Musings
My fickle friend, the summer wind8/23/2020
Like all things, so too must this summer come to an end. Since July, I've been rotating back on my primary service, OMFS, following the "first" didactic year in medical school. Our specialty is unique in the sense that at many training programs, OMFS residents bounce back and forth between their primary service, medical school and eventually other surgical services. Tomorrow (I'm writing this on Sunday night, into Monday AM), I return for the beginning of my second year of medical school, which happens to be in my second year as a categorical OMFS resident, that's also my third post-graduate year since dental school. Very clear, I know.
Unlike some other places in the world, OMFS in the US requires an individual to complete dental school then move on to residency. OMFS residency can last either 4, 5 or 6 years, depending on the curriculum structure of the program. Four year residencies conclude with an OMFS certificate only. Integrated MD programs set five and six year curricula apart. There are select few which have a five year curriculum (Case Western is a classic example). I didn't match into a residency on my first application attempt from dental school. This is where my first post-graduate year was accounted for; I was an intern on the OMFS service where I'm now a categorical resident. Although I still sign my notes as "PGY-2," I at least make a PGY-3 salary. I'm sad to return to classes, especially in the times of Covid, where they are delivered completely remotely. Traditionally, I preferred and attended class in-person; I feel the engagement of attending lecture, even just by maintaining eye contact with the speaker, provided so much more to me as a learner. Instead, I consider much of my education "YouTube Medical School." As an MS2 (medical student, year 2), I will begin some in-person small group sessions once again. Having spent my summer back on service in ORs, clinics and generally treating and interacting with patients and colleagues, I'm sad to know that the majority of my learning will again stagnate as I stare at my computer screens. My last weekend for the summer didn't consist of much, to be honest. Some futzing around the apartment, but not enough to see the difference. Lot's of videos on YouTube (I've discovered Comedy Central's Drunk History just in time to hear of its pending cancellation). A little drawing (I'll post when it's finally completed). Some riding, some running (I plan to start linking to Strava data for my daily rides/runs). Lot's of chai tea. Playing Path of Exile (new-to-me Diablo-esque game that I believe will quickly become a dangerous time sink...more to come). Welp, off to sleep for now. Cardiology begins at 8am sharp.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply.AuthorI'm a burgeoning anesthesiologist. I like to do a lot of other things, too. My hope is to share them here. Archives
June 2023
Categories |