School

So I decided to write about what my life is like right now partly for everyone to know what school is like, and partly just to have a little reminder years down the road when I've forgotten what it was like being in my first year of medical school.

After our first mini semester (a month of reduced course load to help us ease into medical school), affectionately referred to as the harbor because there are no waves rocking the proverbial boat yet, I have now finished a week of real school. 

One class, an introduction to Psychiatry, is already over! I had my finals just over a week ago, which means my midterm, which counted for 50% of my grade in the course, was less than two weeks after our first period together.

I'm no longer in Psychiatry, but Biochemistry, Histology, Anatomy, History of Medicine, Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine, and Gross Anatomy are all continuing into our first full quarter. This quarter also has two new classes: Healthcare Issues, and Introduction to Clinical Medicine. In total I will spend 33 hours a week actually sitting in class, plus homework, plus studying, plus exams, plus some mandatory group meetings for classes, plus lunchtime meetings (these are usually accompanied by free food, so they aren't too bad). I have also joined several different student and professional organizations (AMSA, AMA, ISMS, CHS, HFA, SOMA). Most don't require any time. I'll post more detail in the coming days.