incorrectly assume that being "fat" causes diabetes. However, how would that explain the sizable number (no pun intended) of larger people who eat well, run, and are in very good shape (and don’t have diabetes). Living an unhealthy lifestyle (drinking pop/soda, eating fast food, not exercising) can lead to excessive weight gain and can lead to insulin resistance (diabetes).
I worry about this because focusing so much attention on larger people can shunt attention away from “normal” size patients. I spoke to a slim medical student about this, she confessed that many doctors overlook her eating or exercise habits because they assume that because she’s skinny, she’s in good shape. I, however, have always received tons of criticism from my doctors for my “overweight” BMI until I tell them that I lift weights, run 2 or 3 times a week, and was on the swim team in high school. (I also have a 32”/33” waist.)
As we delve into our patient’s social history, we find out that she never exercises, consumes tons of sugary soft drinks and fried foods. Bingo! We have a problem.
Now the work must continue. As I prepare a presentation on the etiology (causes) of Diabetes Mellitus Type II, I plan to erase the words “fat” or “obese” and replace it with “poor nutrition” and “lack of exercise.”
This week, we assessed the symptoms of a 55-year-old African-American female who presents with symptoms of diabetes mellitus (i.e., frequent urination, yeast infections, excessive thirst, etc.). While she presented to be an “overweight” (5’4, 170 lbs) female, she had a blood pressure of 124/80, which is regular. This puzzled some of my colleagues who expected the patient to automatically have high blood pressure because of her overweight Body Mass Index (BMI). This assumption (among others) triggered a thought I must share with cyberspace.
One can’t assume a patient is automatically unhealthy simply because a he or she is overweight. Being overweight doesn't ruin your health. Ingesting excessive sweets/sodium, not exercising, and smoking ruin your health. Now might there be a problem with her blood pressure? Perhaps, but I feel very uncomfortable assuming her issues result from her weight alone. In fact, a 2005 study showed that those in the overweight range (of the BMI) are at a lower risk of death than those who are considered to have a “normal weight.”
For me, this poor assumption is analogous to discussions on evolution. Many people who haven’t studied biological anthropology may incorrectly assume that men evolved from monkeys, yet they didn’t. Both men and monkeys evolved from a common ancestor (most likely from the early catarrhini family). Juxtaposing that to obesity and diabetes, many incorrectly assume that being "fat" causes diabetes. However, how would that explain the sizable number (no pun intended) of larger people who eat well, run, and are in very good shape (and don’t have diabetes). Living an unhealthy lifestyle (drinking pop/soda, eating fast food, not exercising) can lead to excessive weight gain and can lead to insulin resistance (diabetes).
I worry about this because focusing so much attention on larger people can shunt attention away from “normal” size patients. I spoke to a slim medical student about this, she confessed that many doctors overlook her eating or exercise habits because they assume that because she’s skinny, she’s in good shape. I, however, have always received tons of criticism from my doctors for my “overweight” BMI until I tell them that I lift weights, run 2 or 3 times a week, and was on the swim team in high school. (I also have a 32”/33” waist.)
As we delve into our patient’s social history, we find out that she never exercises, consumes tons of sugary soft drinks and fried foods. Bingo! We have a problem.
Now the work must continue. As I prepare a presentation on the etiology (causes) of Diabetes Mellitus Type II, I plan to erase the words “fat” or “obese” and replace it with “poor nutrition” and “lack of exercise.”
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Debate...
I encounter this in class all the time. "The patient has this disease, not that." "No, I think that's wrong. She actually has this." It's a regular component of any profession, which actually improves the quality of learning and the quality of care -- nothing wrong with that. However, for many INFJs like me, any form of debate can become painfully draining and frustrating. I'm learning to get used to this torture, hopefully without too strong of an inferiority complex.
However, this makes encountering debate/conflict with others (i.e. among friends/partner) even more draining and frustrating. After a day of torture in class, one would expect a more verbally nurturing environment. Of course, life can't alter itself for me, but I can at least attempt to communicate to the ones I love how new things that weren't challenging before are excruciating now. One of those things involve debate.
To illustrate this, I chose to quote the writings of T. Wesley, a friend of mine who discussed his views of interpersonal argument and debate. He wrote it with another intention, but I feel it sums up my feelings of this subject quite well:
"In between two people, there are often arguments. It's rather natural for people to disagree with each other. Unfortunately, one of the crudest ways we, and myself included, have learned to deal with arguments is to win them. However, winning does not necessarily grant anything to a person past a temporary burst of serotonin before the next argument happens. When a person wins, another loses. Losing is something not something that people should be doing while in a relationship with another person. Often, an argument will try to reach justification with an explanation of injustice.
"'Like what?'
"When a person asks you, "Like what?" in an argument, they are often looking for the bottom line of the argument. They want the opportunity to find out what the problem is, and then explain it. However, in an argument, especially where nobody is listening to each other, "Like what?" becomes a position of power. If someone feels that they can explain their case, then they feel that they can win the argument and therefore effectively feel justified. However, in a relationship, an argument like this is a bad sign of what's going on. It's a drastic attempt to justify feelings, which are often uncontrollable and hard to deal with. Dios mio, it can be hard to deal with.
"However the fact of the matter is, when it comes down to it, a person that you care about is a person that you do not try to defeat in a relationship. In fact, in an equal relationship, arguments should come out with an equal understanding of both persons' feelings. And usually to have that, it requires at least a deep attempt to try to understand, and then you go from there. And that, is a little bit more easy to understand, with a good heart."
However, this makes encountering debate/conflict with others (i.e. among friends/partner) even more draining and frustrating. After a day of torture in class, one would expect a more verbally nurturing environment. Of course, life can't alter itself for me, but I can at least attempt to communicate to the ones I love how new things that weren't challenging before are excruciating now. One of those things involve debate.
To illustrate this, I chose to quote the writings of T. Wesley, a friend of mine who discussed his views of interpersonal argument and debate. He wrote it with another intention, but I feel it sums up my feelings of this subject quite well:
"In between two people, there are often arguments. It's rather natural for people to disagree with each other. Unfortunately, one of the crudest ways we, and myself included, have learned to deal with arguments is to win them. However, winning does not necessarily grant anything to a person past a temporary burst of serotonin before the next argument happens. When a person wins, another loses. Losing is something not something that people should be doing while in a relationship with another person. Often, an argument will try to reach justification with an explanation of injustice.
"'Like what?'
"When a person asks you, "Like what?" in an argument, they are often looking for the bottom line of the argument. They want the opportunity to find out what the problem is, and then explain it. However, in an argument, especially where nobody is listening to each other, "Like what?" becomes a position of power. If someone feels that they can explain their case, then they feel that they can win the argument and therefore effectively feel justified. However, in a relationship, an argument like this is a bad sign of what's going on. It's a drastic attempt to justify feelings, which are often uncontrollable and hard to deal with. Dios mio, it can be hard to deal with.
"However the fact of the matter is, when it comes down to it, a person that you care about is a person that you do not try to defeat in a relationship. In fact, in an equal relationship, arguments should come out with an equal understanding of both persons' feelings. And usually to have that, it requires at least a deep attempt to try to understand, and then you go from there. And that, is a little bit more easy to understand, with a good heart."
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Wear and Tear...
As week 10 comes around and my seven-week preceptor session draws to a close, I find myself overwhelmed by the medical field – with all the drugs, diseases, signs, symptoms, tests, procedures, policies, paperwork, and patients. This craziness comes from the sea of information from my basic science classes and leaked into my “how to be a doctor” class that day, after which, I traveled to my preceptor’s office with several depressing and self-deprecating thoughts in my mind: How do doctors handle all this medicine drama? Can I handle all this? Am I a complete idiot? Should I quit medical school and join the circus?
After sharing these serious concerns with my preceptor, he suggested that I was being too hard on myself. Most students start medical school knowing very little, so an inferiority complex can easily develop. They feel as if every other student knows more material, studies more hours, drinks more coffee, etc. The stress is on, yet my preceptor assured me that I will learn everything I need to know to treat my patients. For that, I am grateful to have such a supportive preceptor.
Now it’s time for me to drink more coffee, so I can study more hours and learn more material.
After sharing these serious concerns with my preceptor, he suggested that I was being too hard on myself. Most students start medical school knowing very little, so an inferiority complex can easily develop. They feel as if every other student knows more material, studies more hours, drinks more coffee, etc. The stress is on, yet my preceptor assured me that I will learn everything I need to know to treat my patients. For that, I am grateful to have such a supportive preceptor.
Now it’s time for me to drink more coffee, so I can study more hours and learn more material.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Freshman 15
…describes a debilitating malady many undergraduate college first-years experience: gaining 15 pounds (or more!) in one’s first year of school. Sadly, this afflicts med-school first years as well.
I was warned. I’ve heard the stories, the complaints, the symptoms; hence, I’ve treated the freshman 15 as if it were the flu. I watch myself closely for signs of manifestation. I try protecting myself with diet and exercise, yet there’s only so much I can do. The symptoms have recently started to appear. Though I don’t weigh myself, I see slight changes in my torso. My stomach isn’t as flat as it used to be. I feel out of shape and less physically attractive. It’s freaking me out!
I realize the increased workload eats away my exercise time, so I've biked and ran less. The stress and sleep deprivation fuel my hunger for sweets, chocolate, and carbs. The lack of free time also prevents me from cooking healthier meals. I feel more compelled to save time by buying the cheapest, fastest food (usually pizza).
I also realize these are mere excuses, but it all comes with adjusting to a new lifestyle in a new environment. I’m now trying to find more efficient ways of incorporating physical activity into my life (i.e. taking the stairs, walking longer distances, etc), and ways to keep sweets, carbs, and sugar out of my life (buying the salad instead of the burger). Such commences my battle of the bulge.
In fact, yesterday, I biked 7 miles to Brooklyn to study at a coffee shop and biked 7 miles back. Now I'm off to the gym…
I was warned. I’ve heard the stories, the complaints, the symptoms; hence, I’ve treated the freshman 15 as if it were the flu. I watch myself closely for signs of manifestation. I try protecting myself with diet and exercise, yet there’s only so much I can do. The symptoms have recently started to appear. Though I don’t weigh myself, I see slight changes in my torso. My stomach isn’t as flat as it used to be. I feel out of shape and less physically attractive. It’s freaking me out!
I realize the increased workload eats away my exercise time, so I've biked and ran less. The stress and sleep deprivation fuel my hunger for sweets, chocolate, and carbs. The lack of free time also prevents me from cooking healthier meals. I feel more compelled to save time by buying the cheapest, fastest food (usually pizza).
I also realize these are mere excuses, but it all comes with adjusting to a new lifestyle in a new environment. I’m now trying to find more efficient ways of incorporating physical activity into my life (i.e. taking the stairs, walking longer distances, etc), and ways to keep sweets, carbs, and sugar out of my life (buying the salad instead of the burger). Such commences my battle of the bulge.
In fact, yesterday, I biked 7 miles to Brooklyn to study at a coffee shop and biked 7 miles back. Now I'm off to the gym…
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