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.
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