I'm Back and life is G-O-O-D!

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 :)

The Final Chapter

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.

Until then Happy Tuesday...

Doctors in Training website if you're interested: http://www.doctorsintraining.com/usmle-step-2-ck

Michelle Obama's Spinach Pie Recipe

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!

the finished product... Spinach Pie

Last rotation of 3rd year!

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).

Until then...

Love on Mother's Day, Fun times in Chicago, & Everything in Between

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

The final lap begins... Surgery exam Friday!

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 the Thoughts 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!

Penn State College of Medicine Campus Library

Avery's Bucket List

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 :)