Infectious disease and Health Clinic visit

So this last few weeks have been quite the adventure! Infectious disease was my last course and it was the most draining class that we have had yet! It was a big dump of information and proved to be the most demanding module yet. 

One of the best things I love about Pacific's PA program is the built-in weekend "breaks" after modules. I am now enjoying my friday afternoon-monday afternoon break with little to no studying. I had a classmate explain it as "coming up for air" from our deep swimming in all of the curriculum. What a great explanation!

It was interesting to look at everyone after the individual and group test... it was like looking at zombies, everyone had tired written all over their faces with red and droopy eyes. It was apparent everyone was ready for a much needed break to rejuvenate. 

The night before the exam, it has been a habit of mine and a few of my classmates to review all of the material from the past module. However I was able to go to a free Health Clinic with a few of my professors to get some experience.

 I was able to look in a few ears (my first time using an otoscope) and I saw a Cholesteatoma. It was pretty cool, since my professor had only seen a few of them in her career. I also got to see a patient with an H. Pylori infection and practice my antibiotic knowledge and prescription writing skills. I was also able to practice and prepare for my next module with interviewing patients. It was a very enjoyable experience and helped to remind me of the reason why I want to be a PA! 


Our first semester is almost over, and it has gone by SO fast! At times it feels like it has been at least 6 months that I have been in school, just because of the amount of material. We have patient interviewing this upcoming week and i'm told it is a lot of fun. Our white coat ceremony is approaching soon and will also be an exciting event. Expect pictures of that too! 

First big course and Vice President

So... I have found myself VERY busy for the past month! I cannot believe how quickly things have flown by. After two big tests, my first course, Fundamentals of Clinical Medicine is now complete! It was so much information and I ended up having lecture 8 hours a day, then studying for another 4 or 5 hours afterword til about 10:00 every night (when the building closed). I have really enjoyed all the information and the challenge of learning medicine. It has, no doubt, been a lot of work and will continue to get harder as next semester approaches, but I can't wait until we get to do a little more 'hands on' with physical exams and working with patients. 


I do get the opportunity in two weeks to volunteer at the health clinic down the street from the school for an evening. It will basically be shadowing and following one of our professors around, doing a few things here and there. I will give the update on how that goes, it should be a lot of fun.


I have also been selected to be class Vice President! Its such a great opportunity to do a lot of good for my class, and get some more great leadership experience. I'm not exactly sure what is in store for me in this position, however I will give it my best effort and put all that I can into helping our class to succeed. 


The next upcoming course is Infectious Disease and Immunology, and this is technically our first Clinical Module. It will be a lot of work, just like everything i've done so far, but will be important for my clinical foundation. The end of the semester is soon approaching (the beginning of August) then we will have our white coat ceremony. Which should be a lot of fun too! Just starting my journey, and so much to look forward to!