Ive got one day of classes this week, then we are on Eid holidays for six days. Then, we have classes for four days with our cardiovascular exam and we are on winter break for two weeks!!!
It feels great having so many breaks. We had the time to go out for breakfast on a weekend at the new coffee shop (Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf) in education city! Amazing breakfast!
This Eid, for the first time in four years, most of us are not traveling for the short break. Hence, we are all looking forward to a fun time in Doha. The weather is amazing with the first rain of the season.
On Thursday, we had our first USMLE talk by the school counselor. Ahhh!!! We have to start the process to register for the exam this summer. It supposedly takes a few months to register. We will be taking the exam in Dubai since it is not offered in Doha.
Now I better get back to reading Robbins for cardio!
Eid Mubarak!
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Friday, November 28, 2008
BAM!!!
Its been months since I have posted!
NYC was amazing! I presented my research poster in Doha a few weeks ago.
Just finished 11 weeks of BAM!!! So now I supposedly know all about Brain and Mind from neurological examination, psychiatric examination, anatomy of head and neck, pharmacology, functional neuroanatomy and more.
Now Im starting my last course of the theory based medical school - Basis of Disease. It is also the longest course. Along with this we are learning how to do a physical examination.
For now, masalamah!!
NYC was amazing! I presented my research poster in Doha a few weeks ago.
Just finished 11 weeks of BAM!!! So now I supposedly know all about Brain and Mind from neurological examination, psychiatric examination, anatomy of head and neck, pharmacology, functional neuroanatomy and more.
Now Im starting my last course of the theory based medical school - Basis of Disease. It is also the longest course. Along with this we are learning how to do a physical examination.
For now, masalamah!!
Monday, July 21, 2008
Pumping it up in NYC!
NYC is full of excitement! In between doing research on neuroaminidase of parainfluenza, I am discovering the city, yet again. There is just to much to see in such little time.
Sixteen of us from Class of 2011 are in NYC. We are all doing research at Cornell in various fields from physiology to biochemistry to virology to stem cell research. Ten of us are staying in a hotel/apartment while the rest of us are in the dorms. Almost every evening we try to discover new places. Watching new movies, visited Metropolitan museum, shopped on 5th Avenue, ate at famous food stall "Platters" and more.
Sixteen of us from Class of 2011 are in NYC. We are all doing research at Cornell in various fields from physiology to biochemistry to virology to stem cell research. Ten of us are staying in a hotel/apartment while the rest of us are in the dorms. Almost every evening we try to discover new places. Watching new movies, visited Metropolitan museum, shopped on 5th Avenue, ate at famous food stall "Platters" and more.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Microorganisms Everywhere!
Your shower-head maybe contaminated with Legionella and Pseudomonas, you may get pneumonia from a person sneezing next to you, and by taking antibiotics you are more susceptible to bacterial infections due to a decrease in your normal flora. There are 10^6 bacterias growing on your skin and under your nails. -Fascinating facts from Host Defenses
Five more weeks till we finally finish first year of medical school. Its a great feeling!
Five more weeks till we finally finish first year of medical school. Its a great feeling!
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Graduations and Graduations....
For Qatar Foundation, this is an important year. They are having three of their universities graduating their first batch of students (Cornell, CMU and A&M). In honor of that, there was a huge graduation at the ceremonial court for all the universities combined - inaugral Convocation Ceremony (pictures of us at the ceremony). The King of the country was there along with other important figures who made this project possible. Have to give credit to Sheikha Mouza, she is doing an amazing job. All this would not have been possible without her.
Today was Cornell's Graduation - we officially have graduates of Cornell in Qatar!
All these graduations this week - next week is crazy for us! This weekend is going to be filled with intense studying. We finish HSF course next week, so we have our last Anatomy Exam, Physio/Histo Exam/ and Triple Jump - all in one week.
Cant wait for to see ourselves there in 3 years!
Today was Cornell's Graduation - we officially have graduates of Cornell in Qatar!
All these graduations this week - next week is crazy for us! This weekend is going to be filled with intense studying. We finish HSF course next week, so we have our last Anatomy Exam, Physio/Histo Exam/ and Triple Jump - all in one week.
Cant wait for to see ourselves there in 3 years!
Sunday, April 27, 2008
The clock is ticking - title of our PBL!
That has multiple meanings right now. I am turning 21 tomorrow! -- Hence time to evaluate my life. These are also the same words our MCAT instructor told us when he was teaching us about the female reproductive system - he was joking with us about the importance of getting married soon. And this is the title of our PBL!
How should I evaluate my life? What am I doing these days? Well, the only thing I am busy with these days is university!
So I am going to evaluate my life by numbering the most common topics we tend to discuss at university-at least my among friends. This indicates what I keep myself occupied with and my/our worries in life.
1. Education - anatomy, exams, exams in the future, topics to be covered this week, USMLE, triple jump...
2. Life - where we going to be? How are we going to find the guy or girl? There are limited number of choices in Qatar -- guys/girls suitable for us! We are so unique-each from different culture/religion/and more. How are we going to find the prince charming? Where are we going to find him? When are we planning on getting married - med school/residency/ after residency? Where do we see ourselves in the future?
3. Specialization: Peds, Meds, Surgery, Geriatrics, or Psychiatry.
4. For me atleast - MSEC! Upcoming events, issues, and meetings.
4. Daily chores!
5. Travel plans: with having family all over the world, quite a bit of most of our time goes towards planning vacations to see family. My plans during the summer, Eid break, spring break, December break?
Three more weeks till HSF is finished! One more anatomy exam and two more quizzes!
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Docs in Training Have No Time to Be Ill
No time in life for getting ill!
You dont really realize how precious time can be until you get sick. When your sick, the only way to heal properly is to rest - not over exert yourself. But if you have exams, assignments, meetings, anatomy labs, lectures, histology labs, gymming, sleeping, and are president of MSEC there is no time to rest.
Ironically, we are becoming doctors to take care of others, but we have no time to take care of ourselves. I have been living on panadol/tylenol for almost two weeks, sleeping in lectures, and skipping classes and even had to skip my histo/physio/embryo exam in the end as a result of over exerting myself while I was sick. Feel so guilty for skipping an exam, but there was no way I could have done it. I haven't been this sick for a long long time, do not even remember.
I had fever and throat/ear infection for a few days -took a dose of Zithromax and thought my body had recovered. So as soon as I felt a little better, I started going to the gym/running again. (The weather is getting hot - so I have to enjoy the last few days that are left to be able to go running outdoors.) After about four days of feeling almost back to normal, I became sick again. Went to the doctor again and she said just take it easy -rest and take panadol. Doesnt seem to have helped. I got worse - with multiple other problems. Then I went to the doctor again and she said rest, sleep, and eat light food. I guess it all happened due to my weak immune system and lack of sleep. I spent quite a bit of time on the internet trying to figure out why I am having bla, bla and bla together. Thats what happens when your a medical student. You also decide to study urself. And often consider things a serious problem. Such as freckles around eyes - due to coughing and vomiting. I saw them on my face and freaked out.
Havent done much in the past few days, except for what has been extremely necessary. But studying is extremely necessary even to just pass the exam on renal. Also, there are two events this weekend - a picnic (that I do not really need to do anything ) medical camp. I am coordinating with the person in charge of medical camp on what Cornell students will be doing. I just feel like telling everyone, call me in a few days after I am rested. But that doesn't happen. I stll receive phone calls and emails asking about this and that. And still got to study. What can you do if your sick? Normally, when your healthy, you can do so much in a day and you dont realize how much energy it requires.
So lesson learned - be thankful for your health. Sometimes we forget how important it is to take care of ourselves. We should appreciate all the energy we have been given.
I have an anatomy exam on Sunday but before that have to make up the exam I missed on Tuesday afternoon. I am soo behind schedule. And suprisingly I sat down a few days ago and thoughtfully planned exactly what I will be studying/doing each day with tentative timings for each till May 15(NOTE: excitement in life is I fly home for the weekend after finishing HSF - just for a change - and then come and start Host Defenses a 6 week course) HAHA following my detailed schedule aint happening. Im so behind. Forget the lectures that are going on right now. I need to study for Histology/Embryology/Physiology and then ANATOMY/RADIOLOGY/CLINCAL ANATOMY for the exam coming up - Heard pelvis anatomy is a tough one. There are so many structures in such a small space.
What am I going to do?
Dilemmas....
You dont really realize how precious time can be until you get sick. When your sick, the only way to heal properly is to rest - not over exert yourself. But if you have exams, assignments, meetings, anatomy labs, lectures, histology labs, gymming, sleeping, and are president of MSEC there is no time to rest.
Ironically, we are becoming doctors to take care of others, but we have no time to take care of ourselves. I have been living on panadol/tylenol for almost two weeks, sleeping in lectures, and skipping classes and even had to skip my histo/physio/embryo exam in the end as a result of over exerting myself while I was sick. Feel so guilty for skipping an exam, but there was no way I could have done it. I haven't been this sick for a long long time, do not even remember.
I had fever and throat/ear infection for a few days -took a dose of Zithromax and thought my body had recovered. So as soon as I felt a little better, I started going to the gym/running again. (The weather is getting hot - so I have to enjoy the last few days that are left to be able to go running outdoors.) After about four days of feeling almost back to normal, I became sick again. Went to the doctor again and she said just take it easy -rest and take panadol. Doesnt seem to have helped. I got worse - with multiple other problems. Then I went to the doctor again and she said rest, sleep, and eat light food. I guess it all happened due to my weak immune system and lack of sleep. I spent quite a bit of time on the internet trying to figure out why I am having bla, bla and bla together. Thats what happens when your a medical student. You also decide to study urself. And often consider things a serious problem. Such as freckles around eyes - due to coughing and vomiting. I saw them on my face and freaked out.
Havent done much in the past few days, except for what has been extremely necessary. But studying is extremely necessary even to just pass the exam on renal. Also, there are two events this weekend - a picnic (that I do not really need to do anything ) medical camp. I am coordinating with the person in charge of medical camp on what Cornell students will be doing. I just feel like telling everyone, call me in a few days after I am rested. But that doesn't happen. I stll receive phone calls and emails asking about this and that. And still got to study. What can you do if your sick? Normally, when your healthy, you can do so much in a day and you dont realize how much energy it requires.
So lesson learned - be thankful for your health. Sometimes we forget how important it is to take care of ourselves. We should appreciate all the energy we have been given.
I have an anatomy exam on Sunday but before that have to make up the exam I missed on Tuesday afternoon. I am soo behind schedule. And suprisingly I sat down a few days ago and thoughtfully planned exactly what I will be studying/doing each day with tentative timings for each till May 15(NOTE: excitement in life is I fly home for the weekend after finishing HSF - just for a change - and then come and start Host Defenses a 6 week course) HAHA following my detailed schedule aint happening. Im so behind. Forget the lectures that are going on right now. I need to study for Histology/Embryology/Physiology and then ANATOMY/RADIOLOGY/CLINCAL ANATOMY for the exam coming up - Heard pelvis anatomy is a tough one. There are so many structures in such a small space.
What am I going to do?
Dilemmas....
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Budding Physicians!
During our embryology lecture on GI, the professor called us "budding physicians." Another name for us - docs in training, physicians to be, student doc.
We just had our set of exams on GI-ranging from physiology to anatomy to embryology. Then we had a free weekend surprisingly with no studying! What did we do? We used our weekend to the maximum by spending the day at the beach! See we medical students during HSF have time to go to the beach! We aren't always studying - yah rite!
In two weeks-international evening!
We just had our set of exams on GI-ranging from physiology to anatomy to embryology. Then we had a free weekend surprisingly with no studying! What did we do? We used our weekend to the maximum by spending the day at the beach! See we medical students during HSF have time to go to the beach! We aren't always studying - yah rite!
In two weeks-international evening!
Monday, March 17, 2008
Time for a change!
Coffee House was amazing. There 25 different performances and about 400 people showed up. Performances ranged from skits, traditional dance, music, singing, piano, bands, and a rapper. Coffee House just gets better every year!
Here is our class skit - Give it to me, MD! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEQcUBvLUsA&feature=related
Have you ever been down and realized you need to snap out of it? We all have ups and downs in life. Sometimes you decide to make changes and most of the time you just get over it. HSF(Human Structure and Function) is an amazing course - since we doing what we all thought medical school will be - dissecting Cadavers. But HSF not only includes Anatomy, but Radiology, Physiology, Clinical Anatomy, Embryology, and Histology and all within a span of 18 weeks. We have to learn all about the human body (except head and neck) in 18 weeks! We have about an exam a week, and sometimes 2 in a week. It can be overwhelming and tiring at times.
Not doing as great I was hoping in the first few weeks of the course, lots of responsibility as MSEC President, not living the healthy lifestyle I desire, and more led me to not being the happiest person in the world. I was regretting why I chose medical school - is this what I really want in life and have I made the best choices?
After realizing that there was no real reason for being down, I realized, I cant be like this anymore. I needed to make adjustments in my life.
So for the last week or so, I am running, eating healthy, strictly studying at college, abiding by my study schedule, sleeping properly. Hence - I am a much happier person.
Sometimes, you start hating a place, your life, or everything, but just little changes can make a big difference!
Here is our class skit - Give it to me, MD! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEQcUBvLUsA&feature=related
Have you ever been down and realized you need to snap out of it? We all have ups and downs in life. Sometimes you decide to make changes and most of the time you just get over it. HSF(Human Structure and Function) is an amazing course - since we doing what we all thought medical school will be - dissecting Cadavers. But HSF not only includes Anatomy, but Radiology, Physiology, Clinical Anatomy, Embryology, and Histology and all within a span of 18 weeks. We have to learn all about the human body (except head and neck) in 18 weeks! We have about an exam a week, and sometimes 2 in a week. It can be overwhelming and tiring at times.
Not doing as great I was hoping in the first few weeks of the course, lots of responsibility as MSEC President, not living the healthy lifestyle I desire, and more led me to not being the happiest person in the world. I was regretting why I chose medical school - is this what I really want in life and have I made the best choices?
After realizing that there was no real reason for being down, I realized, I cant be like this anymore. I needed to make adjustments in my life.
So for the last week or so, I am running, eating healthy, strictly studying at college, abiding by my study schedule, sleeping properly. Hence - I am a much happier person.
Sometimes, you start hating a place, your life, or everything, but just little changes can make a big difference!
Sunday, March 9, 2008
After Cardiovascular Exam
Even though I was studying for the exam all weekend, I only slept for three hours last night. There was way too much information to get through in the short period of time. I guess this is the story of our lives.
Well, after the exam I felt extremely tired, but also relieved. No exam for a week! And my weekend is finally here. When everyones weekend is over, our short weekend begins. It is really only Sunday, when I can excuse my self from not studying. I can go out with friends and do some of my chores. Tonight we are going out for my friends birthday -- bowling and then to Garden, an Indian restaurant that we have been wanting to try for a long time. Supposedly it has amazing food!
Coffee House is this Thursday! A few of us in my class are going to be doing a skit along with a song that we have written relating to our medical school experience.
Coffee House has become one of the most popular events of the year. Its an outdoor talent show hosted by Cornell! Students from all EC universities are invited and Cornell faculty.
Well, after the exam I felt extremely tired, but also relieved. No exam for a week! And my weekend is finally here. When everyones weekend is over, our short weekend begins. It is really only Sunday, when I can excuse my self from not studying. I can go out with friends and do some of my chores. Tonight we are going out for my friends birthday -- bowling and then to Garden, an Indian restaurant that we have been wanting to try for a long time. Supposedly it has amazing food!
Coffee House is this Thursday! A few of us in my class are going to be doing a skit along with a song that we have written relating to our medical school experience.
Coffee House has become one of the most popular events of the year. Its an outdoor talent show hosted by Cornell! Students from all EC universities are invited and Cornell faculty.
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