So, how's the first week going new MS1s?

[Tiki]

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Yeah, for the first three days of classes, things were going great. There was obviously a lot of information in Anatomy, but with a bit of effort I could learn all the back muscles and components of vertebrae, etc. Biochem was also ok...our lecturers have been moving at a fast rate, but their notes are great and with some review it all becomes quite clear.

Then today we had our first embryology lecture. WTF!?!?

Why do we have to know this? What use could it possibly be? (Actually, that is a good question for a lot of the stuff we will bea learning.) There is so much detail in embryology and it all seems so hard to relate to it. What's so complicated about sperm, egg, uterus, amniotic sac, 9 months, BOOM! You have a baby! Why do we need to know about bilaminar and trilaminar embryos, primary and secondary yolks, and the cortical effect?

Does anyone (MS IIs maybe) have any idea of how much detail we need to know our embryology? We're using Langman's book - all the information in it CAN'T possibly be tested, so how do we know what's important?

I think some second years have said that for every class they took, they just studied using the prof's lecture handouts, their own notes from lecture, and review books like BRS or High Yield Anatomy/Biochem/Embryology/Physiology/etc.? Does this work? For what classes?

You had Moorman's lecture. 😀

I used BRS embryo. I never once opened Langmans.

 

[Psycho Doctor]

No, that doesn't just suck. It's ******ed and antithetical to the whole idea of medical school. Are we or are we not entering a professional school? And is the aim of professional school not to instruct us and prepare us for a profession? So what good does it do to fail those who have mastered the material?

I just lost a lot of respect for Georgetown there. You would think a Catholic school would get that more than most (especially a Jesuit school), but it's not like Georgetown has done much to beef up its Catholic identity as of late.

It really annoys me to hear schools say that being on the waitlist is a sign that you're capable of being a strong physician and med student but the class is full, and then you see schools like Georgetown grading on the curve and failing people who were supposedly good enough to get in, be great physicians, and who performed up to their potential but didn't score the highest in some backwards, superficial game.

Lame.

if this is really true it means like a third of the class is failed whether they actually fail por not. i agree it's totally ******ed and unethical. I can't believe it's actually done.

 

[DeterminedMD]

So I just finished first week....all I can say is Im glad its friday!!! So we are on a block schedule so we have all gross anatomy for 7 weeks. Its definitely a lot to take in. I have a test in 2 weeks. Already worrying. I have never studied so much in my life. Med school is a whole different game. But I have enjoyed it. The case studies tie it all together nicely and help remind me that I am doing this for a reason. I have to agree with others though....first week is like getting an encyclopedia set thrown at you and being told to remember it all.

 

[humuhumu]

Then today we had our first embryology lecture. WTF!?!?

Why do we have to know this? What use could it possibly be? (Actually, that is a good question for a lot of the stuff we will bea learning.) There is so much detail in embryology and it all seems so hard to relate to it. What's so complicated about sperm, egg, uterus, amniotic sac, 9 months, BOOM! You have a baby! Why do we need to know about bilaminar and trilaminar embryos, primary and secondary yolks, and the cortical effect?

The importance of embryology will become clear when you do a rotation in pediatrics. In class, pay special attention to developmental anomalies -- the pediatric inpatient ward is full of them.

Embryology also helps you make sense out of otherwise incomprehensible bits of normal anatomy, such as the foramen cecum of the tongue, male nipples, the fossa ovalis in the heart, the left recurrent laryngeal nerve looping under the aorta (next to the useless ligamentum arteriosum), the round ligaments of the uterus, and the testicular arteries, which seem to branch way too soon off the abdominal aorta.

 

[OddNath]

Just completed week 1, and I'm off to a couple parties tonight. So far, not so bad! It really helps to surround yourself with people with a good sense of humor, which isn't hard where I go. And make sure that you keep some sort of life outside of school. Despite my worry in the weeks leading up to this one, I've actually enjoyed the experience so far.

 

[marimiyaz]

You had Moorman's lecture. 😀

I used BRS embryo. I never once opened Langmans.

yeah that's what my peer advisor said too, so i didn't buy Langmans. I'm kind of glad i didn't because i honestly don't have time to do any more reading, i've barely gotten through the other stuff. but the notes for moorman are really hard to follow, mainly because there are no pictures to go along with the text so it's hard to visualize.

overall i'm enjoying medical school so far, the amount of information we have to master is a lot, but i guess that's to be expected. i was a little overwhelmed at first but after talking with some ppl is seems i'm not the only one so that's comforting. i'm definitely going to value my free time alot more now though..... 😳

 

[vhawk]

The SMP kids dont count towards the average, at least not for us. I thought about that when we started, but I was assured we only compete against med students. And like I said, no one HAS to fail, as long as no one scores more than 2 standard deviations below the mean.


Is GTown really the only school that grades like this?

 

[SkylineMD]

Theres a BRS Embryology??? wow, never even ran across that book when I was buying books. Most people had recommended HY embryology to me and now I recommend it to others. The embryo section on our exams used to be a small percentage of the grade and HY was great for it IMO.

As for the 1st years, I hope youre keeping up with the info. Anatomy goes by like a blur. It's deceptive in that you think you're doing fine and then you sit down to study it and you think "wohhh, we are this far in??". Well at least thats how it was for me when I took anatomy. Near the end I learned to keep up with the material and was much more comfortable. Oh yeah, don't forget to have fun. If you study ALLL the time, your grades will most likely not go anywhere. Factor in some down time every week and not only will your grades be better, but you'll be able to keep your sanity.

 

[kcumbDO]

whoever thinks med school is binge and purge will be dissapointed when faced with the USMLE step 1

 

[Sureshot83]

yeah that's what my peer advisor said too, so i didn't buy Langmans. I'm kind of glad i didn't because i honestly don't have time to do any more reading, i've barely gotten through the other stuff. but the notes for moorman are really hard to follow, mainly because there are no pictures to go along with the text so it's hard to visualize.

Yeah, I got Langman's (8th edition, not the current 9th) from an MS III for $10, so I decided it was probably worth at least that much. I was asking Dr. Moorman what level of detail we needed to know the embryology stuff in, and this is what he said: there will likely be six questions from his two lectures on our block 1 exam. (General rule: there are three questions from each lecture on the exams.) He also said that every question will relate DIRECTLY to the list of learning objectives that is on his lecture handout. If that is the case, I'm not as worried as I was before - at least there is a general outline of material that we need to know.

Also, I have to say that Dr. Moorman is a really cool guy - I like him a lot. Today a few of us were looking over some cadavers in the lab, and he happened to walk in. He was talking to us about random stuff for a while, including this exchange:

Dr. Moorman: I've actually got a few things named after me in books already. For example, in crickets, there is a guard hair that protects the tympanal membrane, which is crucial to the insect's hearing ability. The hair is now called the "guard hair of Moorman" in some books.
My lab partner: Wow, so you actually discovered the hair and what its function was!
Dr. Moorman: No...everyone knew about the guard hair and what it did. I was just the one to discover that it hadn't been named yet.

He was also telling us about some of his research projects. which can be found by googling "molecular chocolate," "circadian vodka," or "molecular basis of samuel adams beer preference"

 

[marimiyaz]

Yeah, I got Langman's (8th edition, not the current 9th) from an MS III for $10, so I decided it was probably worth at least that much. I was asking Dr. Moorman what level of detail we needed to know the embryology stuff in, and this is what he said: there will likely be six questions from his two lectures on our block 1 exam. (General rule: there are three questions from each lecture on the exams.) He also said that every question will relate DIRECTLY to the list of learning objectives that is on his lecture handout. If that is the case, I'm not as worried as I was before - at least there is a general outline of material that we need to know.

Also, I have to say that Dr. Moorman is a really cool guy - I like him a lot. Today a few of us were looking over some cadavers in the lab, and he happened to walk in. He was talking to us about random stuff for a while, including this exchange:

Dr. Moorman: I've actually got a few things named after me in books already. For example, in crickets, there is a guard hair that protects the tympanal membrane, which is crucial to the insect's hearing ability. The hair is now called the "guard hair of Moorman" in some books.
My lab partner: Wow, so you actually discovered the hair and what its function was!
Dr. Moorman: No...everyone knew about the guard hair and what it did. I was just the one to discover that it hadn't been named yet.

He was also telling us about some of his research projects. which can be found by googling "molecular chocolate," "circadian vodka," or "molecular basis of samuel adams beer preference"

yeah i looked at some of the embryo exam questions- they seemed like they related directly to his notes, so that's good. i think i'll borrow my friend's copy of langman's when i want to see the images.

haha his research projects sound really fun, i esp like molecular chocolate. 😛 i bet he'd be fun to do the summer research internship with.

 

[Tiki]

yeah that's what my peer advisor said too, so i didn't buy Langmans. I'm kind of glad i didn't because i honestly don't have time to do any more reading, i've barely gotten through the other stuff. but the notes for moorman are really hard to follow, mainly because there are no pictures to go along with the text so it's hard to visualize.

overall i'm enjoying medical school so far, the amount of information we have to master is a lot, but i guess that's to be expected. i was a little overwhelmed at first but after talking with some ppl is seems i'm not the only one so that's comforting. i'm definitely going to value my free time alot more now though..... 😳

It's hard in the beginning but don't worry, everyone feels stressed out. Once you pass your first exams you'll feel much better. The second exam block does get a bit more stressful because you'll have Anatomy, CGM and Biochem, but after that first year gets considerably easier!

 

[EvoDevo]

"Cromulent." I love it. Seeing as you are the inventor of KLESHH, I am expecting you to come up with the keys to med school success for us all.

Almost one week in, I'm loving it, but sensing the storm on the horizon.

I'll let you know as soon as the first round of exams are over.

 

[Skialta]

I would buy Langmans just for the symbrio CD. The soundtrack rocks! Don't be too stressed, nearly all of you will pass.

Skialta MSIII

 

[DrYo12]

Don't be too stressed, nearly all of you will pass.

Encouraging words indeed. Just don't be 'that guy' and you'll be fine.

 

[KNightInBlue]

Today marks the end of my 2nd week as a first year med student at nymc.
And also the day of my first anatomy/embryology exam (no, I dont know how I did, the results are not out yet, and even if they were, I am not checking till after my histology exam on thursday).

All in all I must say med school is pretty anti-climactic. We hear a full spectrum of experiences before we start, ranging from kicking ass to getting kicked in the nuts. Once we start, most ppl realise pretty soon afterwards that its somewhere in the middle (right down the middle actually).

I guess the biggest disappointment was lectures. I got all gung ho about attending medical lectures and after the first day, realised that they are a complete waste of time (especially if they are scribed and you get the lecture word for word afterwards). I find that getting up at 9, studying fr about 4 - 5 hrs, attending lab (do NOT miss anatomy lab!) and then having the rest of the day to myself is a much better way to manage the TONS of info thrown at us.

On the other hand, your classmates really do make it fun. Barring a few overzealous gunners, nymc ended up with a pretty cool class this year and studyin/hanging/drinking/passing out with them so far has been memorable.


Basically, dont expect too much. Its pretty much like high school, with the same ppl and same schedule day in and day out, but with a lot more information to take in. Manage your time well (AHEM:: no lectures ::AHEM) and you should do fine.


Then again, I have no idea if I failed this morning's test or got a 100, so what the hell do I know?


Later

P.S. Yes, it hits you that you are a med student when you are in anatomy lab at 2 AM studying with your labmates for an upcoming test and ppl start losing it.

P.P.S. Get Larsen's study guide for embryo. Its a godsend. Throw out BRS.

 

[lorelei]

Today was the start of my 2nd week. If I'd responded to this thread over the weekend I would have been all gung-ho "I love med school!" I was surprised that the material is as interesting as it is, and also pleasantly surprised that engineer-me could keep up with what was going on (at least to the point of understanding what's up in lectures, maybe not so much with the studying).

Then we had anatomy today and I'm worried! I was the person who couldn't handle it; I nearly fainted multiple times, and had to spend a fair amount of time in the hallway with my head between my knees. In my defense, I'm just starting to get over a nasty cold/flu I came down with on Thursday, so I had some near-fainting episodes over the weekend just from standing up too fast. But still, it was difficult. Hopefully Wednesday will go better. I did ask, and no one has ever failed for this reason.

 

[UCLAstudent]

Started my third week today. I'm 1/4 done with Block 1!

 

[UDbiochem]

Today was the start of my 2nd week. If I'd responded to this thread over the weekend I would have been all gung-ho "I love med school!" I was surprised that the material is as interesting as it is, and also pleasantly surprised that engineer-me could keep up with what was going on (at least to the point of understanding what's up in lectures, maybe not so much with the studying).

Then we had anatomy today and I'm worried! I was the person who couldn't handle it; I nearly fainted multiple times, and had to spend a fair amount of time in the hallway with my head between my knees. In my defense, I'm just starting to get over a nasty cold/flu I came down with on Thursday, so I had some near-fainting episodes over the weekend just from standing up too fast. But still, it was difficult. Hopefully Wednesday will go better. I did ask, and no one has ever failed for this reason.

Last week I felt really sick one day of dissections... but this week it started getting really cool and I'm getting more used to it. Maybe it just takes time... good luck.

 

[KNightInBlue]

Today was the start of my 2nd week. If I'd responded to this thread over the weekend I would have been all gung-ho "I love med school!" I was surprised that the material is as interesting as it is, and also pleasantly surprised that engineer-me could keep up with what was going on (at least to the point of understanding what's up in lectures, maybe not so much with the studying).

Then we had anatomy today and I'm worried! I was the person who couldn't handle it; I nearly fainted multiple times, and had to spend a fair amount of time in the hallway with my head between my knees. In my defense, I'm just starting to get over a nasty cold/flu I came down with on Thursday, so I had some near-fainting episodes over the weekend just from standing up too fast. But still, it was difficult. Hopefully Wednesday will go better. I did ask, and no one has ever failed for this reason.

Maybe its the smell? Rub vicks vaporub on your upper lip liberally (try saying that real fast!) See if that helps

 

[Chris127]

Yeah, I can see how one may feel sick at the first sight or experience of splitting someone open. But stay with it, because its all about desensitization. For me as a premed starting my first year in college (and living away from home for the first time) it is difficult and a bit unsettling. But constant exposure to this routine and new atmosphere and I will be feeling fine. In terms of dissecting a cadaver, consistent exposure to the process and you will find yourself very comfortable with it.

 

[Psycho Doctor]

Then we had anatomy today and I'm worried! I was the person who couldn't handle it; I nearly fainted multiple times, and had to spend a fair amount of time in the hallway with my head between my knees. In my defense, I'm just starting to get over a nasty cold/flu I came down with on Thursday, so I had some near-fainting episodes over the weekend just from standing up too fast. But still, it was difficult. Hopefully Wednesday will go better. I did ask, and no one has ever failed for this reason.

what happened in anatomy that caused you to almost faint multiple times??? I can see being in the OR or morgue, but anatomy class? You mean you start dissections on day 1 of anatomy class? oh gosh. 🙁

 

[liverotcod]

what happened in anatomy that caused you to almost faint multiple times??? I can see being in the OR or morgue, but anatomy class? You mean you start dissections on day 1 of anatomy class? oh gosh. 🙁

For me, day one was a half-hour introduction to dissection lab procedures and a lecture on respecting the cadaver.

Day two was skinning the thorax and abdomen, anterior and posterior, checking out extrinsic muscles and cutaneous nerves along the way. Our cadaver had about three inches of adipose to clear away to get to the fascia.

 

[Kazema]

Our first day of anatomy was on the Friday of the second week of school. We did the introductions and moved right into skinning the back and clearing out the superficial fascia. I don't think anyone got sick or fainted or anything in our class.

 

[Psycho Doctor]

For me, day one was a half-hour introduction to dissection lab procedures and a lecture on respecting the cadaver.

Day two was skinning the thorax and abdomen, anterior and posterior, checking out extrinsic muscles and cutaneous nerves along the way. Our cadaver had about three inches of adipose to clear away to get to the fascia.

i know this is a really stupid question, but i've never seen a cadaver before. Is the head covered up or do we get to visualize the face and see their expression, pain, etc. Are they all older people or are some teenagers and children?

 

[synapse lapse]

i know this is a really stupid question, but i've never seen a cadaver before. Is the head covered up or do we get to visualize the face and see their expression, pain, etc. Are they all older people or are some teenagers and children?

They are usually over 80 or so, very old, its unlikely u will get a teenager. They are in metal tanks submerged in preservative fluid. They are mostly grey and yellowish in color, and don't usually have some crazy expression on their face or anything. They will be wrapped in a sheet to keep the moisture in, and you typically leave this sheet on areas you won't be dissecting to keep them moist. Most schools ease you into it at first I think, meaning the face will be worked on later in the semester and will be wrapped. It is up to you which areas to uncover if you are curious. It's not that bad at all, you will quickly aclimate and get to work enjoying learning about the body! remember, they wanted you to or they wouldn't have given their body.

 

[Psycho Doctor]

They are usually over 80 or so, very old, its unlikely u will get a teenager. They are in metal tanks submerged in preservative fluid. They are mostly grey and yellowish in color, and don't usually have some crazy expression on their face or anything. They will be wrapped in a sheet to keep the moisture in, and you typically leave this sheet on areas you won't be dissecting to keep them moist. Most schools ease you into it at first I think, meaning the face will be worked on later in the semester and will be wrapped. It is up to you which areas to uncover if you are curious. It's not that bad at all, you will quickly aclimate and get to work enjoying learning about the body! remember, they wanted you to or they wouldn't have given their body.

thanks so much; that makes me feel a lot better. I just don't think i could handle dissecting a cadaver of someone who lost their life so young.

how many people in an anatomy lab? do we each get our own cadaver or do we do it with a lab partner? are most people sensitive to the person or do most people crack jokes?

 

[bjsunny]

No one under the age of 18 can choose to donate their body to science (as mandated by law), so don't worry about getting a child. I already looked into this a few days ago out of curiosity.

I just had my first lab a couple days ago, and I think the only reasons I felt a little light-headed were because I was excited (more than I was scared) and because I happened to get some nasty sinus/cold congestion thing right after school started. It is a great opportunity to get to perfom dissection at this level. No one passed out though. The only thing that I can't stop thinking to myself as we dissect is how I am glad I'm a vegetarian...I just would not be able to bring myself to eat something that was once alive after this experience...feels too weird.

 

[synapse lapse]

thanks so much; that makes me feel a lot better. I just don't think i could handle dissecting a cadaver of someone who lost their life so young.

how many people in an anatomy lab? do we each get our own cadaver or do we do it with a lab partner? are most people sensitive to the person or do most people crack jokes?

I don't think any school has one person for cadaver, would be a big waste. I think it ranges from 4-6, my school has 4. Some people are overly sensitive (you will probably be one PD), others are crass and joke (I am one of those). Humor is a way of people coping with a stressful time, or for others it is just a way of life. Some find it offensive some don't. Just like anything in life, different strokes. Anyhow, the person obviously knew that you would be dissecting them and that this would be strange for you, I'm sure they'd appreciate a good joke about it (I sure would!).

 

[lorelei]

Hey, thanks for the kind words about my anatomy difficulties! PD, yeah, we were dissecting on the very first day of anatomy (which was the second week of school).

Today we had the second day and I had no trouble at all. I mean, I don't love the smell, but I didn't feel queasy or woozy at any point. I think it really must have been the combination of being sick and formalin odors making me faint, then since one of the things that goes with fainting is nausea, I felt sick to my stomach way more than I would've normally. Today I totally expected to still have to ease into it, but no worries!

Strangely, it doesn't really seem to bother me at all that we're dissecting what used to be a person; I'm just as grossed out by raw meat (not a vegetarian though). I'm sure once we uncover the face that'll be a little weird.

Now that I know I can do the dissection part I just have to study...

 

[Kazema]

thanks so much; that makes me feel a lot better. I just don't think i could handle dissecting a cadaver of someone who lost their life so young.

how many people in an anatomy lab? do we each get our own cadaver or do we do it with a lab partner? are most people sensitive to the person or do most people crack jokes?

Maybe it varies school to school, but the guy in charge of our lab made a point to address the topic of inappropriate jokes. He basically threatened to do everything in his power to get someone expelled if they made any. Probably better that way - no gray area at all.

 

[UCLAstudent]

We did skin biopsies today on the cadavers. Other than that, we really won't be dissecting them until the second block (mid-October).

 

[stoic]

Ughhh..

our first tests are tomorrow (biochem and cell/tissue biology). last year 1/3 of the class failed the first ctb exam! hopefully it's not so this year...

we don't get into gross anatomy until the middle of september.... i'm really looking forward to adding ANOTHER class in on top of what already seems like an insane amout of material/detail to learn.

but overall, i love it so far. what about you guys?

dave

 

[synapse lapse]

Maybe it varies school to school, but the guy in charge of our lab made a point to address the topic of inappropriate jokes. He basically threatened to do everything in his power to get someone expelled if they made any. Probably better that way - no gray area at all.

That seems overly extreme and anal retentive. I would have probably made a joke about that 🙄

 

[OrnotMajestic]

Got my first "C" today. Thanks medical school!! Stupid embryology/genetics. Gotta rock anatomy....second exam is next week!! :S

 

[Elysium]

Last year what freaked me out when we first uncovered the cadaver (ours are on tables, not in tanks) her nails were painted pink. The nailpolish was still on, like they had just been done. It made her so human and it really shook me up that first day. After that you just get used to it. And yes, people definetly make jokes in lab. Even our cool professor (he's like 80 and still teaching!) made jokes sometimes. My friend's cadaver hade a huge penis so he made everyone come around and look at it when we did that dissection. He was like "this is a FINE specimen!". There's something surreal about scraping fat/skinning bodies/sawing skulls open that sometimes needs a little humor to make it less horrible.

One great tip: if you hate the smell on your hands after lab, USE NITRILE GLOVES. They're usually blue or purple. Absolutely NO smell gets through them and you don't have to double glove. Best thing I did during lab.

 

[Psycho Doctor]

Got my first "C" today. Thanks medical school!! Stupid embryology/genetics. Gotta rock anatomy....second exam is next week!! :S

and was it really a C or did they curve down b/c everyone got in the 90s?

 

[Psycho Doctor]

Last year what freaked me out when we first uncovered the cadaver (ours are on tables, not in tanks) her nails were painted pink. The nailpolish was still on, like they had just been done. It made her so human and it really shook me up that first day. After that you just get used to it. And yes, people definetly make jokes in lab. Even our cool professor (he's like 80 and still teaching!) made jokes sometimes. My friend's cadaver hade a huge penis so he made everyone come around and look at it when we did that dissection. He was like "this is a FINE specimen!". There's something surreal about scraping fat/skinning bodies/sawing skulls open that sometimes needs a little humor to make it less horrible.

One great tip: if you hate the smell on your hands after lab, USE NITRILE GLOVES. They're usually blue or purple. Absolutely NO smell gets through them and you don't have to double glove. Best thing I did during lab.

not looking forward to this at all. thanks for the tip on the gloves

 

[smartreader]

I just finished my first week of medical school. I think I've gotten less then 6 hours of sleep a night. My life has went from "carefree" to: wake up - go to school - study - go home - sleep. A lot of people in my class seem to be up to date with all the molecular biology being taught at the moment, whereas I haven't touched the stuff for over 2 years. So i've been sitting for 6+ hours a day catching up on everything. It's really intense, but I wouldn't trade it for the world!

 

[OrnotMajestic]

and was it really a C or did they curve down b/c everyone got in the 90s?

My school doesn't believe in curving. The grade you get is the grade you keep. We got 2.6 points added to our score because of questions deemed "unfair" or "bad"....but other than that, no curving. So to answer your question, it was a "real C".