New post: Interviews begin and new recipe!

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..

Moroccan Veggie Stew with Couscous

30 Day Vegetarian Challenge COMPLETE!

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:

http://www.forksoverknives.com/

http://www.foodrevolution.org/

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

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. 

Raising awareness saves lives...

Pesto Veggie Frittata

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!

It's Official...ERAS submitted!

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...

We are...Recovering

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'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 :)