Almost-Dr. V makes house calls!

Today I'll be joining the house call team on an outing to see some of their patients. The team proactively treats these older, sicker patients to prevent the need for hospitalization, rather than bringing them into the hospital where they are exposed to any number of nosocomial (hospital-related) infections.

I doubt we will see any young healthy kids, like the picture depicts, but it's sure to be a great learning experience!

A new year and a much larger pile of paper for our dear friend bunnyfish to sit on. In a month's time, it will be at my hip level (2.5 feet, give or take?)! Hard to believe.

I don't think I'll have time for the insightful new year's post I had imagined a few days ago (lo! I have a quiz to take tonight and a report to prepare for already). However, I do want to share a few thoughts, or resolutions if you will, before they vanish from the front of my brainspace with the onset of the Cardio block tomorrow.

#1 Watch the attitude. I don't think I have a particularly bad attitude about school or what lies ahead, but I have caught myself taking things and people for granted. I think it's something we should all be mindful of. Over the break I interacted with a few pre-meds and was quickly reminded of how lucky I am to be in this boat and how badly I wanted to be here for such a long time (and still do!). These pre-meds are just as qualified as I was when I applied, and they have been less fortunate in the admissions department. It is truly a blessing to be sitting where I am today.

Also, I often proclaim that I have learned nothing in this year and a half or whine that the information is simply not sticking with me. It's just not true--in fact, there have been several occasions where I knew exactly what was going on with a friend or family member's health--and I need to remember that in order to stay positive.

#2 Have more fun! It won't be easy...we are already stepping up the game this week in preparation for the Boards, but I have to remember to spend time wisely and make room for non-medical activities. I have already more or less given up hiking, crafting, reading for pleasure, and even photography (a pursuit that probably doesn't take that much time, but has nonetheless fallen by the wayside). Luckily, I always find time for my biggest joy, cooking. A girl's got to eat afterall!

#3 Diet and exercise. I am probably most serious about this category. My gal pal and I have started a strength training routine at the gym (ladies! get pumping iron!) and I've signed up for my first 10k this spring. Although it's high on my list of priorities, it's been one of the easier goals to keep this year. Having a friend at the gym and a race date are keeping me on track. My diet is ever-changing, and as I learn more about nutrition, my goals change too. I'm not sure exactly where I stand at the moment, but nutrition is almost always on my mind.

That about sums it up. I wish you all a happy new year!!