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)