Back to bed

The last two months have been a blur. After two years of unrelenting study, I’m talking to real patients, learning how things are done in the real world, and trying to figure out how to do this whole “doctor” thing. And let me tell you, it’s been awesome.

The first month in surgery, I flowndered before my attending trying to think of the names of body parts I haven’t seen since I was in the anatomy lab two years ago. I learned just how much work I need to put in in order to develop a robust differential diagnosis. And I learned that I liked the change is scenery and unpredictable nature of hospital and procedural medicine.

In Family medicine, I learned to appreciate building long-term relationships with patients. Truly knowing someone is an invaluable tool to be able to speak into your patient’s lives. It also can allow you to notice the slightest change in a person, hopefully starting the workup for disease soon enough to make a difference.

I used OMT every day. Some patients responded amazingly and thought I was magical. Other patients noticed little change, and one other was better before I touched her. Luckily she was patient with my as I learned. I love being an Osteopathic student. The philosophy and manipulation skills are so useful in patient’s lives, and patients really felt like I cared.

It may seem cliche, but these last eight weeks have made the first two years worthwhile. Though, I’m so glad I never have to go through them again.

This week I start four weeks in the Emergency Department. What a breath of fresh air to return to my roots. Let’s hope I can figure out exactly what I want to be when I grow up soon.