Cerena

Honestly... It took me a bit of time to figure out what kind of research I wanted to do. In my first year I tried biochemistry research and it really wasn't for me. I don't think I was proficient with a pipette until the last year of my biochemistry degree! And gosh, my gels were all bubbly messes of agarose! In third and fourth year of undergrad, though, I found out what my interests were and began working in an ochem lab which helped me get a job as a TA (and ace a killer undergrad thesis project.) Long gone were the days of failed PCR! Shortly after I started to work as a clinical rese

I second getting a Littman cardiology III. Such a gem.

During call, barely any sleep was had I loved, loved, lovedddd being in the OR but those work hours sure tested us all.

It really does, doesn't it?

This isn't related to health care, but an outstanding book I've read recently is called "Night" by Elie Wiesel. Written by a Holocaust survivor. It's difficult to read, and very dark/sad, but very powerful as well. Another outstanding book of a similar genre is called "The Boy With the Striped Pajamas." Rips out your heart and tears it to shreds. "Wonder" by RJ Palacio is fantastic too. For something really fun, though, I'd recommend "Hyperbole and a Half." Such a gem!

Literally, I would make Flashcards after every lecture and memorized every single detail. Lol and did really well on exams. Luckily, some blocks would have pre made Flashcards so I wouldn't have to do all the work. Or I'd divide the work with a friend. If anything troubled me, though, I would study with a friend and we'd drill each other until the concept was learned. In terms of review, I would set a strict schedule and stick with it. Fun highlighters helped me with that. In clerkship, I've done similar but added practice questions. I would do tons of them and did well. And for

If I'm on call, or on a rotation with long hours... For breakfast, I'll cheat and do a meal replacement smoothie (like vega all in one smoothie). For lunch, usually veggies/rice thins and hummus. And for dinner I usually bring leftovers from the day before, usually a curry and a head of romaine lettuce. If I'm super busy, and am running behind and don't have time to sit and eat lunch or breakfast, I'll do another meal replacement smoothie for lunch. I like to snack on fruit too, like dates, grapes, bananas.

I really enjoyed the MMI! And did well. Flew by so fast. But my emotions were so up in down the period between the MMI and acceptance letters! Mind games!

Ugh I definitely felt like I bombed an MMI station the year I was accepted. I went into the room... And it was an acting station. I felt like the actor was pushing my buttons a bit, and wasn't happy with the answers I was giving. I disagreed with the actor! And he kept saying, "come on!" lol and I was like... Am I flunking this? Eventually I just accepted that we disagreed. And tried to compromise. I walked out feeling so confused! But then... You have to shake it off and salvage your other stations. And just forget about it. Such a mind game!

Of course. Best of luck to you!

P90X >< haha

Organic chemistry can be a very challenging, but rewarding, subject. I used to TA the subject for years, but I found that consistent practice does wonders. Also, if there are previous exams available to you, make sure to use those. I dug up an old blog post of mine, feel free to read it http://www.secretlifeofamedstudent.com/2012/01/organic-chemistry-ii-study-tip-of-week.html. Basically, don't miss lectures, practice often, build a reaction notebook or cheatsheet, hand in the assignments on time, think about getting a whiteboard, and go to office hours if you're struggling. Good luck!

Agreed, good luck to you all!

I thought I bombed an MMI station too but somehow things worked out. Just like how the OSCEs always work out (the fear of bombing. Though crappy... It persists lol) Good luck, it's out of your hands!

Hoping pathology won't be so bad

You can only do your best before medical school there were terms I've done much worse than you! But the trick is in playing the game, and working harder next time. Forgive, forget, and be kind to yourself. It's all part of the game Good luck! You can do it

I started to feel like this in first year as well! And have had periods of this on and off ever since. Make sure to take care of yourself because it's a long haul. Whatever taking care of yourself means for you. You aren't alone in this, unfortunately! And you're not whiny. You're human.

You all did such an amazing job!

Umm not afraid to speak his mind? Haha. Last movie you've watched?

You're right, the formula is not known. I would agree your last point, it seems they weigh their oGPA and *aGPA most (*where applicable). Also, stats for those interested are below: http://mdprogram.med.ubc.ca/admissions/admissions-statistics/ Note, as well, there are considerable differences when looking at interm stats for OOP vs IP interviewed applicants.

Can definitely relate to that last bit. I am a small town girl myself and even the four months in Van at the start of M1 were so, so rough for me! Good luck this cycle, guys (PS yay for Team Persistence)

(From the article) "The doctor who walked six miles in the snow to perform emergency life-saving brain surgery said any good doctor would do it." Well said.

Yes, me too. Also, Happy Holidays to everyone

So amazing when you do better than you thought! Great job and enjoy the break!

Hi you know, I have never even thought of doing proficiency testing. Or even putting this down on a CV. I have never really thought much of it, and used this in my personal life/travels/conversations with family. but having the testing would likely help in a professional sense