Spirometry Lab

This may be the nerdiest post I have ever written on this blog, but hey... this is who I have become!

I am currently in my Pulmonary Domain, so last week we participated in a Spirometry Lab practical. The lab wasn't required, but was "highly encouraged", since it would help to solidify concepts we have been learning over the last few weeks. So, I thought I would go. While it definitely did help solidify my understanding, I was not anticipating how fun/entertaining the lab would be.

We started off, by assembling our Spirometers. This is a device that is used to test breathing flow/volume. As you inhale and exhale, a computer program will map out exactly how much volume of air you take in or out, and how quickly or slowly you do it. After we assembled the device, we conducted our first phase of our lab. We used the spirometer to measure our normal airflow. We then had the computer make a Flow-Volume Loop graph with this information. Next, we used a straw connected to the spirometer and did the whole thing over again. This was to imitate someone with COPD. Sure enough, the Flow-Volume Loop that we constructed mimicked exactly what we thought would occur with someone with an obstructive condition. FINALLY, we conducted one more round, by tying each other up with scarves so that your chest wall doesn't have much movement. This round was to represent a restrictive disease, like Pulmonary Fibrosis. Sure enough, our lab results again predicted exactly what we thought would occur. Its great when that actually happens haha.

"Pulmonary Fibrosis"

Recording our results

"Normal" Flow-Volume Loop

COPD/"Obstructive" Flow-Volume Loop

 This was a really nice change from book studying. To understand the concepts we are learning in a practical manner and to be able to physically see the results from different changes to the lung, I think that I have developed a good understanding of these pulmonary concepts. Plus, we had lots of laughs and a nice study break!

But now, I have less than 1 week left before my pulmonary final..so I I have got to be getting back to the books!

Finals Week

Another semester down! Only 1 more semester until 1) I am done with pre-clinicals and 2) I have to take boards. Its absolutely crazy how quickly this last semester went and I know that next semester will be the same, if not even faster!

This last round of final exams was much different than those of M1 for a few reasons. First, the M2 year is based on block exams (meaning we have a final exam every 2-4 weeks) and we only have 1 main class at a time. So, while all of our grades are based on a 100% final exam for each block, we at least have the opportunity to focus the majority of our time on studying for these domains. Second, I feel like I finally have a scientific background on subjects that allow me to dive right in to the material, instead of having to spend half the class understanding the basics. While I loved my major at UCLA, I think that coming from a non-science heavy major kind of put me at a disadvantage last year...fortunately, I think that having my M1 year under my belt, this disadvantage is over and the playing field is now even. Thirdly, the three final exams that we did have all happened to be some of my favorite courses: Clinical Skills, Epidemiology, and Psychology. So, while finals are always a little stressful...I felt more comfortable with these subjects than others that we have had in the past. Finally, our school put on an AMAZING and supportive finals week that was full of relaxing activities to help us poor med school students out. These activities included pet therapy (an afternoon playing with puppies), art therapy (art supplies out for a quick relaxing break of exercising our creativity), free chair massages (clearly amazing...I don't think this really needs an explanation), and lots and lots of free snacks/coffee.

Pet therapy! 

This semester ended wonderfully. My overall final average for the semester is my highest yet and I feel like I am finally getting the hang of this whole medical school thing. Lets just hope this confidence continues into next semester and into my board studying!

PBL/Block II

So, I have officially finished my M1 year and am now a SECOND YEAR med student! It is pretty dang crazy how fast my first year went... and its even crazier that in less than 11 months, I will be (hopefully) done with my Step 1 board exams and be in the hospital for the rest of my medical education! Nuts!

For now, here is a peak at what is in store for me next year as a Block II student.

My class load for Fall Semester: 

1) Neurology - 3 credits
2) Infectious Diseases/Immunology - 3 credits
3) Musculoskeletal - 2 credits
4) Hematology/Neoplasia - 4 credits
5) Disorders of Thought/Emotion/Behavior - 4 credits
6) Clinical Skills - 2 credits
7) Medical Ethics - 1 credit
8) Biostats/Epidemiology - 1 credit
9) Mentor Program - 0.5 credit
So, a total of 9 classes and 20.5 credits

My class load for Spring Semester:
1) Urinary - 3 credits
2) Pulmonary - 3 credits
3) Cardiovascular - 4 credits
4) Metabolic/Endocrine/Repro - 3 credits
5) Digestive - 3 credits
6) Clinical Skills - 2 credits
7) Health Care Policy - 2 credits
8) Medical Humanities -2 credits
9) Mentor Program - 0.5 credits
So, a total of 9 classes and 22.5 credits.

So, yes. A TON of classes, but I think I'm ready for it! Besides, I am very excited to start PBL (Problem Based Learning). This is the same style of learning that I had while I was abroad in the Netherlands during undergrad, and I still can remember a lot of what I learned abroad...so, I know that PBL works! Basically, how PBL is set up is that we will meet in small groups (of about 8 students) 3 times per week. When we go in, we are handed a made-up patient case. We will be given complete physical exam and medical history work ups and, in our small groups, we will need to brainstorm ideas for diagnosis and treatments. So, it is very self-study-oriented, but if you put the time in, you will remember it...well. It sounds like great preparation not only for boards, but also for 3rd and 4th year rotations!

I start my 2nd year orientation on August 24th...thats coming up WAY too fast. So, for now, thats all I am talking about school! :)