As promised, my experience as a surgeon... as faculty say, "Medical students believe they need to do a procedure three times to claim they are experts." So I can call myself a surgeon for the time being, since I have seen and/or scrubbed in a lap chole, lumpectomy and appendectomy three times! :P
As I walked into the operating room on the first day, the nurses, doctors and nursing aid were all a bit startled, to say the least. I was ready to scrub in on the first day! I had my scrubs and all personal protective equipment ready to scrub into my first procedure - hemorrhoidectomy! After scrubbbing into the first procedure, I knew surgery was gonna be an awesome clerkship.
So far it has been great. On an OR day, the maximum number of surgeries I have scrubbed into is four!
Surgery is almost over, less than 3 weeks till exams.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
What is it like to be a 3rd year med student?
Honestly, I am having the best time ever. I have a feeling, this is going to be the best year ever since I have been at Cornell. I have finished my 3 month medicine clerkship and now I am doing my 3 month surgery clerkship. And I just love it, even though we have to work longer hours!
It is a great change from daily lectures and weekly exams. The interaction with patients, learning to examine patients, reaching a differential diagnosis, ordering investigations and being able to scrub into your patient's operation really makes you feel like your hard work is important and does pay off! It's a great reminder and daily motivation to keep studying to become a great physician in the future.
My experience is probably similar to all of my class with a little bit of a twist. I don't think its a common sight to see a 3'7" doctor-in-training, especially in a Gulf country. Hence, people have all sorts of reactions. I have never really seen so many different facial expressions in my life and people turn around to look back at me, when I walk in the corridor of the hospital. I am used to people staring at me, clearly pointing me out to their friend or family, and making comments. But I have never had to face so many different expressions in one day. Over the years, I have learned to ignore and in the last three months I think I dont even notice it anymore since I have gotten "immune" to it.
The most common question I get asked is the obvious "are you a doctor?" In my head at 7am in the morning, I'm thinking "duh, why would I be in a white coat with a stethescope and badge-I dont think its Halloween season! and I dont think I look like a little kid playing dress-up!" I just politely answer I am a medical student.
Several times, I have had people approach me to take my picture. I politely refuse. I am always alarmed when someone suddenly approaches me with their phone and is like can I take a picture of you. With the era of all cell phones having cameras these days, I think someone could take a picture without even me noticing. But if you asked me, I have the right to refuse and escape quickly, hide between people in my team during morning rounds. I once had a lady quickly walk behind me after I refused and I made an quick escape. I believe she got by back, since I heard the click made by nokia phones.
"I wonder how would someone take it, if I asked a random person in the hallway to take a picture of them." -- I believe they would think I am a spy or a crazy person.
But one thing is for sure, patients have shown no hesitance to having me examine them and follow-up with them. Sometimes, patients will offer to move towards the edge of the bed, they will sit down on the chair instead of on the bed so I can examine them properly. While persuing medical school I had a slight fear about me getting around the hospital and interacting with patients. However, I also knew I would be alright, since my height has never been an issue and has never stopped me. And I guess I was right.
Also, patient's care about being treated properly and being respected, hence they do not care what their doctor looks like and who he or she is if they can have their health back.
It is a great change from daily lectures and weekly exams. The interaction with patients, learning to examine patients, reaching a differential diagnosis, ordering investigations and being able to scrub into your patient's operation really makes you feel like your hard work is important and does pay off! It's a great reminder and daily motivation to keep studying to become a great physician in the future.
My experience is probably similar to all of my class with a little bit of a twist. I don't think its a common sight to see a 3'7" doctor-in-training, especially in a Gulf country. Hence, people have all sorts of reactions. I have never really seen so many different facial expressions in my life and people turn around to look back at me, when I walk in the corridor of the hospital. I am used to people staring at me, clearly pointing me out to their friend or family, and making comments. But I have never had to face so many different expressions in one day. Over the years, I have learned to ignore and in the last three months I think I dont even notice it anymore since I have gotten "immune" to it.
The most common question I get asked is the obvious "are you a doctor?" In my head at 7am in the morning, I'm thinking "duh, why would I be in a white coat with a stethescope and badge-I dont think its Halloween season! and I dont think I look like a little kid playing dress-up!" I just politely answer I am a medical student.
Several times, I have had people approach me to take my picture. I politely refuse. I am always alarmed when someone suddenly approaches me with their phone and is like can I take a picture of you. With the era of all cell phones having cameras these days, I think someone could take a picture without even me noticing. But if you asked me, I have the right to refuse and escape quickly, hide between people in my team during morning rounds. I once had a lady quickly walk behind me after I refused and I made an quick escape. I believe she got by back, since I heard the click made by nokia phones.
"I wonder how would someone take it, if I asked a random person in the hallway to take a picture of them." -- I believe they would think I am a spy or a crazy person.
But one thing is for sure, patients have shown no hesitance to having me examine them and follow-up with them. Sometimes, patients will offer to move towards the edge of the bed, they will sit down on the chair instead of on the bed so I can examine them properly. While persuing medical school I had a slight fear about me getting around the hospital and interacting with patients. However, I also knew I would be alright, since my height has never been an issue and has never stopped me. And I guess I was right.
Also, patient's care about being treated properly and being respected, hence they do not care what their doctor looks like and who he or she is if they can have their health back.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
USMLE mania!!!
I feel like the anxiety in our class is going to burst! Every time I turn around to talk to someone, we have only two things to talk about. The MOST important one is USMLE! We are discussing schedules, books, plans for studying, NBME, USMLE World, USMLE Rx, First Aid, BRS, plans after the exam, topics we love, topics we hate, and much more....
I put a schedule together in spring break and I keep going back to it and making changes. I think I am finally satisfied with it. I plan on doing intense studying 12-14 hrs a day and sleeping 8 hrs, this leaves me with almost no free time. Hence, I will have to totally isolate myself. :( Lets hope I pass with flying colors and do not go crazy! (Upperclass's have warned us that you will do some crazy stuff, just watch out and realize it is alrite and stop yourself from trying anything "new.") I have attached my schedule for you to see what is ahead of you. In 39 days, I need to review material covered in the last two years and more. Honestly, I have a feeling after it is done, we are going to feel ready for the wards with all the theory at our fingers.
Currently, we are studying Infectious Disease = Parisatolgy, Vaccines, TB, HIV, Meningitis... Have the exam Sunday, and then we have one more exam and we are done with second year!
Its the end of the year, so its always busy. International Evening April 23, Class of 2009 Grad May 6, Convocation Ceremony May 5, Medical Camp that offers free medical care to labor class in Qatar April 17, and more... ofcourse also USMLE!!!
I put a schedule together in spring break and I keep going back to it and making changes. I think I am finally satisfied with it. I plan on doing intense studying 12-14 hrs a day and sleeping 8 hrs, this leaves me with almost no free time. Hence, I will have to totally isolate myself. :( Lets hope I pass with flying colors and do not go crazy! (Upperclass's have warned us that you will do some crazy stuff, just watch out and realize it is alrite and stop yourself from trying anything "new.") I have attached my schedule for you to see what is ahead of you. In 39 days, I need to review material covered in the last two years and more. Honestly, I have a feeling after it is done, we are going to feel ready for the wards with all the theory at our fingers.
Currently, we are studying Infectious Disease = Parisatolgy, Vaccines, TB, HIV, Meningitis... Have the exam Sunday, and then we have one more exam and we are done with second year!
Its the end of the year, so its always busy. International Evening April 23, Class of 2009 Grad May 6, Convocation Ceremony May 5, Medical Camp that offers free medical care to labor class in Qatar April 17, and more... ofcourse also USMLE!!!
Monday, March 30, 2009
Physical Diagnosis!
Today was the last session for physical diagnosis part of the MPS II course (Medicine, Patients and Society). We have been going to the hospital for three hours on Monday morning to practice taking medical history and physical examination. Now we will be tested next week on our medical history and physical examination skills.
These sessions are for our future. In three months, we will be practicing the skills we learned everyday in the past two years in the three hour sessions once a week to diagnose and manage a patient on our own (of course with physicians monitoring us!)
Whats going on these days?
1. Currently we are studying Heme/Onc. I have to say it is very interesting and something we deal with everyday, such as anemia!
2. Match results: Amazing! Congrats class 2009, wish you all the best and you will be missed! http://qatar-weill.cornell.edu/media/reports/2009/matchDay09.html
3. Coffee House is Thursday! I've been hearing there are some awesome performances this year. Also, the musical "Wicked" by Education City students including a Cornell student in Class of 2011! Amazing show! Worthwhile to see, its playing all week in QF theater!
4. Cricket! We came first for the third time in Education City Cricket league! Great job boys!!
These sessions are for our future. In three months, we will be practicing the skills we learned everyday in the past two years in the three hour sessions once a week to diagnose and manage a patient on our own (of course with physicians monitoring us!)
Whats going on these days?
1. Currently we are studying Heme/Onc. I have to say it is very interesting and something we deal with everyday, such as anemia!
2. Match results: Amazing! Congrats class 2009, wish you all the best and you will be missed! http://qatar-weill.cornell.edu/media/reports/2009/matchDay09.html
3. Coffee House is Thursday! I've been hearing there are some awesome performances this year. Also, the musical "Wicked" by Education City students including a Cornell student in Class of 2011! Amazing show! Worthwhile to see, its playing all week in QF theater!
4. Cricket! We came first for the third time in Education City Cricket league! Great job boys!!
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Dermatology over Spring Break
Im home for spring break, for me that is currently Saudi Arabia. But being home does not mean being away from uni. I have to finish two papers, study for an exam that I have the first day back from classes, make a USMLE schedule, try to start studying for USMLE Step 1, and review physical examination. Also, enjoy the break! I dont have a summer holiday, since the summer break is really a study break for USMLE. As everyone around me is planning their summer holidays to visit family and friends, I am making a USMLE schedule for my summer holiday (6weeks). It consists of 10-11 hr day of studying and break for lunch, dinner and possibly gym once in a while.
This leads me to a question that many applicants have asked me over and over again: Am I satisfied with the decision I made to go into medical school? Sometimes I may feel overwhelmed and overworked. But I do not regret choosing medicine. It requires most of your energy, but in the long run it is really worth it! So keep your spirits high!
Tom is a big day for Cornell! The 4th years find out if they have been matched! Wish them all the best!
This leads me to a question that many applicants have asked me over and over again: Am I satisfied with the decision I made to go into medical school? Sometimes I may feel overwhelmed and overworked. But I do not regret choosing medicine. It requires most of your energy, but in the long run it is really worth it! So keep your spirits high!
Tom is a big day for Cornell! The 4th years find out if they have been matched! Wish them all the best!
Monday, February 16, 2009
Considering Cornell? Why WCMC-Q?
Are you in high school? Trying to decide on a university? Where in the world? What career?
Here are somethings to consider:
1. If you are planning on attending WCMC-Q's accelerated program, please be sure you want to be a doctor!
For me, I knew in 11th grade that I really wanted to be a doctor. I had no doubt. And I still do not have a doubt!
Once you are at Cornell, you will become a doctor. That is of course if you study hard, work hard and perform to Cornell standards. My point is that you cannot easily change your decision.
Unlike many universities in the world, you can start off majoring in biochemistry and then switch to English major and then finally graduate with a Psychology major. You can change your decision easily without losing too much time or having to change institutions or moving.
2. Be ready to work hard!
Cornell is a rigorous and stressful program. Your first three semesters of premed determine whether you will get into medical school. Also, you will be taking the MCATs in summer of first year. Hence, you will not have a full summer off like most of your high school classmates. Also, your MCAT score and grades will determine entrance to medical school.
Many people cannot cope with program because they do not realize how important it is to perform to Cornell standard. Many of my classmates from premed did not make it to medical school because they didnt realize the importantance of performance in freshman classes. I believe the students that did not make it are completely capable of being physicians, but they had a difficult time transitioning into university life.
I am not discouraging you from choosing Cornell. It is an oustanding institution with an amazing education with a small student/faculty ratio. But be ready to work hard with limited free time to explore other hobbies and interests! Cornell expects you to dedicate yourself completely to your education to become a world-class physician.
3. Be ready to make some great friends for life.
You will be spending a lot of time with your classmates. You will become close to each of your classmates, since the class size is small. This is a great! The university consists of diverse students from many different countries and various backgrounds. You will have a great experience. Maybe not the typical American university life, but you will have a unique experience to feel proud of in the future. This is a new world-class growing community that will give you amazing opportunities.
4. Are there enough extracurricular opporunities?
Yes, in the last four years, opportunities have increased substantially. Here are a few types of things you can consider doing in Education City:
1. UREP research (paid) at the molecular level with proper equipped labs.
2. Doha Debates that is shown on BBC.
3. Medical Student Executive Council in Qatar helps the student body by organzing events, discussing student concerns with Student Affairs and Deans office.
4. Resident Hall Council for the dorms. It plans dorm events and try hard to improve quality of life.
5. Become a paid CDA of the dorms. This is a paid job to patrol the dorms.
6. University sports teams - cricket, basketball, and soccer.
All the best, and hope you will consider WCMC-Q as your university of choice.
Here are somethings to consider:
1. If you are planning on attending WCMC-Q's accelerated program, please be sure you want to be a doctor!
For me, I knew in 11th grade that I really wanted to be a doctor. I had no doubt. And I still do not have a doubt!
Once you are at Cornell, you will become a doctor. That is of course if you study hard, work hard and perform to Cornell standards. My point is that you cannot easily change your decision.
Unlike many universities in the world, you can start off majoring in biochemistry and then switch to English major and then finally graduate with a Psychology major. You can change your decision easily without losing too much time or having to change institutions or moving.
2. Be ready to work hard!
Cornell is a rigorous and stressful program. Your first three semesters of premed determine whether you will get into medical school. Also, you will be taking the MCATs in summer of first year. Hence, you will not have a full summer off like most of your high school classmates. Also, your MCAT score and grades will determine entrance to medical school.
Many people cannot cope with program because they do not realize how important it is to perform to Cornell standard. Many of my classmates from premed did not make it to medical school because they didnt realize the importantance of performance in freshman classes. I believe the students that did not make it are completely capable of being physicians, but they had a difficult time transitioning into university life.
I am not discouraging you from choosing Cornell. It is an oustanding institution with an amazing education with a small student/faculty ratio. But be ready to work hard with limited free time to explore other hobbies and interests! Cornell expects you to dedicate yourself completely to your education to become a world-class physician.
3. Be ready to make some great friends for life.
You will be spending a lot of time with your classmates. You will become close to each of your classmates, since the class size is small. This is a great! The university consists of diverse students from many different countries and various backgrounds. You will have a great experience. Maybe not the typical American university life, but you will have a unique experience to feel proud of in the future. This is a new world-class growing community that will give you amazing opportunities.
4. Are there enough extracurricular opporunities?
Yes, in the last four years, opportunities have increased substantially. Here are a few types of things you can consider doing in Education City:
1. UREP research (paid) at the molecular level with proper equipped labs.
2. Doha Debates that is shown on BBC.
3. Medical Student Executive Council in Qatar helps the student body by organzing events, discussing student concerns with Student Affairs and Deans office.
4. Resident Hall Council for the dorms. It plans dorm events and try hard to improve quality of life.
5. Become a paid CDA of the dorms. This is a paid job to patrol the dorms.
6. University sports teams - cricket, basketball, and soccer.
All the best, and hope you will consider WCMC-Q as your university of choice.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
2009!
As I started pondering about what is going to happen in 2009, I realized it there is a lot ahead of me this year. By no means, is it going to be an easy year.
Spring of 2009: Finish basic sciences in medical school.
Jan 20, 2009: Obama is president!
May/June of 2009: USMLE!!!
July --- We start in the hospital!
This year we have no summer vacations. For the first time, we will be working all summer in the unbearable heat.
Currently, I am studying Renal.
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