I'm so excited about 2013! This year marks a new chapter in my life. Medical School Graduation. Residency. New city. New apartment. New visions, hopes, and dreams. This is my year.
With that being said...I have decided to stop blogging in order to focus on a few new endeavors. It's been wonderful sharing my life and interests with my readers. Thank you for your time and attention.
To all, I wish you much success and happiness in 2013!
I awake with a heavy heart, as my grandmother passed away unexpectedly on Christmas eve. I am in Chicago, spending Christmas with Chad. Today, I will continue to keep my family in my thoughts and prayers as we all get through this together.
To Grandma Pratt: May you rest in peace with no pain, no suffering. Just peace. May we meet again, yet until then I will continue to make you proud. I love you dearly.
I plan to take a break from my blog and will return in the new year refreshed. Until then, be blessed and love hard...
What's better than a hot bowl of chili on a cold winter night while watching football... You've got to try this recipe. Great for meat-lovers as they'll surely be fooled with the vegan sausage used for this recipe. But if you prefer no meat at all, the recipe is just as good. Check out the "Cooking" Section for the recipe...Enjoy!
Looking for a quick and easy salad that's both tasty and nutritionally satisfying? If so, the pear&walnut salad is perfect for you! Check out the "Cooking" section for the recipe.
Pear&Walnut Spinach Salad
with homemade honey mustard vinaigrette
This year, I'm spending Thanksgiving in Chicago with my boyfriend Chad. Luckily he is off work, so we plan to cook, spend quality time, and visit some friends in the evening for after dinner wine and conversation :)
The menu is by request of Chad; all things he loves and misses from home: Macaroni & Cheese, rice & peas (Chad is Jamaican and this dish is a staple in his household), his Mom's famous potato salad, collard greens, sweet potato casserole, and of course turkey. Definitely a non-traditional menu but it will be good!
I woke up at 4am to put the turkey in and boy does it smell good. Since I'm now a vegetarian, I won't be partaking in the turkey but I will say I'm proud of how it looks thus far ;) (see below).
This Thanksgiving, I'm thankful for the genuine support I've received from my family and friends throughout medical school as I make it to the home stretch! I couldn't have done it without you!
Now its time to make my round of phone calls and get ready for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Have a wonderful day... xoxo
Herb crusted turkey...almost done
I'll be sure to post more pics of the food and recipes!
Recently, I returned to Chicago from Houston, Texas for residency interviews and I had a blast! From shopping at The Galleria, trying a new vegan spot, and even running into old friends...it was a wonderful trip! Check out the "Medicine" and "Cooking" section for details...
I'm on vacation for the next 2 months for residency interviews, with my first interview this week. Check out the "Medicine" section for more details. Also, I posted a new recipe, Moroccan Veggie Stew with Couscous, perfect for the fall. Check out the "Cooking" section. Until next time..
Since 2008, I've made gradual changes to my diet, first excluding red meat and turkey to most recently only consuming fish, veggies, and dairy. I initially changed my diet due to gastrointestinal issues as I found that when I excluded meat and consumed more veggies, my problems resolved. This prompted me to look into vegetarianism more closely and through my search I came across the book The Food Revolution by John and Ocean Robbins. In reading this book, I was made aware of the many health benefits of a plant-based diet, not to mention benefits supported by scientific evidence!
So on August 15, 2012 I began my 30 Day Vegetarian Challenge to test my commitment to making such a major lifestyle change. After all, I'm a girl who loves to cook and try new foods and with eliminating meat I knew that this was definitely going to be a challenge. Not to mention, there's only 1 person in my family who is vegan and I'm in a 7 year relationship with a diehard carnivore...so let's just say I knew the odds were against me.
For the next 30 days, I read, read, read. With all the myths out there about vegetarianism as far as proper protein intake, and vitamin deficiency, or how expensive the diet was...I wanted to educate myself in order to do it right. I continued to read Food Revolution in addition to various internet sources. I tried new recipes and even got my boyfriend to try a vegetarian restaurant in Chicago called Mana Food Bar.
I also watched the well-known food industry documentary, Food Inc, which provided further information regarding the US food industry and the government regulatory agencies which often put profit before consumer health.
I completed the 30 day challenge and I'm committed to a vegetarian lifestyle, with plans to eventually become a vegan. I can definitely do without meat but I love cheese and yogurt. So, I'm still working on eliminating dairy. I recently came across another source regarding a plant-based diet called, Forks over Knives, a concept focused on how diet can essentially reverse many of the degenerative and preventative diseases that plague many Americans. More information to come, as I just ordered the DVD and some of the books off their website.
I'm now a vegetarian because of the health benefits which are scientifically proven, my personal resolution of gastrointestinal issues, and my concern and distrust in the US meat industry.
As I continue on my new path, I look forward to sharing health information and tasty recipes on my blog.
Check out the links provided for further information:
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In 2012, it is estimated that among U.S. women there will be:
226,870 new cases of invasive breast cancer
63,300 new cases of in situ breast cancer (including ductal carcinoma in situ and lobular carcinoma in situ, with about 85% being ductal)
39,510 breast cancer deaths
In men, it is estimated that there will be:
2,190 new cases of breast cancer
410 breast cancer deaths
I included the video above, as it was both touching and inspirational. Almost everyone in the US knows someone that has been affected by breast cancer. Both women and men should be informed about risk factors, proper screening, and prevention. Check out http://ww5.komen.org/Default.aspx for more information. It's a great website with pertinent facts and recommendations.
Looking for a quick and easy recipe good for breakfast, lunch, or dinner? Try this tasty frittata. You can't go wrong. Check out the "Cooking" section for the recipe... YUM!
September 15th marked the day that all 4th year medical students could submit thier applications for residency. ERAS, the Electronic Residency Application Service, is the universal application completed for submission to all residency programs of interest. Read more in the "Medicine" section for more details...
Today is Penn State's first football game since the scandal with Sandusky. As a Penn State University alum and current Penn State med student I can't help but to watch the first game of my alma mater. Penn State is forever changed, yet this game illustrates a glimpse of hope. Read the "Thoughts" section for more...
I've been on a much needed hiatus but I'm back feeling refreshed and ready to finish medical school! Since my last entry, I've traveled from Atlanta to Chicago to Philly, taken Step 2 (boards), and am now back in Atlanta completing an away rotation with Emory School of Medicine. So I've been away from Hershey for about 3 months now, and its been most enjoyable especially after seeing family, friends, and even having a change of scenery. Being in Hershey for almost 4 years with either my head in the books or shut off from the world while in the hospital, I sort of felt I forgot what is out there; that there is actually light at the end of the tunnel, a future waiting for me with so much promise, joy, and new beginnings.
Bike riding along Lake Michigan
in Chicago
Residency applications are due within the next couple of weeks, so I've been making edits to my CV and personal statement while confirming the final list of residency programs. I'm hoping to be in a big city for residency, especially after spending almost 8 years in small towns for school. Yet, its hard to exclude programs in small towns especially if they possess other necessary qualities I'm looking for in a program. So, I'm still applying to small town programs because you just never know.
I've been rotating at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta with the High Risk OB department for a week now and I LOVE IT. For those who don't know, I've decided to pursue a residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology. And why am I in Atlanta? Well, 4th year medical students have the opportunity to rotate at outside programs, and often opt to do so if they are interested in the program or just want to get experience at a different medical institution. I chose Emory because I'm actually interested in the program for residency, especially because my parents now live north of Atlanta. And for most of the residency programs I'm applying to, I have family and personal ties to the city in addition to it being a city program.
Jellyfish at Atlanta Aquarium
In other news, a research project I was working on with 3 others was just accepted for publication in the Women & Health journal! I'm also working on another research project which seems very promising. So its safe to say that on the academic side of things, life is good.
There are so many things going on in my life, but I don't want to bore you with every little detail. Bottom line is, I'm back to blogging with many things to share. I've made some MAJOR lifestyle changes which I can't wait to share and I have a feeling that my life in the next few months is going to change drastically. I'm happy to blog about it to bring you along for the ride.
Beluga whales at Atlanta Aquarium
The Bean at Millennium Park
in Chicago
Keep reading for exciting stories, tips, recipes, how-tos, and don't dos :)
I officially ended my 3rd year of medical school on June 29th and am at the home stretch. The beginning of 4th year is marked by Step 2 board studying and rotations starting in August. I'm scheduled to end 4th year at the end of March and graduate in May. Finding time to write on my second blog has proven to be much more challenging compared to my first. Yet, my schedule during 4th year is a bit lighter, so I hope to find more time to share.
My first day of studying will begin today...at 9:00 am to be exact. I also plan to work on my personal statement and residency applications during breaks. For Step 2, I'm using the Doctors in Training (DIT) series, a program comprised of video recorded lectures with a high-yield study guide which correlates with the DIT course videos. I'm also using Step Up 2 USMLE as another high yield study resource, which is also referenced by the DIT series. I'll be sure to let you all know my opinion of the series as I progress.
While in the gym, I came across a People magazine article about the First Lady, Michelle Obama, and the article included a yummy recipe for Spinach Pie. I made it on Sunday and it's so delicious. I eat a slice for breakfast with hot green tea, and boy is it a great way to start the day! Check out the "Cooking Section" for the recipe!
I've been missing in action since the end of Surgery, as 3rd year comes to a close. I started my Internal Medicine rotation in the beginning of May and am currently in the 5th week. The rotation ends June 29th and 4th year will officially begin in July! My 4th year schedule is confirmed with all med school requirements complete by the end of March 2013. The next obstacle is to take Step 2 boards July 28th and begin residency applications. I've decided to pursue a career in Obstetrics and Gynecology so I've been making a list of programs which interest me. In the medicine section, I plan to keep a log of the "dos and don'ts" when applying to residency (some based on my experience as well as input from others).
I recently visited Chicago for the Northwestern Residency Showcase and spent quality time with my boyfriend, Chad who lives in the city. It was a wonderful weekend, minus the airport delays. I did some Chicago site-seeing on the architectural boat tour on the Chicago River and was able to take a tour and met some great people at Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine. I included some pictures below of my time in Chicago.
On another note... HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! Check out the "Thoughts" section as I included a short entry about my Mom who I miss and love so much.
I also posted an entry in the "Medicine" section, as I started my last rotation of 3rd year last Monday, Internal Medicine.
Lastly, check out the "Wellness" section for a Part I entry on Natural Hair. While in Chicago at the Residency Showcase, a group of us were having a conversation over lunch about going natural hair and its benefits compared to relaxed hair.
Happy Sunday!
labor and delivery room in the Prentice Women's Hospital Who wouldn't want to deliver a baby here!
The view from the labor and delivery room...beautiful
Trump Towers from the Chicago River... the penthouse is going for 35 million...any takers?
City of Chicago from the river on the boat tour...I definitely learned a lot about the city
I'm at the final stretch. With my surgery exam quickly approaching, I'm getting quite anxious. I thoroughly enjoyed the rotation, but I can honestly say I'm a little worried about the exam. In my opinion there is no such thing as "easy" when it comes to exams in medical school but there is something about this exam in particular that is freaking me out. Check out theThoughts tab to read more about my ultimate concern. Until Friday, the library is my second home! Then off to Chicago for the weekend... can't wait!
On Sunday, I came across a touching story on CNN about a 5 month old girl with an incurable disease which is soon to take her life. Check out the "Wellness" tab to read more. I included the story in my soul searching sunday series. Enjoy :)
