T6, W2, Days 339, 340, 341, 342, 343, M-F

Other then when I tried pledging, I think this is the longest I've gone between blogs during any semester so far. To me, this semester is significantly more difficult than any I've encounter so far. Previously, it was like racing down highway 64 at 80 mph in a giant bumper car with every lane covered in oil ...you'd smash into walls to the right and left, as well as other cars but just had to keep moving forward regardless of the collisions. This semester is like that except the road is now at a 30 degree incline so even more effort is needed just to maintain pace.

I have been on top of things as far as all the extra assignments are concerned. Last weekend I knocked out the extra Neurology assignment we had and, as of this past Thursday found out that only a total of two people in the class had completed that assignment so kudos there (I'll take the kudos when I can get them) ;)

Also, this past week, I knocked out my Laboratory Rotation. We have to dress in clinic attire for that which is almost a bit ironic, if not funny, because I'm having to wear a shirt and tie to look at urine under a microscope! LOL

Most of the time, however, we looked at blood under the microscope and we spent a couple hours looking through the microscopes and counting the different types of white blood cells (WBCs) which, was pretty cool because we've spent so much time learning about those different WBCs like neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils. With neutrophils we looked for those called bands and stabs. For many cells, and WBC in particular, there are various stages of development of the cells that are of clinical importance. Bands & stabs may be analogous to a person who may be either an infant or adolescent.

Today (Sunday) ...well, actually, I guess that was yesterday since it's about 4 a.m. Monday now (9/20) but, yesterday I went to the local Humane Society at 1 p.m. to get training on being a volunteer and then stayed until about 4 o'clock playing with the animals and walking some dogs. This fulfills my community service requirement for my professional development class. We need a total of four hours and I've got 75% in now and will easily finish up my time by the end of next weekend.

This week, on Wednesday, I'll complete my Radiology Rotation. It's another dress up day and one I'm looking forward to. I think I'm signed up for a 3:50 p.m. rotation and should be done by 6 p.m. I've been wanting to sit in on some of the radiology meetings and this gives me the mandated opportunity to do that.

I've got a HUGE amount of respect for those DACBR's (board certified radiologist) as well as any doctor with a diplomat or advanced training in any specialty. That DACBR certification really puts you head and shoulders above the masses and it does so for any type of doctor, whether you're an MD, DC or DO. Still, the reality of it seems very far away and is still somewhat intimidating. However, after another year of radiology at the doctoral level it might not seem so daunting. Plus, let's not forget it's another three years of schooling just for an opportunity to be tested ....no guarantee you'll become board certified ...just an opportunity to test.

I think, however, the enormous scale and difficulty level of becoming a DACBR is somewhat appealing. One of the most appealing aspects of radiology study is how much it encompases so many other disciplines such as pathology, microbiology and anatomy, for instance.

Week 3, Day 1 is a massive day that runs from 7:20 a.m. to 4:35 p.m. We have;

Jurisprudence - (2 hours)

Physical Dx II - (1 hour)

Dx Imag II - (1 hour)

Clinical Reasoning - (1 hour)

SHC Practicum II - (4 hours)

geez ...that's 9 hours worth of classes alone, plus a one hour lunch and a couple hours commute for me ....makes for a hefty day. Wednesday will be similar but even longer with my Radiology rotation.

This is a challenge - a huge, enormous challenge ...