I have to start by saying I don't think I have ever been happier with my life. Sure I would really like to have a little more free time, but I am really enjoying everything at the moment. I have had several moments of clarity recently when I have realized that I am exactly where I am supposed to be. It is a wonderful feeling!
In terms of exams, I am officially more than half way through the semester. We have had 3 in Physiological Chemistry, 2 in Developmental Anatomy, 1 in Histology, 1 in Gross, and our paper due in Molecular Bio and now we only have 7 exams left before winter break. I am really looking forward to Thanksgiving. Even though I have a final the Tuesday after, it should be a nice break from intensive studying and a great time to relax with my family.
A lot has happened since I wrote last, but here are the highlights I can remember. In clinical skills we had our first swine handling session. We were paired off and given the task of cornering a pig and writing a 3 letter name on its back. No, naming pigs is not a normal swine husbandry practice; however, it was supposed to simulate the length of time needed to give an IM injection. So since the pigs weren't due for any shots, we were given this task instead. My partner and I kicked butt at the pig boarding task and named our pig "Poe" as in Edgar Allan. It was a lot of fun! In that same clinical skills rotation we also learned how to use a system of ropes and pulleys to pick up the hind legs of cattle. We also did catheter insertion in the small animal section that week. The school has a nice collection of model heads and thoracic limbs, so it was a good starting point for anyone who hadn't inserted a catheter before. For those of us who had done standard catheter insertion before, we were showed how to use through-the-needle catheters. It was my first time even seeing one of those catheters, so that was definitely a learning experience. I feel like I mastered the technique on the model dog, but I know putting it in a live animal will be much more difficult. I know this based on my experiences with over-the-needle catheter insertion and also the fact that through-the-needles are commonly placed in the jugular vein....definitely an added complication. But I'll be excited to eventually perfect that skill.
We have also had our first gross anatomy exam since the last time I wrote. The written exam was easier than I expected and the practical was just about what I expected. Overall, I think it went well. Now I just have to wait to get my score back....
