Well, the exam on glucose metabolism (see previous post) came and went. Silly me thought it would all be downhill form there. Much stress and anguish (and a fabulous exam score!) later I have come to realize that it was just the start. We are now slogging through fatty acid metabolism, which is still part of that crazy diagram, but feels like a completely new ballgame. While I learned glucose metabolism in my undergrad biochem courses, I have no recollection of the current material. Hence, I spent all of yesterday pampering myself in preparation for this week's battle with fat.

Aside from making every effort to keep my nose in the books, there have been a few clinically-related happenings that are keeping me motivated (eyes on the prize). We began our genetics course this week (population medicine ended with last Monday's exam), and they do a really nice job of bringing the clinical side of genetics to us. Friday afternoon they brought in some people with Down Syndrome and their families to share their experience with their healthcare providers and in general. It was definitely moving to hear their stories, both good and bad. We have also been learning to take blood pressures and I'm trying to work on some volunteering or shadowing opportunities. I think it's important to keep reminding myself why I'm here, because sometimes sitting in a cubicle reading course syllabi just isn't all that fun, believe it or not!

Finally, I am really excited about some upcoming trips! In October I'll be heading up to DC for a craft fair where I hope to meet one of my favorite crafters as well as possibly participating in Race for the Cure in Virginia Beach! Then in November I signed up to attend a conference for Physicians for Human Rights at George Washington University and I'll be spending Thanksgiving in New York with my best pal and her mom! Lots to look forward to!!