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 :)

Sweet and Savory

Check out the "Cooking" section for 2 new recipes! Oreo stuffed brownies and Twice Baked Potatoes. Something sweet...something savory. Two Yums Up! 

Oreo Stuffed Fudge Brownies