The SEP Program graduation celebration just ended and I am submitting this final blog still from my room.
The graduation was an exciting event acknowledging everyone’s outstanding achievements. I put forth my best effort and for never having taken these courses before, I think I did well. Again, I contribute my success to everyone involved with this program.
As I drift away from reality, I remember a day eight weeks ago when I first stepped foot into my room and now I have to leave it just as quickly as I came. The SEP Class of ’08 didn’t just leave footprints and take pictures; instead we left a legacy and made memories that we will never forget.
One mountain has been conquered, but many more await. Toall those who will climb them, I extend my best wishes as I too will need help as I climb my way through medical school.
Monday, July 14, 2008
The Last Stretch
As I wait to go out to dinner with my peers for the last time, I sit back and reflect on my week. I have to admit the best thing has been the brevity of the days – even though I had four exams in three days, I thoroughly enjoyed spending two hours testing and having the rest of the day to myself.
Final exam scores were posted for most exams and I have to say that Human Physiology was still the most challenging class for me. Although I did worse on that exam than I initially thought, I learned that the best way I study is when I’m alone and under pressure. SEP, more than anything, should be a stepping stone to greater things and I can say that it has definitely been just that. I know when I return to UNC in the fall, I will be familiar with concepts that should aid me in my future classes.
My room is packed and there are mixed emotions of excitement and gloominess- excitement that we all finished the program but sad with the fact that some of us may never see each other again. But I know that with some effort we can all still manage to meet up.
As I write this I am reminded of the fact that none of us would be here in this exceptional program if it were not for the efforts of all of the administrators, professors, and the program assistants. I would like to thank all of my fellow peers who helped push me through this program as this is exactly the type of help we’ll all need when we are accepted into our respective professional institutions.
Final exam scores were posted for most exams and I have to say that Human Physiology was still the most challenging class for me. Although I did worse on that exam than I initially thought, I learned that the best way I study is when I’m alone and under pressure. SEP, more than anything, should be a stepping stone to greater things and I can say that it has definitely been just that. I know when I return to UNC in the fall, I will be familiar with concepts that should aid me in my future classes.
My room is packed and there are mixed emotions of excitement and gloominess- excitement that we all finished the program but sad with the fact that some of us may never see each other again. But I know that with some effort we can all still manage to meet up.
As I write this I am reminded of the fact that none of us would be here in this exceptional program if it were not for the efforts of all of the administrators, professors, and the program assistants. I would like to thank all of my fellow peers who helped push me through this program as this is exactly the type of help we’ll all need when we are accepted into our respective professional institutions.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Professionalism 24/7 and Some Slack
I’m not going to lie—these last few weeks have kept me busy and I’ve had little time for myself. So now as I write this journal entry, the past week and a half seem like long ago and it doesn’t seem that bad, but I will recall how I felt as I experienced it all.
This program is packed more than a family van on a road trip! And I have learned the importance of being professional at all times – including dressing nicely. I vividly recall the week of June 23rd—and dressing up every day for a seminar, tour, or teleconference.
There were the pesky dress shoes, the tie that felt like it was choking me, the blistering heat when we walked outside, and the most enlightening week of SEP. Although I have always been set on becoming a cardiologist, the seminars that week showed us more healthcare fields open to all of us. The teleconference in conjunction with the SMDEP program at Duke and another SMDEP program was a great success. Many stimulating discussions on medical ethics took place during the conference. Although technical problems caused it to end early, the discussions continued at Duke. The book under literary analysis was Jodi Picoult’s My Sister’s Keeper. It is a wonderful book offering insight into two conflicting life altering choices—do what’s emotionally correct or save someone whose life depends on the successful transplantation of a kidney from her sister.
On Friday afternoon and Saturday morning, a health professions recruitment fair was held at Duke and representatives from all major medical colleges around the US (and even Ross University from the Caribbean!) were present. We had a professional presentation regarding applying to med school, but the best part was that we were free to investigate the med schools as we wished and we could talk to as many or as few as we wanted.
Last week was filled with early mornings and later afternoons. I guess we had to make up time earlier in the week to have the 4th off. But regardless, the distinguishing feature of this week was the presentation by Dr. Larry Keith, who is a dean of admissions for UNC School of Medicine and also the lead role in MED admissions.
Tomorrow finals start and another week of hectic studying awaits.
This program is packed more than a family van on a road trip! And I have learned the importance of being professional at all times – including dressing nicely. I vividly recall the week of June 23rd—and dressing up every day for a seminar, tour, or teleconference.
There were the pesky dress shoes, the tie that felt like it was choking me, the blistering heat when we walked outside, and the most enlightening week of SEP. Although I have always been set on becoming a cardiologist, the seminars that week showed us more healthcare fields open to all of us. The teleconference in conjunction with the SMDEP program at Duke and another SMDEP program was a great success. Many stimulating discussions on medical ethics took place during the conference. Although technical problems caused it to end early, the discussions continued at Duke. The book under literary analysis was Jodi Picoult’s My Sister’s Keeper. It is a wonderful book offering insight into two conflicting life altering choices—do what’s emotionally correct or save someone whose life depends on the successful transplantation of a kidney from her sister.
On Friday afternoon and Saturday morning, a health professions recruitment fair was held at Duke and representatives from all major medical colleges around the US (and even Ross University from the Caribbean!) were present. We had a professional presentation regarding applying to med school, but the best part was that we were free to investigate the med schools as we wished and we could talk to as many or as few as we wanted.
Last week was filled with early mornings and later afternoons. I guess we had to make up time earlier in the week to have the 4th off. But regardless, the distinguishing feature of this week was the presentation by Dr. Larry Keith, who is a dean of admissions for UNC School of Medicine and also the lead role in MED admissions.
Tomorrow finals start and another week of hectic studying awaits.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Half-Way
Wednesday morning 8 AM. Half of the week is almost done and I am looking forward to today as it is not as long as either Tuesday or Thursday. We have a presentation for which we have to wear professional attire. I realized that although SEP is not for course credit (well not for me, or anyone else attending UNC), there are many motives to excel in this program. I discovered a new one yesterday when Ms. Borden informed me that, due to my exam scores, I am exempt from attending one supplemental instruction session. These sessions are held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and are a review of our classes.
Earlier in the week I attended an MCAT seminar which was informative. I already knew the basic format of the exam — 3 sections, 45 maximum points and a writing section. I still learned that there are many opportunities at UNC to prepare for this exam. So far, this week hasn’t gotten hectic, but we have a test on Thursday and a quiz on Friday to which I’m not really looking forward.
Earlier in the week I attended an MCAT seminar which was informative. I already knew the basic format of the exam — 3 sections, 45 maximum points and a writing section. I still learned that there are many opportunities at UNC to prepare for this exam. So far, this week hasn’t gotten hectic, but we have a test on Thursday and a quiz on Friday to which I’m not really looking forward.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Exams and Presentations and Rivals, Oh My!
This week was just as filled with activities as the last few. Like the eye of a storm, the beginning of the week started calmly, but as we progressed deeper into the week, we got to the hurricane - exams in Human Physiology and Organic Chemistry.
Although we have many exams, the classes aren’t all that difficult for me. I’ve never had any of these classes before compared to other classmates and fortunately, I’m not finding them that intimidating. The homework that we get is not much but it integrates all of the major concepts covered in class.
In addition to classes, we had presentations by allied health professionals. The one thing I have discovered in this program is that it opens everyone’s eyes to the sea of health professions available (as I was to see later in the week). The allied health presentation was a conglomeration of mini-presentations given by well-known UNC health professionals in many fields such as physical therapy, radiology, and counseling. It was an interesting lot of presentations that aided many students trying to discover which health profession to pursue.
Before I begin this next section, I must say that I am a true blue UNC fan and I will attempt to be as unbiased as possible. When I heard that we were going to NC State’s School of Veterinary Medicine, I was not very thrilled. Many of the current vet students have had life-long desires to be beneficiaries to the animal kingdom rather than humans. We learned that the NC State’s vet school is ranked fourth in the nation with construction underway to expand; it is also the only one in North Carolina. We were told that being a vet is much like being a doctor except with much less pay and working with animals instead of humans. The vet school is great for anyone thinking about being a veterinarian and in less than a few years it should be at the forefront of new veterinary medical techniques.
It is officially half-way through the program and we only have 3 more weeks of classes before some final exams and the graduation ceremony. Another great week is over and I’m looking forward to this week’s events (except the exams).
Although we have many exams, the classes aren’t all that difficult for me. I’ve never had any of these classes before compared to other classmates and fortunately, I’m not finding them that intimidating. The homework that we get is not much but it integrates all of the major concepts covered in class.
In addition to classes, we had presentations by allied health professionals. The one thing I have discovered in this program is that it opens everyone’s eyes to the sea of health professions available (as I was to see later in the week). The allied health presentation was a conglomeration of mini-presentations given by well-known UNC health professionals in many fields such as physical therapy, radiology, and counseling. It was an interesting lot of presentations that aided many students trying to discover which health profession to pursue.
Before I begin this next section, I must say that I am a true blue UNC fan and I will attempt to be as unbiased as possible. When I heard that we were going to NC State’s School of Veterinary Medicine, I was not very thrilled. Many of the current vet students have had life-long desires to be beneficiaries to the animal kingdom rather than humans. We learned that the NC State’s vet school is ranked fourth in the nation with construction underway to expand; it is also the only one in North Carolina. We were told that being a vet is much like being a doctor except with much less pay and working with animals instead of humans. The vet school is great for anyone thinking about being a veterinarian and in less than a few years it should be at the forefront of new veterinary medical techniques.
It is officially half-way through the program and we only have 3 more weeks of classes before some final exams and the graduation ceremony. Another great week is over and I’m looking forward to this week’s events (except the exams).
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
A New Twist on a Hectic Week
Another week has passed and again, so much has happened. At first, I was just thinking that this week was going to be like the last – the usual test or quiz followed by our daily classes. But with SEP, I’m learning you can never predict anything. I learned I would be shadowing this week, but I don’t think I was prepared for what exactly this “shadowing” was to entail.
I shadowed a cardio-thoracic surgeon and had the opportunity to watch a surgery. I can’t disclose more about the surgery due to HIPPA regulations, but I can truly say that this was a great experience. I would recommend anyone who may be even the slightest bit interested in surgery to actually go and watch a live surgery to get a taste of it.
We had two more exams this week in addition to all of the other regular classes we had to attend. The exams aren’t as bad as they were initially because now I think I have learned good time management skills. Of course, these management skills are constantly changing to meet the program’s new demands on our time.
On Friday we went to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences in RTP. This trip was definitely beneficial as students were allowed to essentially “shadow” researchers (I use quotes because we only followed them around for about 30 minutes). The doctor I shadowed was conducting research in androgen biology and my group was given a tour of the laboratory, given explanations of some of the equipment, and given the chance to look through a computer-based microscope at some different types of bacteria.
As this week ends and as I type this sitting here at home (I came home for the weekend), I realize that half of this program is already over and time has gone faster than the wind.
I shadowed a cardio-thoracic surgeon and had the opportunity to watch a surgery. I can’t disclose more about the surgery due to HIPPA regulations, but I can truly say that this was a great experience. I would recommend anyone who may be even the slightest bit interested in surgery to actually go and watch a live surgery to get a taste of it.
We had two more exams this week in addition to all of the other regular classes we had to attend. The exams aren’t as bad as they were initially because now I think I have learned good time management skills. Of course, these management skills are constantly changing to meet the program’s new demands on our time.
On Friday we went to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences in RTP. This trip was definitely beneficial as students were allowed to essentially “shadow” researchers (I use quotes because we only followed them around for about 30 minutes). The doctor I shadowed was conducting research in androgen biology and my group was given a tour of the laboratory, given explanations of some of the equipment, and given the chance to look through a computer-based microscope at some different types of bacteria.
As this week ends and as I type this sitting here at home (I came home for the weekend), I realize that half of this program is already over and time has gone faster than the wind.
Monday, June 2, 2008
The Heat is On
This past week was our first real taste of what SEP is all about- when they told us it was intense, they weren’t lying.
We were all happy at the beginning of the week since it was a four day week due to Memorial Day. Our excitement quickly disappeared, however, when the sad reality of two exams (Organic Chemistry and Human Physiology) on Friday hit us. After a long weekend I don’t think any of us were ready to face the full ten hours of classes on Tuesday.
After Tuesday the week started to run like clockwork- wake up early, go to reading skills, and catch a bus early to ensure front row VIP seats in Bondurant Hall. Also during the week, we were given the opportunity to take a tour of UNC School of Pharmacy for all of those interested in Pharmacy. Although I am not interested in Pharmacy, I gained a wealth of information from the tour. In addition to presenting information, the presenters gave us interactive tours of the different fields a Pharmacist can pursue. After our tour, we headed back to the dorms and continued our preparations for the two exams on Friday. I believe everyone was worried since these would be our first exams.
A routine one of my suitemates, Eric, and I have developed is just walking around the halls every night and conversing with people about their days. It has always been a great stress-reliever and with the heat of two exams approaching, some time to just sit back and talk about anything and everything was just what everyone needed. Eric and I walked through the halls and eventually made our way to all of the study rooms talking and studying with everyone we saw. On Thursday night, it seemed as if everyone was studying hard for both exams- even when I went to sleep sometime after midnight, many scholars were still busy studying.
Friday came and went faster than I thought it would. Two exams were over before I knew it- the exams themselves weren’t bad at all and there weren’t that many trick questions, which I liked. Organic Chemistry and Human Physiology exams were finally over and I headed back to rest up for Saturday, which was promising to be an adventurous day.
Saturday afternoon, all 50 scholars and the program assistants left UNC to head to East Carolina University for NC-HCAP’s Inspirational Speakers in Science lecture. After arriving in Pirate territory, we heard a motivational speech by Mr. Clyde Johnson Jr.; this speech reinforced my decision to enter into the medical field.
This coming week there are two more exams in Biostatistics and Physics- both of which will probably be pretty difficult. In addition to just exams, I have some shadowing Monday morning, which should be very exciting. As one intense week comes to a closure, another begins and the SEP program has shifted into high gear.
We were all happy at the beginning of the week since it was a four day week due to Memorial Day. Our excitement quickly disappeared, however, when the sad reality of two exams (Organic Chemistry and Human Physiology) on Friday hit us. After a long weekend I don’t think any of us were ready to face the full ten hours of classes on Tuesday.
After Tuesday the week started to run like clockwork- wake up early, go to reading skills, and catch a bus early to ensure front row VIP seats in Bondurant Hall. Also during the week, we were given the opportunity to take a tour of UNC School of Pharmacy for all of those interested in Pharmacy. Although I am not interested in Pharmacy, I gained a wealth of information from the tour. In addition to presenting information, the presenters gave us interactive tours of the different fields a Pharmacist can pursue. After our tour, we headed back to the dorms and continued our preparations for the two exams on Friday. I believe everyone was worried since these would be our first exams.
A routine one of my suitemates, Eric, and I have developed is just walking around the halls every night and conversing with people about their days. It has always been a great stress-reliever and with the heat of two exams approaching, some time to just sit back and talk about anything and everything was just what everyone needed. Eric and I walked through the halls and eventually made our way to all of the study rooms talking and studying with everyone we saw. On Thursday night, it seemed as if everyone was studying hard for both exams- even when I went to sleep sometime after midnight, many scholars were still busy studying.
Friday came and went faster than I thought it would. Two exams were over before I knew it- the exams themselves weren’t bad at all and there weren’t that many trick questions, which I liked. Organic Chemistry and Human Physiology exams were finally over and I headed back to rest up for Saturday, which was promising to be an adventurous day.
Saturday afternoon, all 50 scholars and the program assistants left UNC to head to East Carolina University for NC-HCAP’s Inspirational Speakers in Science lecture. After arriving in Pirate territory, we heard a motivational speech by Mr. Clyde Johnson Jr.; this speech reinforced my decision to enter into the medical field.
This coming week there are two more exams in Biostatistics and Physics- both of which will probably be pretty difficult. In addition to just exams, I have some shadowing Monday morning, which should be very exciting. As one intense week comes to a closure, another begins and the SEP program has shifted into high gear.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
An increase in intensity
Since my last log entry, the program has started to increase in intensity; homework has been assigned regularly, quizzes have been given, and two tests approach this coming Friday. I realized that it gets difficult to study on Tuesday or Thursday evenings since those days classes don’t end until 8:30- so all that leaves me with are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. This past weekend, I didn’t have much to do as I had already done the homework during the week. I’ve been told SEP is a very intense program, but I’m not going to lie- its nowhere near as time consuming as my school year was.
On Friday we took a tour of UNC Hospitals and were given our first exposure to medicine in this program. In addition, we were also given the opportunity to sign up for internships after the program ended. This is one thing I have found to be very beneficial to students – the opportunities are all there, all we have to do is ask. The professors are also very willing to help anyone after class. This is one very distinguishing factor of the SEP- the classes are conducted not lecture-style, but more on a discussion basis in which the professor makes sure there is a sufficient level of understanding amongst the students before moving on.
On Friday we took a tour of UNC Hospitals and were given our first exposure to medicine in this program. In addition, we were also given the opportunity to sign up for internships after the program ended. This is one thing I have found to be very beneficial to students – the opportunities are all there, all we have to do is ask. The professors are also very willing to help anyone after class. This is one very distinguishing factor of the SEP- the classes are conducted not lecture-style, but more on a discussion basis in which the professor makes sure there is a sufficient level of understanding amongst the students before moving on.
Friday, May 23, 2008
SEP: the early days
Monday, May 19:
As I arrived on campus and drove up to the dorm, I was met by a herd of cars, all trying to fit into an unloading area the size of a dorm room. The SEP coordinators were very willing to help all of us move in. After finally getting everything into my relatively spacious room and meeting my roommate David, I realized that orientation was fast approaching.
At orientation, I was able to meet several of the other students in the program. The extremely social atmosphere induced not only by the coordinators but also by my fellow students was comforting. We were told during orientation that the following day was going to consist of seven hours of pretesting; my stressful day just multiplied itself by a hundred.
After several hours of pretesting on Sunday, David, my suitemates and I grabbed some groceries and stopped for a well-deserved dinner at Outback. Monday came and I rolled lazily off my bed in an attempt to prepare myself for the hectic week that approached. My day began with a Reading Skills pretest followed by Organic Chemistry and finally a class in Human Physiology. All three classes were very nicely introduced and the professors seem thoroughly knowledgeable in their subject areas.
Following the classes, I headed down to the gym for a workout and then went with my suitemates to play two intense games of ping pong and pool in the Student Union. A quick dinner and off I went to study with my hall-mates in the study lounge. I’ve met many new people so far and as I sit here right now at 10:51 PM and reflect on my first few days, I realize SEP will be an exceptional program for all of us wanting to enter a health profession.
As I arrived on campus and drove up to the dorm, I was met by a herd of cars, all trying to fit into an unloading area the size of a dorm room. The SEP coordinators were very willing to help all of us move in. After finally getting everything into my relatively spacious room and meeting my roommate David, I realized that orientation was fast approaching.
At orientation, I was able to meet several of the other students in the program. The extremely social atmosphere induced not only by the coordinators but also by my fellow students was comforting. We were told during orientation that the following day was going to consist of seven hours of pretesting; my stressful day just multiplied itself by a hundred.
After several hours of pretesting on Sunday, David, my suitemates and I grabbed some groceries and stopped for a well-deserved dinner at Outback. Monday came and I rolled lazily off my bed in an attempt to prepare myself for the hectic week that approached. My day began with a Reading Skills pretest followed by Organic Chemistry and finally a class in Human Physiology. All three classes were very nicely introduced and the professors seem thoroughly knowledgeable in their subject areas.
Following the classes, I headed down to the gym for a workout and then went with my suitemates to play two intense games of ping pong and pool in the Student Union. A quick dinner and off I went to study with my hall-mates in the study lounge. I’ve met many new people so far and as I sit here right now at 10:51 PM and reflect on my first few days, I realize SEP will be an exceptional program for all of us wanting to enter a health profession.
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