Student Doctor Network Forums - Blogs http://forums.studentdoctor.net/blog.php An educational community for students and doctors spanning all the health professions. en Sun, 22 Nov 2009 15:49:48 GMT vBulletin 20 http://img1.studentdoctor.net/images/misc/rss.jpg Student Doctor Network Forums - Blogs http://forums.studentdoctor.net/blog.php what are my chances http://forums.studentdoctor.net/blog.php?b=2890 Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:16:00 GMT MCAT:
7 VR
8 PS
10 BS
WS M

Overall gpa: 3.94
science gpa: 3.96

Dean's list (every semester)
scholarship winner
research on yeast genetics (5 months)
research in health disparities (2 months)
president biology club
volunteer in AIDS awareness program
volunteer with an organization: violence against women
recipient of excellence in undergraduate organic chemistry award (American Chemical Society)
EMS responder
tutor for organic chem, microbiology, genetics
physician shadowing



applied this year and haven't received an interview so far
couple of rejections
couple of pre-interview holds

what are my chances of getting in? should I retake mcat? ]]> rebel1 http://forums.studentdoctor.net/blog.php?b=2890 You let me know that I am no creep http://forums.studentdoctor.net/blog.php?b=2886 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:53:39 GMT Went shopping last night for a new suit for interviews (my last one doesn't fit me anymore - it's way too big!) and a dress for my ten-year high school reunion. The suit cost $400 and it's gorgeous. The dress cost $60 and I look smashing in it. I still haven't decided about shoes for either. Wish I could wear my Docs but they're completely inappropriate...it would be memorable though ;)

I went to the doctor today for a checkup and when I was there I ran into a guy I used to take classes with. He brought a huge smile to my face because right away when he saw me, he asked, "Wow, did you lose some weight or something?" That made me feel awesome :) He's getting ready to apply to med school - I guess in the 2010-2011 app cycle - and he's doing like me, just applying in Philly. So I wish him the best of luck, I think he's gonna make a great doctor.

And my doctor today was a first-year resident who went to Drexel for med school. She told me she followed the PIL track and she loved it - she said she wouldn't change a thing, and that it's great for non-traditional students because it's small-group, problem-based learning. Which is right up my alley. Aaaand she complimented my Docs (today I wore my silver 1B60s) so needless to say I liked her. :) ]]> Klemptor http://forums.studentdoctor.net/blog.php?b=2886 Supplemental material http://forums.studentdoctor.net/blog.php?b=2884 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:22:03 GMT ---Quote (Originally by caremkn)--- I have a question regarding supplemental material. Some schools require us to send them application fee so I sent them checks but I just think about it and worry how can they tell if the checks are from me and...
Quote:
Originally Posted by caremkn View Post
I have a question regarding supplemental material. Some schools require us to send them application fee so I sent them checks but I just think about it and worry how can they tell if the checks are from me and put it in my application file?
When I sent in the checks, I put my AADSAS# and name on it. You can check with your bank if they cashed it or not. And I think putting your SSN or AADSAS is enough information. ]]> BoxerRumble http://forums.studentdoctor.net/blog.php?b=2884 Moroccan dentists or dental hygienists http://forums.studentdoctor.net/blog.php?b=2878 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:44:08 GMT Hi there, I am wondering if there is any Moroccan dentists or dental hygienists here in North America. Thank you. Hi there,

I am wondering if there is any Moroccan dentists or dental hygienists here in North America.

Thank you. ]]> dentalhi http://forums.studentdoctor.net/blog.php?b=2878 <![CDATA[It's the Business]]> http://forums.studentdoctor.net/blog.php?b=2870 Sun, 15 Nov 2009 20:22:32 GMT I took Kaplan's free practice MCAT last week. It wasn't set up like the real exam. The MCATs are computer based and Kaplan had booklets and scantrons. Since I obviously was not going to get a real test day simulation, I figured at least I'll get a feel for the timing. The proctor then explained that we would have ten minutes less than the allotted time for each section in order to save us 30 minutes.

It was difficult, no lie. We didn't even do the written portion of the exam and those ten minutes shaved off of each section really made timing tight. On the plus side, they served us lunch and we got our scores back right after the exam.

I, being nosy as I am, noticed a lady walking in with our graded tests. I managed to take a peek at the test on top and saw the score. I saw three bars corresponding to the three sections. The bars were really short. I assumed that the higher you scored, the longer the bars should look. Man, I really hoped that wasn't my test on top.

Ha! It wasn't. Okay that wasn't nice, but it was a big relief. I did okay. I expected worse because of the timed pressure. Considering that I still have months to study and a pile of material to cover, I believe a respectable score is within reach.

Then I learned something about Kaplan. I can't believe I didn't think about this! At the day of the practice exam they were advertising a discount if you enrolled in their courses after the exam. That's how they get you to enroll in their program! They administer a tough diagnostic exam so you feel depressed about your score (like the person whose exam was on top) and you shell a couple of hundred on the spot to reserve a place in the class. Then when you get in the class, they give you easier exams, so that you feel that you've improved*.

It makes so much sense because two of my friends took a Kaplan course and both were disappointed in their scores. Well, good thing Kaplan does this whole guaranteed satisfaction thing where you can retake their course for free. But ultimately what happened? They took your money and a whole lot of your time. What a scam! I'm sure Kaplan has worked for many students and other programs probably use similar ploys, but still, I'm amazed. Maybe it's because I'm so consumed in my own world that I don't notice these kinds of tactics businesses use to lure in their customers.

But you know what that means? The score I got on the practice exam is actually not bad. Maybe even better than okay? It's still not great, but I feel a lot better about the MCATs now.

Okay, time to study now...

* These are just stories I've heard while browsing the forums on SDN. I've never taken a Kaplan course, so I do not know first hand if they do in fact do this. Just sharing my story and interpretation here. ]]> phungus http://forums.studentdoctor.net/blog.php?b=2870 October Already http://forums.studentdoctor.net/blog.php?b=2865 Sun, 15 Nov 2009 03:03:54 GMT October 5, 2009

Wow time sure does weird things when you are too busy to notice, the leaves are changing, the air is cooler, it's getting dark earlier and I am still doing well in medical school, and liking it! Go figure.

So We are now in the final couple of weeks of biochemistry and I have to say I learned a bunch and have truly enjoyed this class. Was it a lot of work? Sure it was but it wasn't so intense that you couldn't take a breather from time to time. My average in the class is a B+ and I hope to keep it there by the time it ends.

Along with biochem, anatomy has been moving along as well for about a month. I am doing well in this class as well but I have mixed feelings about it as I do not find the lectures very helpful (I go to them but spend the time studying something else) and the gross lab can be frustrating at time. I don't know if it is because I have dissected a cadaver 3 times before or I just am not "jazzed" by the process of cutting up and identifying mangled tissue, but I am ready to get out of there a half hour into a 2 hour lab. Many of my classmates just thrive on this stuff and come in after hours on week nights and weekends. But as hard as i try I just cannot muster up that level of enthusiasm for it. I did go in after hours one time and it really gained me nothing in the way of extra exam points. So I will just do my assigned lab times and then study by looking over Netters anatomy atlas and the "deadbook" (an anatomy text with pictures of actual cadavers expertly dissected). I will say that I had forgotten how intense the practical anatomy exam could be. You all gather outside of the lab in your lab coats about a half hour before the exam. Then you are led in and you stand by a station. Each station is a cadaver with a "tagged" structure you are to identify. They tell you to "start" and then a bell rings in 1 minute signaling you to move to the next station. It took me 10 questions to just get over the anxiety of the bell ringing in what seemed like 30 seconds. and to make things worse you can't go back and review a previous station, so you are stuck with what you selected. Not much fun.

But all in all things are going very well. I still go to all the lectures and have been pretty much keeping to my study schedule that I mentioned in an earlier post. I am still able to work out everyday for 1-2 hours and I have been working 8-12 hours a week in the emergency department. Working has been the only real stressor since a 12 hour shift (7pm-7am) messes up my studying for about 1.5 days until I get back on track with sleep.

My wife and I are doing really well and she is completely enjoying being a housewife and taking care of our home. We are still a part of our church's worship team and have been doing that about twice a month. We are still waiting on the Navy's decision about my HPSP application. According to my recruiter the packet is currently at the medical board and we might have an answer about that as early as this week. We will keep praying. ]]> 2000 Man http://forums.studentdoctor.net/blog.php?b=2865 Enjoying the Process http://forums.studentdoctor.net/blog.php?b=2864 Sun, 15 Nov 2009 02:55:09 GMT September 10, 2009

The best thing about being in medical school this time is being able to really enjoy the process of learning medicine. As we study the various biochemical pathways that make up our body's metabolic system I am really understanding it and able to relate it to the "bigger picture" and it is exciting to be so jazzed about learning again. I really feel as though I am grasping and integrating the knowledge in a way that I will be able to use as a physician. It is so cool!

Anatomy labs are in full swing now and we are currently dissecting the back and upper arm. The anatomy lab is very large and state of the art with computerized dissection manuals (no more having to lug around a Netters to lab) displayed on flat screen monitors. We have 5 students per cadaver and my group is made up of a great bunch of people who are pleasant, helpful, supportive and encouraging. The lab is pretty well ventilated for the most part but you still come out of there smelling like the formaldehyde (or whatever it is they use).

I am also struck by how different my interaction has been with the younger students this time. I feel like I am accepted as a part of the class and not treated differently. I can see now that last time I pushed people away by my own self consciousness and feelings of inadequacy. I felt depressed, ashamed, guilty and worthless and that is not a great combination to be around.

So anatomy has been quietly piling up on us with endless lists of origins and insertions, innervations and arterial branches, embryology and so on. Our first test is in 2 weeks. I have been doing fairly well at keeping current which helps take some of the pressure off. We have another biochem test next week that does not seem too bad (but you can never let your guard down and slack off, the key here is study a bit each day to stay current).

My packet has been sent to the Navy board. My recruiter thinks I have a really good shot at getting the HPSP. We'll see, I keep praying that the Lord would grant me favor in their eyes and open this door of opportunity. I should hear something in a few weeks. ]]> 2000 Man http://forums.studentdoctor.net/blog.php?b=2864 interview attire http://forums.studentdoctor.net/blog.php?b=2862 Sat, 14 Nov 2009 04:26:04 GMT Just curious. Would blazers [ black] with appropriate shirts and khakee/grey pants do? I have a dislike for full on suits and tend to prefer blazers. ]]> Miradautas Vras http://forums.studentdoctor.net/blog.php?b=2862 Into the abyss http://forums.studentdoctor.net/blog.php?b=2855 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:01:14 GMT *Into the abyss* Back in bedlam, the chaos ensues. The ward I am currently working on has a number of different types of patient; some transient cases - fresh faces recently admitted and soon to bode farewell, whilst others have been lying in... Into the abyss

Back in bedlam, the chaos ensues. The ward I am currently working on has a number of different types of patient; some transient cases - fresh faces recently admitted and soon to bode farewell, whilst others have been lying in their beds for far longer than I have been in clinics. As I tag along on the morning rounds, I notice we become a point of interest. They lay there helplessly chained to their drips, watching silently as we continue the daily ritual. I carry on listening to the doctors, occasionally picking up an obs chart or scribbling an unnecessary sentence on my patient list in order to look preoccupied, all the time acutely aware of the row of screaming eyes only metres away.

Later on I am summoned to take blood from a patient down the corridor. Fearing failure ...

...read the rest at http://hippocraticoafblog.blogspot.com/ ]]> The Hippocratic http://forums.studentdoctor.net/blog.php?b=2855 Delete? http://forums.studentdoctor.net/blog.php?b=2853 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:04:46 GMT I wonder why I deleted my past entries.

I have another blog, but can't seem to find anything to post. I've decided to come here and give my writing a try. Let's see how long I keep this post up before deleting it.

I guess I feel more comfortable posting here because it's SDN and all I can think about is studying for MCATs and getting into med school. Sometimes I worry about this topic getting old on my original blog. Perhaps, I'll post a link to this and if my readers, or what's left of them, will head on over here.

It's been quite a while since I've written here so an update is long over due.

I don't post much here on SDN so let's begin with an introduction. My name is phungus. I also go by p-huong. I am a recent college graduate and one lucky kid for being able to land a job in the research field right out of school. Yes, it's only an animal tech position, but I get to work with a big man in cancer research and have the time and opportunities to learn about the post-docs' research and even accompany a doctor to the OR a few times. Not only that, but I have time to study while on the job. For someone in my position, I couldn't have asked for a better job.

My reason for blogging? To keep a documentation of my journey into medicine... if I even get there. Not only that but I want to serve as an inspiration to someone. I know things can get tough and hopeless at times. If everything works out as how I plan it, I want someone to be able to read my entries and feel motivated with their own goals. I want to show that it is possible to study and have fun. I want people to believe good things can happen and that their efforts are worth whatever they're fighting for. Or learn from my mistakes (if my plan fails.) Whatever it is, I just want my story to help and along the way also entertain others.

With that said, join me as I doc my post-undergrad stories. I've got a couple months left to prep for the MCATs. Then after that, a couple of more months before applying for the 2010 cycle. And after that? I hold my breath and pray for interviews. All while playing with mice and living life part time in the city. ]]> phungus http://forums.studentdoctor.net/blog.php?b=2853 Being true to yourself http://forums.studentdoctor.net/blog.php?b=2845 Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:34:55 GMT I think that this principle is fundamental to being happy. Last year has been stressful and frustrating..Taking 4 months of work to study for mcats..struggling to find a job..getting a 26 even after all those months of studying..and now sitting on... I think that this principle is fundamental to being happy. Last year has been stressful and frustrating..Taking 4 months of work to study for mcats..struggling to find a job..getting a 26 even after all those months of studying..and now sitting on umteen rejections isnt easy. However, I have learnt a lot this year. I have learnt to stand by my decisions and my principles. It has been a lesson on being humble and modest. Overall, I have learnt that no matter what happens I need to follow my passions and dreams as I see fit. Everyone has advice to offer, but advice is just that. It is not a protocol one needs to follow. Sometimes it feels like everyone has a running commentary on your life except you..as if everyone else is directing your life and you are just living passively. But I refuse to do this anymore. I have always been the type of person that was easily swayed by people’s perception of me. I would try to please my family..friends..i would try to fit into some pre-set mold..whether it was being premed..a sister..a daughter..but at some point..one needs to step back and evaluate their actions and be conscious of them. A few months back, I decided to apply for medical schools with my 26. Even though my score didn’t thrill me in the least, I needed to for my mental peace to apply this year. So I applied to 43 schools. A large number yes, but because the process is so competitive I felt that adding more schools was the only way I could give myself a chance..I applied early my primary was done by june..all secondaeis coming to an end of july towards early august..with an average of a 1 week turnover..a few weeks ago I went to a sgu info session. I am applying to sgu this cycle and hoping to go there if I don’t go in the US. Many people have suggested that I re-take the mcats a third time..but I got a 10 in BS and 10 in PS last time with a 6 in verbal..I am afraid that I cannot guarantee those 10s again..and even if I study again wuts the gurarntee it wont go down..and I want to move on with my life..and yes ideally I would go to a US schools but if I really want to be a doctor to serve people around the world..where my degree is from shouldn’t matter as long as I study hard and learn what I am suppose to learn..i am just at a point in my life where..i am frustrated..and I want to go to medical school as soon as possible..if I don’t get in this cycle..1..there is no guarantee mcat would go better..secondly there is no guarantee I will get in next cycle..a part of me also believes in things happening for a reason..so I am hoping something works out

Regardless of what happens..I plan on listening to myself only and steering my life in a direction I want not a direction that is steered by everyone else..so im sticking to my princilpes..to my passions..and I will one day become a doctor that addresses the needs of underserved communities. I don’t know when exactly but one day it will happen..one day it will.. ]]> Simran1031 http://forums.studentdoctor.net/blog.php?b=2845 Vote For Change http://forums.studentdoctor.net/blog.php?b=2832 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:08:12 GMT *Dr. Kuchewar Contesting Veterinary Council of India Election held on Nov 2009* *Please visit www.drkuchewar.com (http://www.drkuchewar.com/)or call :09422828484* *Regards * *_Dr. Ashok Kuchewar_* Dr. Kuchewar Contesting Veterinary Council of India Election held on Nov 2009
Please visit www.drkuchewar.comor call :09422828484

Regards
Dr. Ashok Kuchewar ]]> kuchewar http://forums.studentdoctor.net/blog.php?b=2832 Mobility of tooth http://forums.studentdoctor.net/blog.php?b=2816 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:55:00 GMT Increased mobility can be observed on radiographs: 1. There is a widening of the PDL space without vertical or angular bone resorption bone resorption. 2. There is no increased probing depth of the periodontal pocket. Forces applied in one... Increased mobility can be observed on radiographs:
  1. There is a widening of the PDL space without vertical or angular bone resorption bone resorption.
  2. There is no increased probing depth of the periodontal pocket.
Forces applied in one direction on the tooth give a widening of the PDL at the bone margin at the other side and in the apical area on the same side of the force.

Thank you for your attention!:soexcited::highfive: ]]> Black Rose http://forums.studentdoctor.net/blog.php?b=2816 Glass ionomer cements http://forums.studentdoctor.net/blog.php?b=2724 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 04:55:00 GMT It adheres chemically to enamel and dentine. Since it links ot calcium ions in the dental tissues, the bond to enamel is stronger than the bond to dentine because enamel is more highly mineralized. It adheres chemically to enamel and dentine. Since it links ot calcium ions in the dental tissues, the bond to enamel is stronger than the bond to dentine because enamel is more highly mineralized. ]]> Black Rose http://forums.studentdoctor.net/blog.php?b=2724 white coat fantasies http://forums.studentdoctor.net/blog.php?b=2827 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:32:38 GMT White coat fanstasies.. That’s what I like to call them.. Some where in between here and now.. Caught between the crevices of what could be and what is… I cant help but ask myself when will it happen When will I actually step into the doors of... White coat fanstasies..
That’s what I like to call them..
Some where in between here and now..
Caught between the crevices of what could be and what is…
I cant help but ask myself when will it happen
When will I actually step into the doors of a medical school..
As the rejection letters are piling up
I cant help but a feel jaded
Like in some way this whole process was all in vain..
All in a desperate attempt to find meaning..
To find purpose..
But I think everything has a time and place
And if I am really meant to be a doctor that time and place will come
But when..
And why not now..
And it is not even the internal doubts..
Its my mothers voice echoing inside me
“you should have sat for the mcat again”
“you are fighting a losing battle”
“are you sure you know what you are doing”
As if I have not questioned myself enough
As if I don’t ask myself those same questions everyday
Maybe I don’t know what I am doing
But I do know that when I took the mcat in may
I gave it my all..
My blood sweat tears my soul
I was living breathing sleeping that exam
And if that wasn’t enough I don’t know what will be..
I have decided that I must go to medcial school 2010..
I cant take this waiting and uncertainty any longer
There are manyt people that say yes why not do a post bac
Or yes why not take the mcats over again
But I cant.
I must go to medical school now
It is what is in my heart
And I fear that if I wait any longer..
I will become so resentful that all I will have for medicine is resentment and I do not want that
Everyone lied
Med school admission are all scores..
With a good score and gpa anyone can get in
But if u don’t have that stellar score package..
There is nothing you can do it seems
I know its still early in the cycle..
But I feel like I am suffocating for a fresh breath
To find myself..
To find my path my career
I have yearned for medicine for so long now..
And wanted it for so long now..
But sometimes I wonder..maybe it is me that I am not good neouygh
Maybe tht why despite my efforts and hard work..nothing worked out for me..
So I sit here wondering..compelled to wonder..where life will take me
What is written in my destiny
Emotionally drained by this process and by life in general..wonderding whether I will have that white coat ceremony
Wordersing whether some day I will be able to contribute to someone’s life in a positive way..
Wondering forever wondering…I don’t know anymore..i just don’t know..
I just follow the guiding light in my heart that tells me to go on and continue
Continue in this path forver..forever..
So I am here..
Bruised..battered..tormented and trained..
But I have not given up
And as the storms get worse..i will resist and I shall stand up tall..
Alas what else is there left to do than to stand by myself..stand up for myself..
So I stand here..shaking..
But still standing..
Mnaybe one day will be my day
Maybe there is a god out there looking out for me..
And if there isnt..amybe there is some juscitce in the world..
Regardless I stand here..trying to be patient..for my dreams to begun..
Ah dear white coat..how much you mean to me..how much you mean to me.. ]]> Simran1031 http://forums.studentdoctor.net/blog.php?b=2827