"One of the hardest lessons as a doctor is learning to prioritize"

Meredith [voiceover] One of the hardest lessons as a doctor is learning to prioritize. We're trained to do all we can to save life and limb, but, if cutting off a limb, means saving a life, we learn to do it without hesitation. It's not an easy lesson to learn, and it always comes down to one question, "what are the stakes?" What do we stand to gain or lose? At the end of the day, we're just gamblers trying not to bet the farm.

Somehow it's been a month since I've updated on the exciting goings on of my life (insert rolled eyes here). Honestly, the excitement is pretty dim these days. I'm going to skip all the day-by-day mumbo jumbo and hit on a couple highlights, just to let y'all know I'm still alive.

-Final Witnessed H&P - This is a complete history and physical exam done on a real patient, by me, and watched by a real doctor (my preceptor) that happened last week. It went better than I could've hoped, and I seriously cannot wait to be an M3 and doing these kind of things every day.

Suture Lab - Yup, I sewed a pig's foot back together. It was pretty cool. A challenge to begin with, but I got the hang of it. I'm hoping to get some good practice on OB/GYN so that I won't look like a complete idiot by the time surgery rolls around.

Other than these two "exciting" things, life is all about finishing the next 7 days of the classroom and 9 following tests... then that big one.

But on the other side..... Hellllllo Mickey Mouse! :)

"When was the last time a stranger took off her clothes in front of you, pointed to a purple splotch on her back, and asked,"what the hell is this?"

"Question- when was the last time a complete stranger took off her clothes in front of you, pointed to a big purple splotch on her back, and asked,"what the hell is this thing?" If you're a normal person,the answer is hopefully never. If you're a doctor the answer is probably about five minutes ago." - Meredith Grey

So I haven't fallen off the face of the planet. In fact, I haven't even fallen out of the state. It's just been busy enough, and boring enough, that I've found myself with little to document. However, assuming the role of a true historian, I must break the silence and catch up - primarily with this week's events.

Thanksgiving at home was wonderful, I really enjoyed the family time and catching up with M and S. I miss her a lot some days... okay, most days. Having a sister, whether by blood or heart, is one of the best things that has ever happened to me.

As far as school goes, it's basically one and the same. I'm entering a period of extreme "M2-itis" (extreme loathing of the classroom, studying, and the fourletterword coupled with intense procrastination, lack of motivation, and lots of dreaming about being on wards). Thankfully, it's almost Christmas break - which means a few extra days away, and one more test block down. Leaving us with only three to go before M3. :D

In other school related news, I'm pretty sure M and I got THE best preceptor on the planet. We've had a good time with her both times we've met, felt very at ease and stress-less over the situation, and are learning bits and pieces to incorporate into our own clinical practices. With that said, yesterday I did my first completely solo H&P (emphasis on the "H") - as in, grabbed the chart and walked in the patient's room on my own. Dr. M had previously informed the patient I was coming, but there's a first time for everything right? I'd done history-taking before, but announcing my own arrival was a new step... and it still amazes me what the White Coat does. The experience went well (except for the fact that I've yet to actually write up the final) and I'm looking forward to next week :)

Last night I went to my first Christian concert - Chris Tomlin and Louis Giglio. It was fabulous. Definitely helped me stay in the Christmas spirit with the reason for the season.

Tomorrow's going to be pretty crazy - Mississippi Children's Museum is opening, and I (and several PIG members/officers) am slotted to help with some of Batson's activities there. Should be a fun day. Tomorrow night is the Claus Ball, if I've got one iota of energy left. And then it's almost time to do it all again.

Lord, hold me... and help me cherish these (stressful) days before Christmas in the midst of the craziness.