tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52495978109830404152024-03-13T01:04:21.522-05:00Ross University School of Medicine: Chronicles of an Adventurous FamilyOn December 17, 2009 I was notified that I have been accepted to the Ross University Medical School MERP program. I am a 30 year old mom that has been working towards this goal for a very long time. My husband and 4 year old daughter will be moving to the Grand Bahamas and then the island of Dominica with me. This blog is about my family's venture as we prepare to embark on this wonderful adventure of a lifetime.MOM2MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309737314724712161noreply@blogger.comBlogger190125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249597810983040415.post-23617898508574752672015-02-01T11:06:00.000-06:002015-02-01T11:06:03.086-06:00Back at workIt's been bitter sweet getting back to work. I've really enjoyed spending time and taking care of my patients and honestly, I really missed it while I was at home on leave. But...I am missing my baby boy terribly during the day. When we had Gabby, nearly 10 years ago, we were both working and after 6 weeks she had to go to daycare. It was horrible and I remember crying all the way to work after dropping her off at the center. I don't have this problem with Landon. I am so thankful that he gets to stay home with his daddy. It's truly a blessing having my husband take care of our children and be a stay at home dad. He seems to really enjoy it as well. <br />
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My first rotation back was an elective so I did two weeks in endocrinology and two weeks of allergy. I have to say I was surprised by how much I enjoyed my allergy rotation. I didn't realize all the things that allergists do and how relevant it is for me as a primary care doctor to have a better understanding of allergic disease and the treatment. I found this rotation to be exceptionally beneficial to me and hope to go back and spend some more time there. <br />
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So what's next? Well I start surgery tomorrow. Not entirely my favorite part of medicine but I look forward to he faster pace and variety of the rotation. <br />
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So what is the most challenging part of being back at work you might ask? Well honestly my little boy is mostly sleeping through the night now and if he does wake up my hubby quickly takes care of him so I am getting as much sleep as I can. I don't feel that new parent exhaustion that I remember feeling with Gabby. The hardest part for me is pumping during the day. Baby is exclusively breast fed so keeping up my milk supply is a must. Finding time during the day can be very challenging but we are managing so far. My employer is a huge supporter of breast is best so I have proper accommodations and resources. It's important to have that in order to be successful. Well that's it for now. Hope the New Year is treating you all well. <br />
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~Cheers!MOM2MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309737314724712161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249597810983040415.post-69734729380374900262014-12-15T08:15:00.003-06:002014-12-15T08:15:39.838-06:00Welcome Baby Boy!<div style="text-align: center;">
Baby Landon arrived on Tuesday December 2nd at 11:04pm. He was absolutely perfect!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-qLC6gL47Gg_ThfGu_k6gMkddKo-OlRdxNQ9WUPabCdeY2mtAjqm5EFkMM6uOE2QSJ8t0eKKCiuT2laxc-umzcpRrHS2bW14UHr_1jZLRcE2D9r4lXXtuMjPzkkrp8nFP_Qr6RRCURwY/s1600/10636102_10205325795324876_4785506349127938228_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-qLC6gL47Gg_ThfGu_k6gMkddKo-OlRdxNQ9WUPabCdeY2mtAjqm5EFkMM6uOE2QSJ8t0eKKCiuT2laxc-umzcpRrHS2bW14UHr_1jZLRcE2D9r4lXXtuMjPzkkrp8nFP_Qr6RRCURwY/s1600/10636102_10205325795324876_4785506349127938228_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorite people in the whole world!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRBhvSaC0PkIn7P-R7EKch_q0pmeewPVgo_67Rwc5OvNFW1JD9pv_eDom0HkzxdsO6-TiZwG9uxZZe7m4hMMal1E-YIEQ7PhaOKFvE8hrDAlQISIFkwP1mDPpZkmFE5wju7_tCm-z3uAk/s1600/10437663_10205399245041073_6787745884233438293_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRBhvSaC0PkIn7P-R7EKch_q0pmeewPVgo_67Rwc5OvNFW1JD9pv_eDom0HkzxdsO6-TiZwG9uxZZe7m4hMMal1E-YIEQ7PhaOKFvE8hrDAlQISIFkwP1mDPpZkmFE5wju7_tCm-z3uAk/s1600/10437663_10205399245041073_6787745884233438293_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Life is perfect!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfUoAlKdZv_zwBjNz80rwmJGftRyM5OOqfc1jgNFLcJOdodQajP4HB_QdOH791cvUoKi1yi6vOAa_L-d_ITtCsZfB1p7VV1QVaCptb8yK2yJMcIC1LJNChPIzQHhePlabnlIoepnxHcyY/s1600/1485105_10205406647266124_7915460461497539730_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfUoAlKdZv_zwBjNz80rwmJGftRyM5OOqfc1jgNFLcJOdodQajP4HB_QdOH791cvUoKi1yi6vOAa_L-d_ITtCsZfB1p7VV1QVaCptb8yK2yJMcIC1LJNChPIzQHhePlabnlIoepnxHcyY/s1600/1485105_10205406647266124_7915460461497539730_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mama's boy already!</td></tr>
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MOM2MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309737314724712161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249597810983040415.post-14038041930430724172014-12-15T08:10:00.000-06:002014-12-15T08:10:53.983-06:00Our new arrivalI know its been months since I wrote but there has really been a lot going on around here. I completed my first round of 3 inpatient service months (OB, Peds, and Family Medicine service). It was very difficult as I was in my last trimester of pregnancy during these 3 months. I did manage to complete them though and successfully finished my last rotation before maternity leave. The rotations themselves were great. The difficult part was getting around and the lack of sleep. Of course this only became progressively worse the bigger I became. Some days it was so difficult to walk around the hospital.<br />
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I was so fortunate to have a wonderful team around me that helped make me as comfortable as possible. The exhaustion towards the end was nearly unbearable and I was glad when it was all over. It ended not a moment too soon. I'm on maternity leave now and enjoying the five weeks of bliss with my baby and my family. It just so happens to be the Christmas season, my favorite time of year. <br />
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Marry Christmas Everyone! MOM2MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309737314724712161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249597810983040415.post-61890262263348148592014-10-12T16:50:00.001-05:002014-10-12T16:50:19.877-05:00Intern year so far...So life has been very interesting these days. I am in my 4th month of my intern year and I feel like I have been an intern forever. I've learned so much I can't even describe it. The beauty of family medicine is the variety that one experiences from day to day and from month to month. My first month was all about orientation. My program is amazing as they really take their time letting you get to know the people and environment you will be working in. It was full of EMR training, all the BLS/ACLS/ALSO training, learning your way around the clinic and hospital, etc... Month two is where we split up and started our respective rotations. What I love about that is there are six interns in my class including me and every rotation we do there is only one of us. So we really get the full hands on experience. My first rotation was outpatient orthopedics. It was a nice mix between working with the orthopedic surgeons and working with the sports medicine docs. My second month was spent working side by side with the nurse midwifes and ob doctors at our hospital. I delivered 21 babies, did about as many circumcisions and assisted in multiple C-sections. it was a great month. Currently, I am on my first family medicine inpatient service month. The hours are long and so are the weeks. We get every other weekend off. My mind and body are tired by the end of the 13 day stretch. <br />
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Outside of work, life is great. my daughter loves her new school and her 4th grade teacher. She has joined a fantastic program called Girls on the Run and is looking forward to running in her first race in November. Hubby is well too, he is in his first semester back at school and enjoying it so much more than I thought he would. He is also enjoying being a stay at home dad. <br />
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And what about baby you might be asking. Well HE is growing in my belly and my body is ooooh so tired. By the end of my 12-16 hour shift I am soooooo beyond exhausted and brain dead that I come home, kiss my family, and pass out. Its nearly over. Six weeks left to go before we meet our new baby boy and we cannot be more excited. Here is to hoping I make it to the end. Being an intern is hard on the pregnant body. <br />
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MOM2MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309737314724712161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249597810983040415.post-24841757913577162792014-07-24T06:30:00.002-05:002014-07-24T06:30:32.253-05:00I haven't given upMan life is crazy these days. I haven't really given up on blogging but it is definitely harder finding time to do it as an intern, especially a pregnant one. I'm so tired these days and want to spend every free and awake moment with my little family. <br />
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We have moved to Virginia and settled into our town house. I am in the 3rd week of my orientation and ready to get started. I'll have to write in more details soon but for now enjoy some pictures from graduation. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUXJAfkOeYHnwMP_psx4ODQ7PrxFn4e36kug1QWttOfEtFZB49QALw1mrqjWIYcv6-g_LklOE2pp0-Wau8rMNYN5MhrOwfSBVP_EqDeF5Y9Ub67IibJCqYZ-wFt7DX4GbOj8jxVuysNig/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUXJAfkOeYHnwMP_psx4ODQ7PrxFn4e36kug1QWttOfEtFZB49QALw1mrqjWIYcv6-g_LklOE2pp0-Wau8rMNYN5MhrOwfSBVP_EqDeF5Y9Ub67IibJCqYZ-wFt7DX4GbOj8jxVuysNig/s1600/020.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My very lovely and very expensive diploma!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh57fShg_rYuzjFgtD6wLPRKXQ19uZHJw8APQW8kInP3wnkX99S_jAVRejiU-VssGhbEliUiTTLuCLow9u4vRu_iSzilgq2rXqP1Z9mvfWtNjIgNiUuOeBUttbHI6C-SF5dfl2kl0kB9k0/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh57fShg_rYuzjFgtD6wLPRKXQ19uZHJw8APQW8kInP3wnkX99S_jAVRejiU-VssGhbEliUiTTLuCLow9u4vRu_iSzilgq2rXqP1Z9mvfWtNjIgNiUuOeBUttbHI6C-SF5dfl2kl0kB9k0/s1600/024.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying the Graduation Reception with my beautiful husband.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJWumqKlh4hqqPZ1vUfJ-RRkkOb4Xf_4qBDKV2lHvflkfKGZzHHbWpLHvvfYsHwB8VKg0iGpFykzJRIHm3kpNLtoRyIffn86Of6hPigzZRCwqpVwws5rADrMcBdHfJWvhvHvdkHuY8d_g/s1600/027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJWumqKlh4hqqPZ1vUfJ-RRkkOb4Xf_4qBDKV2lHvflkfKGZzHHbWpLHvvfYsHwB8VKg0iGpFykzJRIHm3kpNLtoRyIffn86Of6hPigzZRCwqpVwws5rADrMcBdHfJWvhvHvdkHuY8d_g/s1600/027.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With one of my favorite people at graduation. We did it!</td></tr>
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MOM2MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309737314724712161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249597810983040415.post-5912490131384938112014-06-01T08:55:00.000-05:002014-06-01T08:55:30.320-05:00Lots of Changes!So I've been hiding under a rock for the last few months I know but its because of a very good reason. Last March was an exciting month what with Match day and finding out we are moving to Virginia for residency. Match Day also brought some more much anticipated news. Just a few short hours after finding where I matched I also found out that we are expecting our second child. We have been wanting this for so long and are so pleased that we have been blessed. So now on top of packing, moving, graduating and trying to get all of my residency paperwork in order, I am also growing a healthy baby. I couldn't be happier. More to come... Next few weeks are busy... busy.MOM2MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309737314724712161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249597810983040415.post-5096976948980386822014-03-28T07:24:00.002-05:002014-03-28T07:24:32.345-05:00The last 4 weeksIt's all settled. I am officially going back to Trauma for my last 4 weeks of medical school. I am terribly excited not to have to travel away from my family but so not looking forward to the 30 + hour calls. However, its only 4 weeks and not 3 months like last time and when I'm off I get to come home to my family and that is PRICELESS!!! I get a three day weekend before I start on Monday so I better enjoy it. The weather in Miami is nice and I plan on sitting by the pool a lot in the next three days. <br />
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On a different note, I have signed my intern contract. It was surreal to see my name followed by MD on an official contract. I am so excited to move and to begin residency. I have had some amazing communications with my new residency family already and I have complete confidence with my choice. We are currently house hunting and hope to have that finalized soon.MOM2MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309737314724712161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249597810983040415.post-3517824192631402572014-03-23T10:18:00.005-05:002014-03-23T10:18:46.502-05:00Ross Match Day PartyFor the first time ever Ross University held a Match Day Party. It was last night at a really nice restaurant. It was a great venue and we had a wonderful time celebrating with friends and family. The drinks were flowing and the food kept on coming. Thank you Ross for giving us this small gift.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm one happy girl!</td></tr>
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MOM2MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309737314724712161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249597810983040415.post-31971891498581541582014-03-21T17:00:00.003-05:002014-03-21T17:00:59.038-05:00It's official!I'm absolutely THRILLED to announce that I have secured my #1 Residency choice. Come June we will be moving to VIRGINIA! We are so excited and cannot stop jumping, laughing, smiling, and celebrating. <br />
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~Cheers!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Ge94MIVI4TGyUqZXDo_yPWH7jGLSZGHv4O_oUDZWvmUqxh_l9SgFp_qyd7W-Jw067n7Vrqpm407_OPTOLRyUez27RKV7hb1GiP6FTkO-zYP9LdPj5kgpTcxhpA5Sl8Anakis1PfQrho/s1600/untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Ge94MIVI4TGyUqZXDo_yPWH7jGLSZGHv4O_oUDZWvmUqxh_l9SgFp_qyd7W-Jw067n7Vrqpm407_OPTOLRyUez27RKV7hb1GiP6FTkO-zYP9LdPj5kgpTcxhpA5Sl8Anakis1PfQrho/s1600/untitled.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Living here is an absolute dream come true. We are truly blessed.</td></tr>
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MOM2MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309737314724712161noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249597810983040415.post-67908706513887416382014-03-19T13:35:00.000-05:002014-03-19T13:35:44.861-05:00Feeling greatPost match bliss has hit me. I know, I know. Technically Match Day is Friday and I don't have a clue where I am going yet but..... with that said I feel this huge insurmountable weight has been lifted off my shoulders. We enjoyed celebrating as a family and I have been sleeping better the last few nights. I am still excited for Friday but I don't feel the pressure or doom like I did before. I would be blessed to go to any of the programs I interviewed at. In the mean time I am desperately trying to figure out my last elective. I am scheduled to be away for my last 4 weeks and I am trying to stay in south Florida as we cannot afford the housing expense. My coordinator tells me she is just waiting to hear back from the hospital here. I just need this to be resolved. If it works out, this may go down as the best week ever! There is more but that is all I can share for now. MOM2MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309737314724712161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249597810983040415.post-67076335616556142312014-03-17T13:18:00.001-05:002014-03-17T13:18:11.609-05:00Match Day Results!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8O3_R5nyccc05lEDjtJBM-sDfeiaZhI2PqUf1TnyG2zD_-ByDpOuv0mWvvTwOBPA91nvJyXCyyQhyphenhyphenyDle84CCF1mF401dHalmUAb-X-XUVd5rx4ZzPLKixwVAa0snj7V2So-iypAr3hU/s640/blogger-image--609790512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8O3_R5nyccc05lEDjtJBM-sDfeiaZhI2PqUf1TnyG2zD_-ByDpOuv0mWvvTwOBPA91nvJyXCyyQhyphenhyphenyDle84CCF1mF401dHalmUAb-X-XUVd5rx4ZzPLKixwVAa0snj7V2So-iypAr3hU/s640/blogger-image--609790512.jpg"></a></div>MOM2MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309737314724712161noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249597810983040415.post-23146373398001905332014-03-17T07:30:00.000-05:002014-03-17T07:30:25.142-05:00The morning of The MatchToday is the day we find out IF we Matched. It's perhaps more important than the actual Match Day which is this Friday, the day we find out where we matched. Ultimately matching in general is so much more important then where you match. When we woke up this morning you could definitely feel the anxious energy around the house. Not just from me but from the entire family. Even the little munchie jumped into my arms and announced that today was "The Day" and that she was soooo excited and professes to me how she "just can't imagine US not matching". She really has a way with words. I can't help but smile at her and secretly envy her innocence at truly understanding the significance of today. Results come out at noon, until then I will be cleaning the bathrooms and trying to stay distracted. Unfortunately I'm home today. I would so much rather be at work.<br />
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Stay tuned~MOM2MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309737314724712161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249597810983040415.post-27385638170336073382014-03-16T14:50:00.002-05:002014-03-16T14:50:26.626-05:00Distractions simply not enough!Today has been hard. Didn't sleep all night again. Then all day long I've had this sinking feeling in the pit of my gut, like I'm doomed. I tried reading a novel, a health book, cooking, walking, laundry, a documentary on Netflix. Anything to pass the time today. Tomorrow morning will be brutal. Stay tuned.MOM2MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309737314724712161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249597810983040415.post-14773380675597416022014-03-16T06:19:00.001-05:002014-03-16T06:19:38.639-05:00Healthy MOM2MDGood morning everyone,<br />
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I've toyed with the idea of blogging about the healthy lifestyle changes that my family and I have been undergoing over the last year or so but I didn't want to over whelm this blog with posts about that. So I'm happy to introduce <a href="http://healthymom2md.blogspot.com/">healthymom2md.blogspot.com</a>. My family and I will be using this new blog to share out experiences. Please feel free to join us on this new adventure. I will continue to share my residency experiences here. <br />
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Happy Sunday Everyone~MOM2MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309737314724712161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249597810983040415.post-11373202745107212212014-03-12T07:18:00.001-05:002014-03-12T07:18:44.536-05:00I hate bad dreams!Last night was a restless, sleepless night. I really felt like I was keeping it together considering we are only 5 days from finding out if we matched but I guess my body had its own ideas. Perhaps this is the most stressful experience of medical school. If you don't match all the hard work is washed away. Without residency you cannot practice medicine. But I digress..as I said I thought I was keeping it together but last night I had a loop dream. Do you know what that is? It was like a movie take of a scene playing over and over and over on replay the entire night. I tried waking myself up only to fall right back to sleep and the loop would start all over again. It was horrible. Worst nights sleep in a long time. So what was the scene? Me opening the email next Monday telling me that I did not match. It said: Teodora we regret to inform you that you are unmatched. Is unmatched even a word? And yes that was the ENTIRE dream. Sigh!<br />
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I am so tired this morning probably from the extreme and sustained tachycardia I had all night. it's like I ran a marathon. I'll be happy when Monday comes and goes. MOM2MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309737314724712161noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249597810983040415.post-76448634431394124932014-03-05T07:26:00.000-06:002014-03-05T07:26:17.485-06:00The last 8 weeksThis week marks the beginning of the last 8 weeks of medical school. I am happy to report that I am back home with my lovely family for the next 4 weeks. It's bitter sweet because I have to leave and and finish in Michigan. I've been assigned to a wonderful pediatric doctor who practices a bit of old fashioned medicine. The paper charts, old tools and three generations of patients are really refreshing to see. I don't always agree with the things he says for example, that all young children need to drink the sugary juice drinks, but he is very wise in so many ways that I am excited to learn all I can from him. He is very hands one and starting next week I will have my own patients every day. This will be great practice for residency. He loves to teach and is even giving me advice on running my own practice and the business aspect of it. It's going to be a good rotation. Well back to it.... Happy Wednesday everyone. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I see this picture frequently in different doctors offices but he has it in every room. I fall in love with it more every day. </td></tr>
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MOM2MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309737314724712161noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249597810983040415.post-71694388169125213172014-02-18T05:43:00.000-06:002014-02-18T15:21:46.876-06:00SleepI don't know if any of my colleagues have experienced this but medical school has really made me very health conscientious. Over the last year and a half I have really focused a lot on health. It's my goal to start posting more health and nutritional information to this blog. I hope you still enjoy reading. While reading my blog feed I found this picture. I hope everyone is getting their sleep.<br />
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MOM2MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309737314724712161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249597810983040415.post-68513525536795067782014-02-17T05:44:00.000-06:002014-02-17T05:44:18.595-06:00Happy MondayIt's the third Monday morning of my rotation away from my people back in Florida. I was just skypeing with my hubby and telling him how much I miss him and my little one when he kindly reminded me that we are officially over the hump. So here's to another Monday and may the week go fast. Happy Day everyone!<br />
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MOM2MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309737314724712161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249597810983040415.post-32925532051145971732014-02-16T14:35:00.000-06:002014-02-16T14:35:40.646-06:00Infectious DiseaseI'm officially half way through my infectious disease rotation. I have seen a lot of pneumonias, HIV, UTI's, bacteremia (blood infections), and wound infections. I've even seen some tuberculosis and Steven Johnson's syndrome. It's all about learning the antibiotics in this rotation. Its a weakness of mine hence one of the reasons I wanted to take this elective. <br />
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One another note, I finalized my rank order list. First and last I didn't have to hesitate, it's the rest that took some thinking about. I considered public school systems, university opportunities for my husband (he wants to go back to school), job opportunities for him, cost of living and a location that will feed our souls. I sent a nice email to the program director of my number one program and received a really promising reply from him. I'm trying not to get too excited yet as it's really early and I will be crushed if I don't match there. I think over all I had a wonderful interview season. <br />
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I miss my family terribly and have been trying really hard not to get down. Some days are harder than others. I always find that a good run makes me feel better so I have been doing a lot of that here in the DC area. I've also been spending my weekends visiting some of the famous tourist attractions of the area. Lord knows there are many of them. I've also gotten to experience more snow than I have in many many many years. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Experienced my first snow day in about 15 years. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The capitol building was so beautiful all lit up at night.</td></tr>
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MOM2MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309737314724712161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249597810983040415.post-43466928251888254082014-01-29T19:00:00.000-06:002014-01-29T19:00:01.709-06:00shoulda...coulda..wouldaI should be packing and organizing and did I say packing but I just can't seem to get motivated. I'm the ultimate procrastinator these days. Maybe if I don't think about it, it's not really going to happen. I could be doing laundry and should be doing laundry but I can't seem to pry myself away. Away from my soft, sweet, cuddly, bundle of energy daughter. I just want to hug her, kiss her, snuggle her, watch movies with her, cook with her, walk her to and from school, and oh yeah...did I say kiss and hug her. I can't get enough. She must feel the same because I can't pry her away from me either. We are at a constant state of embrace. The separation is near and I'm feeling the pain all the way to my bones and I know she is too. If I mention leaving she simply says "hush mama, lets not think about that now and just spend time together". It's like hearing an echo of myself bouncing back at me. When did she grow up? Did I miss it? Will I miss it? Will she be alright with out me? Has she been alright with out me? So many questions and today I have no answers so in stead I'll stop writing and go back to snuggling and kissing so I wont miss anything in the <em>right now</em>!MOM2MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309737314724712161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249597810983040415.post-60882520168451225722014-01-27T15:47:00.000-06:002014-01-27T15:47:49.452-06:00Getting ready...I'm feeling fortunate to be on vacation the few weeks before I leave for DC. Today was a bit of a hectic and busy day. First thing this morning I had to go and get a 10 panel drug screen. It's required for my next rotation. I ended up going to anytimelabs.com. I was in and out in 20 min with my results in hand. It cost me $49 and I did not need a doctors order. As far as experiences go, this one was a very pleasant one.<br />
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Next it was off to Costco but since I had 30 min to burn until they opened, I ended up going to ROSS, the clothing store, and shopping around for shampoo and a new dress shirt. Most of you may not know but my family decided a year ago to start following the nutritarian lifestyle after being introduced to Dr. Fuhrman's book<a href="http://astore.amazon.com/rossunivschoo-20" target="_blank"> Eat to Live</a>. I've wanted to share this experience in more detail but have been resistant for some reason. Maybe I've been afraid of failure. I'm not sure but after a solid year I think I'm ready to open up about it a bit more. I'll make a note to start sharing more about it. In the mean time if you want to know more please go <a href="http://www.drfuhrman.com/" target="_blank">here</a>. It has been truly a life changing event and has given us incredible health, copious amounts of energy, better sleep, and a ton of weight loss. The one downside of loosing 40 + pounds is that I seem to be in constant need for new dress clothes. For a medical student on a budget that usually means frequent visits to ROSS. <br />
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Anyhow, today I had a BIG Costco trip planned so I could stock up our freezer and pantry for the family while I'm gone. It also gave me a chance to get large bags of nuts and seeds so I can take some with me. It was a busy day but extremely productive. Now I have to cook a few extra meals and freeze them to make my hubby's life easier on baby girls "swim days". T - 5 days till I leave. My chest aches and my eyes fill with tears every time I think about it. Being apart SUCKS! There I said it. Makes me feel like throwing a 2 year old temper tantrum. MOM2MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309737314724712161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249597810983040415.post-21089531606401893952014-01-20T15:11:00.002-06:002014-01-20T15:11:30.627-06:00The END!My interview season is officially over. I got back from my last interview on Friday night and I might say that I feel great, relieved, scared, anxious, and excited all at the same time. My last three interviews went great and I have no idea how I'm going to do my rank list. Although I must say my first choice and my last choice are obvious, it's in the middle that things get murky. No matter what though I feel confident. Confident that I will make the right choice for my family and I. On March 16th we find out if I matched and Match Day is March 21st, that's the day we find out where we matched. <br />
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On a different note...I always get asked if I go stir crazy driving across the country alone. The truth is I listen to audiobooks. My library offers thousands of audiobooks for free that I can access on my iPhone and listen over my car stereo. For instance, on this last trip I listened to three books in five days. Normally my nose is in a textbook or medical journals but these long drives are an eagerly awaited opportunity to catch up on some "fun" reading. One of the books I read was Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed. What a fantastic book! I thoroughly enjoyed the journey that the author took me on. If you are looking for a great book to read I would recommend you gave it a shot and quick before the movie comes out later this year. Happy reading...MOM2MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309737314724712161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249597810983040415.post-6340349385069587342014-01-11T07:45:00.000-06:002014-01-11T07:45:02.664-06:00The end of surgeryYesterday was my last post call day and consequently it was my last day of surgery core. It was also my most exhausting call as we were slammed with not only trauma patients but general surgery patients. Today I take my last core shelf exam. I have never cared less about an exam. I have learned so much during the last 12 weeks that it is so hard to summarize but I still think taking this test is pointless as I have already finished my USMLE STEP 2 exam, like 6 months ago, and the shelf's serve as preparation for that. Anyhow that was a little off topic. <br />
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So what's next...well life is crazy for the next few months. I have my last three interviews next week and I am leaving first thing tomorrow morning on a 5 day solo road trip. I will be interviewing in North Carolina and Ohio. I hope the weather treats me well. After that I have two weeks off and then I move to Maryland for 4 weeks to do an Infectious Disease elective. I was fortunate enough to find a place to stay with a friend of a friend as the area I'm going to is not the safest. I am completely devastated by the fact that I have to leave my family yet again but given how I have no choice in the matter we are trying to stay positive. I think the hardest part of medical school is leaving my child to do away rotations. Every time it gets harder and harder to tell her and we both get sadder and sadder. This time we both cried on the way home from school one day after I broke the news to her. It always leaves this gaping hole in my heart. 12 weeks of rotations left till graduation. MOM2MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309737314724712161noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249597810983040415.post-85072797903285893162014-01-01T08:25:00.006-06:002014-01-01T08:25:54.838-06:00Happy New Year!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Happy New Year to everyone who reads my ramblings! May you all be blessed with love, happiness, fortune, and great health in 2014. This is a BIG year for my family and I and we cannot wait to see how it all plays out. My husband and I have set some New Years Resolutions. Here are the two resolutions that we have made.<br />
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1. One year ago my husband and I began a quest to get healthy and joined the Nutritarian movement. We have done well and I personally have never felt better. The goal for this next year is to go all in. <br />
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2. Finish a Tough Mudder race together. This one is particularly exciting to me. Those that know me may know how competitive I can be. <br />
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What are your resolutions? Share them with me. Enjoy your day everyone!<br />
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MOM2MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309737314724712161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249597810983040415.post-61482288756432572842013-12-31T07:45:00.005-06:002013-12-31T07:45:54.772-06:00Merry Christmas!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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MOM2MDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309737314724712161noreply@blogger.com0