This is the reflection written for our cadaver memorial by my anatomy lab dissection group as we near the end of gross anatomy. I think it sums up our journey this semester perfectly.
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Upon entering medical school, as students we first thought about our cadaver as a means to an end, just a human body with structures and relationships to memorize. It only took one day’s dissection, however, to make us realize that this human body was not just a learning tool but also an incredibly generous gift. Through it, we have grown to appreciate the sacrifice that many have made for our future as physicians.
The anatomy lab has traditionally been a rite of passage, a test of “intestinal fortitude” against the smells of preservatives and decay as well as the ability to memorize as many intricate details of the human body as possible. While some days we were frustrated by the nonconformity or complexity of our patient, we found a second wind of motivation from our deep gratitude to each anatomical donor. Because of their gift to us, we are allowed a unique hands-on perspective into anatomical relationships that no text or other resource can match.
We will never forget how the muscles, nerves, arteries, and organs all orchestrated this man’s emotions, thoughts, and actions, though we will never truly know him. We will never know what his voice sounded like, though we know the contours of his larynx. We will never know what would make him smile, though we understand the position of his facial muscles. His scarred lungs or the screws in his fibula force us to consider our shared experiences as human beings, though we will never know the circumstances behind them. There is much of his “humanity” that will always be a mystery to us even though we have
delved through almost every part of his body.
Still, there is so much more to humanity than the biology and chemistry inside of us. Years down the road, we want to remember that being human involves more than what the eye can see. We now have the structural foundation upon which we may better understand our patients, not simply as biological machines but as complete persons. We cannot underestimate the complexity of our nature, and we are obligated sincerely to give thanks for the generosity of our cadaver who enabled us to gain these insights.
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
New Beginning
Hi Readers! Again it has been almost 5-6 months since my last post. I guess not that much has been going on in the big picture of life.
As many of you know, last week, I started medical school at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, TN. Although I am still not fully adjusted to being out of the great state, I am finding this to be exactly the place for me.
If you had told me a year ago what my life would look like right now, I would never have believed you. I am so blessed to be where I am with who I am with. I have grown to love Memphis and (almost) all of it's quirks. It's an interesting place to live because there is a lot of work to be done. There is a lot of reconciliation from past generations and scars that are more apparent here than anywhere else that I have lived (which isn't saying too much).
Medical school (at least at this point, 1.5 weeks in) is so much more than I could have hoped for or imagined. There is a lot to do and learn and study but I am actually feeling really good about this decision (ask me in another 1.5 weeks right after my first test). I don't think that I could have chosen anything better for myself. If you have known me for a while, you know that medicine was never my plan to begin with, but a journey that God led me to, kicking and screaming at points. I believe that God knows my heart and soul in such an intimate way that because I asked, He led me to where I am supposed to be.
The first day of gross anatomy might have been the best single day of my life. Now obviously there is fierce competition for that spot (i.e. time with family, Samoa, Uruguay, Chile, Guatemala, time with friends, etc.) but in terms of the coolest thing by far I have ever seen was opening one of the most generous gifts that a person can give. It strikes me every single time I walk into the lab that these people made conscious decisions to give their bodies for my education without even knowing me or what kind of doctor I would become. It is a true gift of the person and the family. I am so grateful-- there is no other way to learn human anatomy.
I love the blend in medicine of people and science. I am a curious person and love to explore, question, understand and tinker with things. However, I am also very dependent on social interaction for fulfillment. I love how medicine is now a "team sport" as it was called in our orientation week. I love that in the first weeks here we are taught explicitly about being professional, personal, and caring for our patients. I really thought that medicine would mold me into something that I am not, and that may still be true. But not right now. I can say with confidence that medicine (right now) is molding me in to something that I already am.
I have no illusions that this is not going to be an easy path. It is one of the most difficult ambitions to pursue. That is why I am glad though, that it was never my plan to begin with. It's all about becoming the person that God created me to be. I know (at least right now) that the healing and restorative work in my life will be through medicine. I hope I never lose sight of my passion and motivation for this life, the redemptive work of the Creator for His creations.
As many of you know, last week, I started medical school at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, TN. Although I am still not fully adjusted to being out of the great state, I am finding this to be exactly the place for me.
If you had told me a year ago what my life would look like right now, I would never have believed you. I am so blessed to be where I am with who I am with. I have grown to love Memphis and (almost) all of it's quirks. It's an interesting place to live because there is a lot of work to be done. There is a lot of reconciliation from past generations and scars that are more apparent here than anywhere else that I have lived (which isn't saying too much).
Medical school (at least at this point, 1.5 weeks in) is so much more than I could have hoped for or imagined. There is a lot to do and learn and study but I am actually feeling really good about this decision (ask me in another 1.5 weeks right after my first test). I don't think that I could have chosen anything better for myself. If you have known me for a while, you know that medicine was never my plan to begin with, but a journey that God led me to, kicking and screaming at points. I believe that God knows my heart and soul in such an intimate way that because I asked, He led me to where I am supposed to be.
The first day of gross anatomy might have been the best single day of my life. Now obviously there is fierce competition for that spot (i.e. time with family, Samoa, Uruguay, Chile, Guatemala, time with friends, etc.) but in terms of the coolest thing by far I have ever seen was opening one of the most generous gifts that a person can give. It strikes me every single time I walk into the lab that these people made conscious decisions to give their bodies for my education without even knowing me or what kind of doctor I would become. It is a true gift of the person and the family. I am so grateful-- there is no other way to learn human anatomy.
I love the blend in medicine of people and science. I am a curious person and love to explore, question, understand and tinker with things. However, I am also very dependent on social interaction for fulfillment. I love how medicine is now a "team sport" as it was called in our orientation week. I love that in the first weeks here we are taught explicitly about being professional, personal, and caring for our patients. I really thought that medicine would mold me into something that I am not, and that may still be true. But not right now. I can say with confidence that medicine (right now) is molding me in to something that I already am.
I have no illusions that this is not going to be an easy path. It is one of the most difficult ambitions to pursue. That is why I am glad though, that it was never my plan to begin with. It's all about becoming the person that God created me to be. I know (at least right now) that the healing and restorative work in my life will be through medicine. I hope I never lose sight of my passion and motivation for this life, the redemptive work of the Creator for His creations.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Update on Life
Hey readers. I can't believe it has been almost 6 months since I posted anything on my life here in Tennessee. I apologize for that. Please know that life up here has been a little crazy as my family, Garrett, and I struggled down this road to get to where I am now.
Now I can confidently say that I am in a good place where I feel comfortable updating everyone on the whole process.
Where med school is concerned, I have made some changes that I am very confident in. It is a long story, but I have decided to give up Texas A&M and pursue my medical education at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center where Garrett is a first year. Initially, I did not thinik that I would be allowed to apply or if I did, even remotely considered. However, God has worked through this situation with me. Without going through everything, I think it will suffice to say that I am on the waiting list for UT and will hopefully get to start in August. Plans do change and I am learning the art and virtue of being flexible where life plans are concerned.
Garrett and I have found a church home that we have really grown to love. It's a small church, under 100 members, and doesn't have a building. We meet in the bottom floor of a hotel in downtown Memphis. It's about 5 minutes from where I live and the church is really intentional about getting out into our community to make a difference and spread the kingdom of God. Garrett and I are involved in the couples small group and I attend the women's small group as well. Once a month, we go out to an outreach to make and serve dinner to some of the homeless population. The church family has really been our main body of support in Memphis. It has been such a huge blessing.
Work at the Church Health Center continues as well. I spent eight months working on the phones and at the front desk to start off with. Although it was a bit harder to get up and go to work in the morning than it is now, I feel incredibly blessed to have had that experience. I learned a lot about how real practices work behind the scenes. I have matured a lot just from having a real job that wasn't always super fun.
Now I work back in the clinic scribing for an internal medicine doctor. Basically, I am his right hand where computer things are concerned, putting in orders, printing prescriptions, and the like. I also get patients from the waiting room and take their vitals, etc. The doc I work with, Dr. Jennings, is a great Christian man and a great teacher. He's been in practice for over 30 years in private practice and resource clinic settings. I have learned so much since starting to work with him. I honestly look forward to going into work in the mornings and staying late is no struggle. I know that the experiences I am gaining now are going to be invaluable as I move futher into the medical field in the near future.
Finally, Garrett and I are doing great. We have really enjoyed being in the same place (obviously) and are so grateful for the support that we have received. God has been so good to us. Garrett has been a wonderful support and done a great job prioritizing with school and everything else.
Anyway, I think that is all I have to report on for now. Thanks for sticking with me and thanks for the prayers as always.
Now I can confidently say that I am in a good place where I feel comfortable updating everyone on the whole process.
Where med school is concerned, I have made some changes that I am very confident in. It is a long story, but I have decided to give up Texas A&M and pursue my medical education at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center where Garrett is a first year. Initially, I did not thinik that I would be allowed to apply or if I did, even remotely considered. However, God has worked through this situation with me. Without going through everything, I think it will suffice to say that I am on the waiting list for UT and will hopefully get to start in August. Plans do change and I am learning the art and virtue of being flexible where life plans are concerned.
Garrett and I have found a church home that we have really grown to love. It's a small church, under 100 members, and doesn't have a building. We meet in the bottom floor of a hotel in downtown Memphis. It's about 5 minutes from where I live and the church is really intentional about getting out into our community to make a difference and spread the kingdom of God. Garrett and I are involved in the couples small group and I attend the women's small group as well. Once a month, we go out to an outreach to make and serve dinner to some of the homeless population. The church family has really been our main body of support in Memphis. It has been such a huge blessing.
Work at the Church Health Center continues as well. I spent eight months working on the phones and at the front desk to start off with. Although it was a bit harder to get up and go to work in the morning than it is now, I feel incredibly blessed to have had that experience. I learned a lot about how real practices work behind the scenes. I have matured a lot just from having a real job that wasn't always super fun.
Now I work back in the clinic scribing for an internal medicine doctor. Basically, I am his right hand where computer things are concerned, putting in orders, printing prescriptions, and the like. I also get patients from the waiting room and take their vitals, etc. The doc I work with, Dr. Jennings, is a great Christian man and a great teacher. He's been in practice for over 30 years in private practice and resource clinic settings. I have learned so much since starting to work with him. I honestly look forward to going into work in the mornings and staying late is no struggle. I know that the experiences I am gaining now are going to be invaluable as I move futher into the medical field in the near future.
Finally, Garrett and I are doing great. We have really enjoyed being in the same place (obviously) and are so grateful for the support that we have received. God has been so good to us. Garrett has been a wonderful support and done a great job prioritizing with school and everything else.
Anyway, I think that is all I have to report on for now. Thanks for sticking with me and thanks for the prayers as always.
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