Well, I learned my lesson. No more promising of posts, especially with a specific deadline. Let's face it, it's just not going to happen. There are more pressing things on my agenda, like saving lives, people!

To sum up the holiday break: relaxing and gluttonous. I didn't pick up a school book, I got to exercise regularly, and, oh, you know, I baked off an entire 5lb bag of flour (at least it was whole wheat, right?) in the form of cookies and bread.

We are almost through with 1 week of the new semester, starting with Physiology, Embryology and Histology. I can feel the gears turning a leetle bit faster this year as the amount of information we are expected to learn continues to grow. This term appears to be a lesson in speed, whereas Anatomy seemed to be a lesson in volume. That said, we finally are being graced by the famous Dr. Costanzo, and she is every bit as delightful as I had hoped. She feeds us physiology like a mother feeds an infant, pureed and with a tiny spoon (open wide for the choo choo!).

Another new change is the switch from seeing actor patients to practice our most basic skills of interviewing and some even more basic physical exam skills, to seeing real patients through a preceptorship. I wanted to post today, after my first session yesterday, while I am still giddy like a kid on a new bike (albeit one with training wheels and safety horns and helmets and knee pads). I know how I can get when I let the stress of school and busy schedules get me down, so I wanted you to hear from me now while those things are not clouding the excitement.

I am working with a family physician in a small practice in a suburb of Richmond. I have been lucky with my faculty assignments this year (advisors, small group leaders, etc.), so while it was possible to make certain requests regarding preceptor placement, I let fate alone guide me to my assignment. I couldn't be happier. A family medicine practice can play out many different ways depending on the location and patient population, and my placement has an excellent mix of ages and ethnicities. Yesterday we saw 3 month old twins, older adults (including a grave digger!!), and everything in between. There was also a good mix of problems, from regular check ups to patients with compound medical issues. Finally, I think my preceptor himself is a good teacher and someone I will have no trouble getting along with for the duration of the term. He gives good feedback and is very clear about his expectations.

Now, back to the books. It's going to be really hard to keep up this semester, as I am already falling a little behind. Go, go gadget brain!