MCW Class of 2010, Part 3

[indo]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Pansy. 🙂

Oh Its on!

 

[45408]

Have you tried taking melatonin to make you sleep? If you take it about an hour before you want to go to bed you'll slowly get tired and fall asleep. It gives me really vivid dreams though.

I NEVER have trouble falling asleep though (except the one other time it happened over Christmas break). As soon as I got dropped off here at 6:30am, I went and passed out for over an hour in one of the Matt King Study Rooms, and then this afternoon, I was down for the count on one of the library couches. I slept 8 hours on Saturday night and woke up at ~10am. I was very tired the whole time I was laying in bed awake.

We'll see if this continues.

 

[Gimlet]

I NEVER have trouble falling asleep though (except the one other time it happened over Christmas break). As soon as I got dropped off here at 6:30am, I went and passed out for over an hour in one of the Matt King Study Rooms, and then this afternoon, I was down for the count on one of the library couches. I slept 8 hours on Saturday night and woke up at ~10am. I was very tired the whole time I was laying in bed awake.

We'll see if this continues.

You probably just need to get back into a somewhat regular sleep rhythm. Going from nocturnal to diurnal in a matter of days would wreak havoc on your circadian rhythms.

 

[Gimlet]

Pansy. 🙂

Thanks for that.

So we have to submit our track preferences for 3rd year next week. Aside from sifting through the gajillion "rotation order" threads on SDN, do you or Don have any advice about scheduling rotations? What have you liked/disliked so far about the way your rotations have been ordered? Any tips?

 

[Ashers]

Thanks for that.

So we have to submit our track preferences for 3rd year next week. Aside from sifting through the gajillion "rotation order" threads on SDN, do you or Don have any advice about scheduling rotations? What have you liked/disliked so far about the way your rotations have been ordered? Any tips?

I am saddened that they don't have a way to avoid psych or OB/Gyn.

 

[Xandie]

Andy-

It doesn't really matter. Lots of people want the "big three" first... I have it now, obviously. There are advantages and disadvantages to everything. The only advice I have is that you have to pick your advisor by Jan 31, so it would be nice to have done a rotation in the field you want by then, especially if you don't know anyone in the department. Otherwise... OB/GYN, inpatient peds and med, and surgery have the longest hours, so adjust those for your personal preferences. CPR is early during the anesthesia part (645 report) but cake during the first two-ish weeks. Family is usually pretty late start (depending on your site... mine was 730), as is psych. Outpatient months are lighter than inpatient, obviously. Hmm... any other good advice you'll have to get from Don. He's smrtr than me.

 

[donnyfire]

Thanks for that.

So we have to submit our track preferences for 3rd year next week. Aside from sifting through the gajillion "rotation order" threads on SDN, do you or Don have any advice about scheduling rotations? What have you liked/disliked so far about the way your rotations have been ordered? Any tips?

There are two schools of thought I heard when planning for rotations.

First was to do the big three first, with the reasoning that after studying for boards, you will be ready to hit the ground running. The other is to do them last, with the idea that you will be able to prep for them on the "easy" rotations, and will be more experienced when it comes time to hit med/surg/peds.

I don't think there is any advantage to one over the other. The bottom line is you really don't know crap in July, and no one else does either. Then as time passes, you learn the rhythms of life on the wards, how to write SOAP note in 60 seconds, and life is good.

I did the "big three" first. I did it because I wanted to do the ER elective (which we no longer have) in the spring, and Medicine and Surgery were prerequisite. I also wanted to schedule something I didn't think I would like in December, when it would be cut short. But, as it happened, it turns out that I really enjoyed surgery, and am now considering it as an option, so that might not be the best strategy.

The other consideration is your vacation month. I'm doing an elective, so I'll get the three months of vacation next year, when I think I'll need it more for travel/interviewing/playing halo 3, etc.

 

[indo]

They're called the big 3 because they're the hardest?

 

[Gimlet]

Thanks guys.

So what electives are you two taking? I will definitely want to save my vacation for 4th year, I think. I just looked through Oasis at the electives available to 3rd years, and was surprised at how few there were. Only 1 or 2 interested me. It looks like Radiology is the popular elective based on slots still available this year.

It's too bad you can't take 4th year rotations as a 3rd year, because there are tons of cool ones that I know I'll want to take but won't have time to.

 

[Gimlet]

They're called the big 3 because they're the hardest?

Hardest and longest...just like my [bleeeep].

My maturity is unparalleled.

 

[Agent Splat]

Try wrist splints for a few days. I have some you can borrow if you like.

Sleep wearing them and use them when you type. Made a big difference for me and it went away after a few weeks. I had the signs and symptoms of carpal tunnel for awhile too right down to a positive teneal-something or other test.

And get an ergonomic keyboard. And have your wife massage your hands. Hand massages are glorious.

 

[Agent Splat]

I love how last semester we had 45 minutes to cover an entire musculoskeletal system exam, and now tomorrow we have 2 freaking hours to look at...skin.

 

[45408]

There are two schools of thought I heard when planning for rotations.

First was to do the big three first, with the reasoning that after studying for boards, you will be ready to hit the ground running. The other is to do them last, with the idea that you will be able to prep for them on the "easy" rotations, and will be more experienced when it comes time to hit med/surg/peds.

I don't think there is any advantage to one over the other. The bottom line is you really don't know crap in July, and no one else does either. Then as time passes, you learn the rhythms of life on the wards, how to write SOAP note in 60 seconds, and life is good.

I did the "big three" first. I did it because I wanted to do the ER elective (which we no longer have) in the spring, and Medicine and Surgery were prerequisite. I also wanted to schedule something I didn't think I would like in December, when it would be cut short. But, as it happened, it turns out that I really enjoyed surgery, and am now considering it as an option, so that might not be the best strategy.

The other consideration is your vacation month. I'm doing an elective, so I'll get the three months of vacation next year, when I think I'll need it more for travel/interviewing/playing halo 3, etc.

you can't do an ER rotation now? why not? can you do one elsewhere? I'd definitely like to do one.

 

[DoctorFunk]

I love how last semester we had 45 minutes to cover an entire musculoskeletal system exam, and now tomorrow we have 2 freaking hours to look at...skin.

Well skin is the largest organ in the body. You know, unless you're me.

 

[Agent Splat]

you can't do an ER rotation now? why not? can you do one elsewhere? I'd definitely like to do one.

you should have a 3rd year ER elective available. They canned it when Dr. Leschke left because it was his baby, and we loved him for it. They wanted to make modifications since he ran the show, but it appears they should have one running for us when we start. Don't worry, Dear Prowler. You will also have one available 4th year. The clinical procedures rotation also gives some EM experience.

If you like I'd be happy to talk with you more about this in person. Just come and say hi.

 

[Agent Splat]

Well skin is the largest organ in the body. You know, unless you're me.

...forgot sphincter muscles count as organs. My bad.

 

[Gimlet]

BURN!!!a

 

[akpete]

So I'm selfish and I want advice catered to me and my interests. Those interests currently include orthopedic surgery, anesthesiology, and pathology.

What order for 3rd year? Discuss.





I really don't want to be in school tomorrow. 😡

 

[akpete]

...forgot sphincter muscles count as organs. My bad.

 

[DoctorFunk]

...forgot sphincter muscles count as organs. My bad.

You're just jealous that I shall be forever GERDless.

 

[indo]

Hardest and longest...just like my [bleeeep].

My maturity is unparalleled.

haha. If I had a girlfriend I would make her refer to my naughty bits as "the big 3".

 

[samenewme]

Shoot! I was supposed to meet DoctorFunk today at noon outside the cafeteria to pick up my Wheater's and I am home, sick, just woke up, and can't make it. (I could GET THERE, but it would be UGLY and involve germs). Someone please tell him!

 

[45408]

If you like I'd be happy to talk with you more about this in person. Just come and say hi.

 

[donnyfire]

They're called the big 3 because they're the hardest?

I don't think they are really "hard" in an academic sense. They do tend to involve the longer hours, and are two months vs. the month devoted to other rotations. I actually thought that they were pretty easy, and fun, except for the hours.

Some people also consider them more important to do well in, as they are sort of the "core" of medicine. Residency directors I've spoken to like to see people have good marks in these.

 

[samenewme]

Try wrist splints for a few days. I have some you can borrow if you like.

Sleep wearing them and use them when you type. Made a big difference for me and it went away after a few weeks. I had the signs and symptoms of carpal tunnel for awhile too right down to a positive teneal-something or other test.

And get an ergonomic keyboard. And have your wife massage your hands. Hand massages are glorious.

One of the easiest things to do is check the height of your keyboard and its distance from you. If you're having to cock your wrists to type, that's stressful. Moving the keyboard further away and raising or lowering your chair can help an awful lot.

I'm awake now, can you all tell? Apparently people who are intermittently sensitive to Sudafed should just NOT TAKE IT at 6:00 in the morning if they want to sleep that night. Who knew? I woke up at 1:30, pretended I would be able to get back to sleep until 4:00, and finally got up and studied for a couple of hours. Finally got sleeping right about time to go to class at 7:00, so I did. I figured a couple hours of cat nap and I'd drag into school.

Nope.

Woke up groggy but moderately rested at 11:00, full of the head cold that inspired the Sudafed yesterday. Yum-my!

 

[Agent Splat]

Anybody else get a letter "to your parents" saying you were eligible for the National Honor Roll, and that a confirmation letter is coming soon? Oddly enough it says "only a small percentage of all high school students will be published."

How old do they think i am??? maybe AMA gave them my address again.

 

[45408]

Anybody else get a letter "to your parents" saying you were eligible for the National Honor Roll, and that a confirmation letter is coming soon? Oddly enough it says "only a small percentage of all high school students will be published."

How old do they think i am??? maybe AMA gave them my address again.

hmmm, next up: Physician's Committee for Responsible Honor Roll Winners

 

[Agent Splat]

hmmm, next up: Physician's Committee for Responsible Honor Roll Winners

Oh, i just reread it more closely, here's the best part....since it's addressed to "Dear Parents of..." it keeps referring to me as their "child." Love it.

 

[indo]

Honor Roll Winners for Truth!

 

[Agent Splat]

On a roll with Honor Roll!!!!

 

[Ashers]

I'm on the high school honor roll too! Ya know McBride did call the school "MCW High."

 

[DoctorFunk]

I'm on the high school honor roll too! Ya know McBride did call the school "MCW High."

I can't wait to get my copy of the yearbook and a letter jacket!

 

[indo]

MCW seems to have slightly more intraclass sexual shennanigans than high school.


When is it going to snow?

 

[indo]

How do I get my grades from last term? Do either of the multimillion dollar online interface softwares (angel or oasis) provide that service?

 

[DoctorFunk]

How do I get my grades from last term? Do either of the multimillion dollar online interface softwares (angel or oasis) provide that service?

Yeah, not so much. You're gonna have to wait for them to come in the mail just like everyone else. I seem to recall that they came sometime between 3 and 4 weeks into spring semester last year.

 

[indo]

Yeah, not so much. You're gonna have to wait for them to come in the mail just like everyone else. I seem to recall that they came sometime between 3 and 4 weeks into spring semester last year.

Hey, thanks for the heads-up on Linda Costanza's Physiology text. That book has matched up with the lecture notes almost word for word. I really like it.

 

[Ashers]

Yeah, not so much. You're gonna have to wait for them to come in the mail just like everyone else. I seem to recall that they came sometime between 3 and 4 weeks into spring semester last year.

Weren't they in our locked mail boxes after 1st semester, and they mailed them after 2nd?

 

[DoctorFunk]

Weren't they in our locked mail boxes after 1st semester, and they mailed them after 2nd?

Eh, maybe. After that long, stressful wait for grades I may have gone on a dissociative fugue and forgotten all about the actual unveiling.

 

[DoctorFunk]

Hey, thanks for the heads-up on Linda Costanza's Physiology text. That book has matched up with the lecture notes almost word for word. I really like it.

Viva la revolution!

 

[Ashers]

Eh, maybe. After that long, stressful wait for grades I may have gone on a dissociative fugue and forgotten all about the actual unveiling.

I don't remember important details about things. I remember random crap. Unfortunately, I think I lost the grade sheet where the comment said I am awesome and should be a doctor right now. I could've just turned that in, in exchange for my MD and be done.

 

[DoctorFunk]

I could've just turned that in, in exchange for my MD and be done.

I already sent away for my Super Secret MCW Decoder Ring that should allow me to decrypt our next pathology exam and lead me to my MD, which is hidden somewhere in the building right now.

Oddly enough, the ring cost exactly the same as our next two years of tuition. What a coincidence!

 

[indo]

When you all were M1.5s did you find it increasingly hard to go to class? I'm having a hell of time motivating myself to go to class rather than just sleep in and listen to lectures on MP3s at home.

 

[Gimlet]

As I recall, they didn't start doing lectures in mp3 format until about halfway through 2nd semester last year. Before that we had to check out cassette tapes from the library. But yeah, M1.5 semester was when I started seriously skipping classes if I knew they weren't going to be helpful.

 

[45408]

Hey, thanks for the heads-up on Linda Costanza's Physiology text. That book has matched up with the lecture notes almost word for word. I really like it.

sonavabitch. I accidentally ordered myself a second copy of the BRS Phys instead of Costanzo's Phys text. Should I get the textbook? I've been reading Guyton on reserve.

 

[indo]

sonavabitch. I accidentally ordered myself a second copy of the BRS Phys instead of Costanzo's Phys text. Should I get the textbook? I've been reading Guyton on reserve.

I usually bring it to class with me if you want to look at it before you buy it.

 

[DoctorFunk]

sonavabitch. I accidentally ordered myself a second copy of the BRS Phys instead of Costanzo's Phys text. Should I get the textbook? I've been reading Guyton on reserve.

You could try checking out the Costanzo textbook from the library. They had a copy I checked out last year for 3-4 weeks that gave me a good idea of how useful it would be for me. Within about a week I had a copy ordered from Amazon.

 

[indo]

costanza's isbn # 1-4160-2320-3

 

[DoctorFunk]

But yeah, M1.5 semester was when I started seriously skipping classes if I knew they weren't going to be helpful.

That semester was when I stopped religiously attending classes. It started with Cell Bio, since they followed the notes so closely. Then I started skipping neuro, since half the time lecturers didn't show and the other half I couldn't understand what they were talking about anyways. Then, finally, I started skipping phys (which is still my favorite class) because I got sick of having to come to school for just one class every day. I think that by about a month prior to finals I wasn't attending any lecture/group session that was optional.

 

[DoctorFunk]

Should I get the textbook? I've been reading Guyton on reserve.

Oh, and just to pimp out my lady Costanzo a little more, if you like the book at all I would definitely try to have access to a copy before you start up respiratory phys. That was the one block where the phys. notes were utter ****e, the lecturer was just as bad, and Guyton's chapters fell far short of the cardiovascular and renal sections. Not to mention that respiratory physiology in general is complete ass. It was an unholy triumvirate of physiology hell, and Costanzo was the only thing that got me through it without altering my course grade.

 

[Ashers]

As I recall, they didn't start doing lectures in mp3 format until about halfway through 2nd semester last year. Before that we had to check out cassette tapes from the library. But yeah, M1.5 semester was when I started seriously skipping classes if I knew they weren't going to be helpful.

I don't mean to sound anal or anything; like I said before, I remember irrelevant details, but it was halfway through first semester that they started it -- about Octoberish. I listened to parts of a funny lecture from devo (the pediatric cardiologist) in October and Schwab in December but only because he's awesome (I was sad that they weren't recording mp3s in September the first time Schwab lectured). The one time I did skip class just to skip, the first day of phys after the block 2 exams, the taping system didn't work, and I had to find other ways to learn the intro to renal phys. =(

I never found it hard to go to class, except MIM which I skipped religiously, except for the very first and last lectures. Sometimes now I find it hard to be in class, but showing up isn't too difficult.