Island life and Medical School livin'

We have already had four exams. Mini 1 part 1 (50ish questions) and Mini 2 part 2 (81questions) which was 45% of our grade. We had a Histology exam which was 2% of our grade and Anatomy practical which was 3%. For the remainder of our grade (for this block) we have a Final (45%), Histology (2%) and another Anatomy Practical (3%). We have four blocks this semester. The final includes each block. Ross University has changed their curriculum and grading scale to become more “systems based” as many other medical schools are currently doing. This new academic program was a bit confusing (to myself, my colleagues, and staff), but I’m certain I understand it now. In regards to how I am doing “academic wise,” welllll….I was not doing as well as I would have liked. However, I have now found my “study pattern” and I am seeing improvements. In the beginning I found the information to be a bit overwhelming. I am accustomed to it now, and it seems to be coming together much better. I have been using what they call “media –site.” This is a program where you can watch the lectures online because they have been recorded. It honestly saves so much time (you can double speed slow talking professors) so I can concentrate on certain subjects more efficiently. If I need more time for pharmacology for example, I have it. For Anatomy, we are required to do one dissection a week. We also have TA sessions, and have access to lab almost all the time. Ross’ motto for Anatomy lab is: “learn one, do one, teach one.” Therefore, students rotate dissections and presentations. In addition, we have a pass/fail course called problem based learning (PBL) where we are introduced to a case, and our team has to solve the case. This is where I excel. We conduct research, write reports, and present our findings. It’s actually pretty cool and I have great team members. 


                                      

Otherwise, I love the island, the culture, and surprisingly the ocean (despite the saltiness). Our neighbors do our laundry, clean our place once a week, and let us play with their goats!! (aka Ken’s Kids). Dominica is extremely beautiful and there is so much to see. We visited “Emerald Pool” on a Sunday and it was breathtaking. Ken is enjoying his time here. He is working at a restaurant called Tomato and he is becoming a certified Scuba Diver. He has met other spouses and hangs out with them frequently. Together we enjoy church, Ping-Pong, and going down to the beach in our spare time. (Which is 5 minute walk!!!) Church is nice. Ken has been winning in Ping-Pong. In the ocean yesterday, I saw purple fish, blue fish, and a purple/clearish eel! Eek! I also got stung by something- it was very, very minor- folks. As far as being in the JUNGLE… the bugs are actually okay…there are lizards, ants, and mosquitos EVERYWHERE. Weather: always 80-90F and it has been raining a lot (it’s rainy season), so you do have to carry and umbrella everywhere you go. We were thinking about getting a dog…we’ll see how that goes. I think it would be fun! The vaccinations are cheap, taking them back to America is not bad- as far as pricing, and many dogs need homes. However, as mom reminded us, we need to check into the price of dog food, and other care- if need be.

   

We miss you all and are looking forward to seeing snow! Happy Birthday to our new niece Stella, we can’t wait to meet you! Other than family, friends, and our pets...... I think I miss taco bell the most. I think Ken misses the colder/non-humid weather the most. We are both very happy and healthy. We are enjoying our time here fo sho!

GO STATE!!!!!

If anyone wants to come and visit, this place is just down the road....

They have a resturant, spa, and rooms.

 

Media

Microbiology- Cell Size

The Immune System

First check-in from Dominica

Hi Everyone!

I am finally feeling settled in my new apartment, Ross University and Dominica! However, I still do not know where some grocery stores are and how to get there (after my third week here). I have been busy studying, going to class, and making notes. I have been experimenting with different study patterns and tactics. I tried mediasite, different types of study products, study groups, computer note taking, and writing notes. As we have been told, medical school is completely different than undergraduate education. I wanted to try different things to really get a sense of what was going to work best for me. I am here to make the most out of my education, and if that means trial and error, that’s okay. I think I’ve found what works for me and I am going to take that pattern/schedule and run head on toward success. I would like to join an organization, but I need to see how the first test goes. Our first test is 2 weeks into the curriculum — which is THIS MONDAY (September 20th, 2010). Side note; this is also the same day House premieres. I will reward myself with that! Ken, my husband, is here and has been such a great support. I am not sure if I could do this without him.

In addition, I did get a chance to go on an Island tour. We went to the capital, Roseau, Botanical Gardens, Trafalgar Falls, and Sulfur Springs. I have attached pictures from the tour and of our apartment.

Medicine and Culture

The more I read about Ross University School of Medicine, the more excited I become about matriculating. This medical school really has a good thing going. Not only are we (students) learning the same medical practices as those in the US, Canada, and the UK, but we will be learning it in a completely foreign, tropical environment. We have the opportunity to truly experience another culture and as an Anthropologist, this is exceptionally thrilling. Perhaps this curriculum will compel students to mature as professionals in a way other schools may not be capable of. Stepping out of our comfort zone, we will be able to understand the great differences, as well as the common likenesses, in people. No matter where your travels take you, there will always be people that feel sadness, happiness, and madness. There will always be people who are politically correct and there will always be people who are considered to dwell outside cultural norms. I believe that diversity is a concept that all aspiring physicians need to be acquainted with. All patients will be different. Some will not follow our orders, a few will want outrageous treatments, and several will listen to us; therefore it is imperative for us to recognize that every patient is going to bring something new to the examining table and we as physicians should treat each case independently.

It's Almost Time to Leave- Checklist

Ken will be going with me to Dominica after he finishes his thesis. He will finish next week and present to the board on August 18th, 2010. His thesis has been a success and he did find some statistically significant data which is wonderful! Now, we need to tie up all of our loose ends and finish applying for our visas. I will be leaving in 26 Days.

Checklist

Resign from HFHS (check)
Doctor's Visits and Vaccinations for Visa (check)
Purchase Round Trip Ticket for Ken (check!)
Collect two International Checks $40 and $200 (check)
Send Info for both of our Visas (Kelly's- check)
Get Dublin (our Cat) to Mom's (check)
Get Bazzle (our Lizard) a Temporary Home
Sell Ken's Jeep (check!)
Cancel Insurance (check)
Cancel Phones
Pay all Outstanding Bills (Dentist, Credit Card, Quad)
Sell Quad? (decided against selling it)
Clean and Organize
Store Wedding Gifts (check)
Figure out what to do with TV and Bed (Both-check)
Get Books and Other Materials Needed. Anatomy Kit, Gloves, Medical Dictionary (check)
Confirm Housing Arrangements in Dominica (CHECK!)
Cut Hair (it's hot there!) (Checkity check)
Shoping List
Bug Spray, Benadryl, Hydocortisone, Flippy Floppys, Umbrella, Rain Coat, Rain Boots, Medicated Chapstick, Pepto, Tums, Toiletries, 2 new skirts, 2 new shirts, 1 Nice White Sweater, Hand Sanitizer, 1-2 Scrub Pants, Gloves, White Board, Dry Erase Markers, Padlock?, Small Fan (Battery Op), Small Table Lamp (Battery Operated), Headphones, ummm that's all I can think of right now....I am sure there's more.
Pack (check)

Application Process

This is a detailed description of my Medical School Application Process:

05/2009 B.A. WSU
04/2007 to 08/2010 Research at Henry Ford Health System
07/2009 MCAT
09/2009 retook MCAT

MSU-CHM
10-13-09 primary application
10-27-09 primary application received
11-05-09 called with questions
11-11-09 secondary application sent
10-04-10 “no”

WSU
10-13-09 primary application
10-26-09 application received
11-16-09 not pursuing a secondary-“no”

Howard
10-13-09 primary application sent
10-27-09 invited to submit a secondary application
11-11-09 secondary application sent
(pending)note: Historically AA School
04-26-10 "no"

Meharry
10-13-09 primary application
10-30-09 primary received
11-05-09 invited to submit secondary application
12-11-10 secondary application sent
01-04-09 “no”

MSU-COM
11-30-09 primary application
12-07-09 secondary sent
12-23-09 evaluations sent
02-27-10 "no"

KCUMB
01-20-10 primary application
01-20-10 email request to fill out secondary
01-29-10 invited to fill out a secondary application
02-04-10 sent secondary
04-26-10 called. "no" last interview for them is tomorrow.

Ross University
10-23-09 applied
11-01-09 application received
12-04-09 invited for an interview
12-29-09 accepted- "yes”
01-29-10 payment to save seat

WSU Post Bach (Winter 09/10 semester)
Biochemistry- a requirement for MSU-COM
01-10-10 to 05-04-10

Medical School Applications & Planning a Wedding

Ken and I are getting married June 4th, 2010 in Detroit Michigan. I am planning a wedding and working on medical school applications.

All my secondary applications are completed, and I am waiting for any response.

I have however, been accepted to Ross University in Dominica (NOT DOMINICAN REPUBLIC) located in the Caribbean. I have applied to schools in the USA, yet I had a rather low MCAT score. Everything else is stellar. Research 3 years, Volunteerism, Leader, Good GPA, Great LOR's, etc. High MCAT scores does not mean an individual will be a good doctor. I think the chance that I will be accepted to one of the US schools is low, but I pray about it everyday and I know that any school would be "lucky to have me" -Dr. P. If they would just give me an interview, I know that I could impress them with my personality, passion, and determination. Overall, here is my mantra: I will be a doctor in 4 years, therefore I am happy. I can write a detailed description of my MED application journey later.

I am not so happy about potentially leaving my husband. If I do go to Ross University in the Caribbean, I will be going by myself (more than likely) for 16 months. He will stay in MI.

On a positive note, Ken will be receiving his Master's degree in MAY!!!GOOD JOB!!