Hey there!
So, as you might be able to guess from the title, this was a pretty dang good week. It's kinda funny, because I wasn't really looking forward to this week at all. I was assigned to shadow palliative care, which I have no interest in, I was jealous of the person who got to shadow surgery, and I was worried that at the end of the week I wouldn't get good/enough hours in the scheduling meeting. Needless to say, I shouldn't have worried. :P
Last week, I e-mailed Alba and Diego, our coordinators here, to see if I could shadow surgery for even one day this week. They said they'd ask, but by Monday I still hadn't heard anything. Turns out that they asked the chief of surgery that day, and he said I could shadow not one, but TWO days!! Cue happiness. :) Plus, shadowing on Monday wasn't even that bad. I was supposed to be in Palliative care and Megan was supposed to be in Oncology, but I think we inadvertently switched doctors, so I ended up going on rounds with the Oncology residents. Super interesting. :)
Tuesday was hair as interesting, although there were a couple of patients that were clearly nearing the end of their life, so that was hard to see. Like I said on Facebook that day though, I know they're going to a better place, and will have a chance to be resurrected and live again without all that pain and suffering. :) Tuesday was also awesome because in the afternoon I got an e-mail from my professor for Neuro 205, saying that a TA position had opened up. I'd been trying to figure out how on earth I was going to fulfil the leadership experience requirement for med school, so this kinda felt like an answer to prayers. :)
Wednesday was just amazing!!! Every week we have a full day excursion, and this time we went to the Cies Islands. Soooo pretty!! Apparently one of the beaches was named 'best beach in the world' a few years ago. :) I loved it- the water was gorgeous (although quite cold), the views were spectacular... I just wish we could've had more time!!!
Thursday was probably my favorite day this week, except maybe Wednesday... I think they may tie. :P anyway- I woke up around 7:00, and quickly got ready to head to the hospital with Alice (the person in surgery this week). We got there and got to be in a meeting where the doctors reviewed all the surgical patients, and then we each got asks fend a doctor to follow. I got to follow Reuben, and watch a tumor resection. The tumor had invaded a kidney, the adrenal glands, and a few other structures- and was massive! I wish I could post the pictures I took... (But I won't. :D ). Anyway- it was awesome. Then, when I got back, I saw an email from the Neuro 205 professor saying that he had narrowed the list down to seven people and wanted some additional information. I responded to that, and about two hours later got an email saying that he thought I was the best one for the position. So happy!!! Then, we had an amazing group dinner. :) overall, it was just an amazing day!!! :D
Friday was cool too.. I got to watch a surgery where they removed part of the large intestine that was infected with diverticulitis, then watch a thyroidectomy, and catch the last end of a hernia repair. :) That night we had dinner at a DELICIOUS Italian restaurant close to the hotel. So good!!! :)
Not much to tell from yesterday... I mostly just relaxed. :) I also had my scheduling meeting, and ended up getting perfect shifts, :) Now I just need to get them covered for next week... :P anyway- this week was awesome! This afternoon we get to visit Allariz, and I'm super excited. :) I'll probably post about that next week once I get back. :) I can't believe I only have one more week left' :'( the time has gone by so fast! I'll miss Europe/Spain, but I'm excited to start classes again!
Until next time!
Sunday, August 28, 2016
A Perfect Week
Hey there!
So, as you might be able to guess from the title, this was a pretty dang good week. It's kinda funny, because I wasn't really looking forward to this week at all. I was assigned to shadow palliative care, which I have no interest in, I was jealous of the person who got to shadow surgery, and I was worried that at the end of the week I wouldn't get good/enough hours in the scheduling meeting. Needless to say, I shouldn't have worried. :P
Last week, I e-mailed Alba and Diego, our coordinators here, to see if I could shadow surgery for even one day this week. They said they'd ask, but by Monday I still hadn't heard anything. Turns out that they asked the chief of surgery that day, and he said I could shadow not one, but TWO days!! Cue happiness. :) Plus, shadowing on Monday wasn't even that bad. I was supposed to be in Palliative care and Megan was supposed to be in Oncology, but I think we inadvertently switched doctors, so I ended up going on rounds with the Oncology residents. Super interesting. :)
Tuesday was hair as interesting, although there were a couple of patients that were clearly nearing the end of their life, so that was hard to see. Like I said on Facebook that day though, I know they're going to a better place, and will have a chance to be resurrected and live again without all that pain and suffering. :) Tuesday was also awesome because in the afternoon I got an e-mail from my professor for Neuro 205, saying that a TA position had opened up. I'd been trying to figure out how on earth I was going to fulfil the leadership experience requirement for med school, so this kinda felt like an answer to prayers. :)
Wednesday was just amazing!!! Every week we have a full day excursion, and this time we went to the Cies Islands. Soooo pretty!! Apparently one of the beaches was named 'best beach in the world' a few years ago. :) I loved it- the water was gorgeous (although quite cold), the views were spectacular... I just wish we could've had more time!!!
Thursday was probably my favorite day this week, except maybe Wednesday... I think they may tie. :P anyway- I woke up around 7:00, and quickly got ready to head to the hospital with Alice (the person in surgery this week). We got there and got to be in a meeting where the doctors reviewed all the surgical patients, and then we each got asks fend a doctor to follow. I got to follow Reuben, and watch a tumor resection. The tumor had invaded a kidney, the adrenal glands, and a few other structures- and was massive! I wish I could post the pictures I took... (But I won't. :D ). Anyway- it was awesome. Then, when I got back, I saw an email from the Neuro 205 professor saying that he had narrowed the list down to seven people and wanted some additional information. I responded to that, and about two hours later got an email saying that he thought I was the best one for the position. So happy!!! Then, we had an amazing group dinner. :) overall, it was just an amazing day!!! :D
Friday was cool too.. I got to watch a surgery where they removed part of the large intestine that was infected with diverticulitis, then watch a thyroidectomy, and catch the last end of a hernia repair. :) That night we had dinner at a DELICIOUS Italian restaurant close to the hotel. So good!!! :)
Not much to tell from yesterday... I mostly just relaxed. :) I also had my scheduling meeting, and ended up getting perfect shifts, :) Now I just need to get them covered for next week... :P anyway- this week was awesome! This afternoon we get to visit Allariz, and I'm super excited. :) I'll probably post about that next week once I get back. :) I can't believe I only have one more week left' :'( the time has gone by so fast! I'll miss Europe/Spain, but I'm excited to start classes again!
Until next time!
So, as you might be able to guess from the title, this was a pretty dang good week. It's kinda funny, because I wasn't really looking forward to this week at all. I was assigned to shadow palliative care, which I have no interest in, I was jealous of the person who got to shadow surgery, and I was worried that at the end of the week I wouldn't get good/enough hours in the scheduling meeting. Needless to say, I shouldn't have worried. :P
Last week, I e-mailed Alba and Diego, our coordinators here, to see if I could shadow surgery for even one day this week. They said they'd ask, but by Monday I still hadn't heard anything. Turns out that they asked the chief of surgery that day, and he said I could shadow not one, but TWO days!! Cue happiness. :) Plus, shadowing on Monday wasn't even that bad. I was supposed to be in Palliative care and Megan was supposed to be in Oncology, but I think we inadvertently switched doctors, so I ended up going on rounds with the Oncology residents. Super interesting. :)
Tuesday was hair as interesting, although there were a couple of patients that were clearly nearing the end of their life, so that was hard to see. Like I said on Facebook that day though, I know they're going to a better place, and will have a chance to be resurrected and live again without all that pain and suffering. :) Tuesday was also awesome because in the afternoon I got an e-mail from my professor for Neuro 205, saying that a TA position had opened up. I'd been trying to figure out how on earth I was going to fulfil the leadership experience requirement for med school, so this kinda felt like an answer to prayers. :)
Wednesday was just amazing!!! Every week we have a full day excursion, and this time we went to the Cies Islands. Soooo pretty!! Apparently one of the beaches was named 'best beach in the world' a few years ago. :) I loved it- the water was gorgeous (although quite cold), the views were spectacular... I just wish we could've had more time!!!
Thursday was probably my favorite day this week, except maybe Wednesday... I think they may tie. :P anyway- I woke up around 7:00, and quickly got ready to head to the hospital with Alice (the person in surgery this week). We got there and got to be in a meeting where the doctors reviewed all the surgical patients, and then we each got asks fend a doctor to follow. I got to follow Reuben, and watch a tumor resection. The tumor had invaded a kidney, the adrenal glands, and a few other structures- and was massive! I wish I could post the pictures I took... (But I won't. :D ). Anyway- it was awesome. Then, when I got back, I saw an email from the Neuro 205 professor saying that he had narrowed the list down to seven people and wanted some additional information. I responded to that, and about two hours later got an email saying that he thought I was the best one for the position. So happy!!! Then, we had an amazing group dinner. :) overall, it was just an amazing day!!! :D
Friday was cool too.. I got to watch a surgery where they removed part of the large intestine that was infected with diverticulitis, then watch a thyroidectomy, and catch the last end of a hernia repair. :) That night we had dinner at a DELICIOUS Italian restaurant close to the hotel. So good!!! :)
Not much to tell from yesterday... I mostly just relaxed. :) I also had my scheduling meeting, and ended up getting perfect shifts, :) Now I just need to get them covered for next week... :P anyway- this week was awesome! This afternoon we get to visit Allariz, and I'm super excited. :) I'll probably post about that next week once I get back. :) I can't believe I only have one more week left' :'( the time has gone by so fast! I'll miss Europe/Spain, but I'm excited to start classes again!
Until next time!
A Perfect Week
Hey there!
So, as you might be able to guess from the title, this was a pretty dang good week. It's kinda funny, because I wasn't really looking forward to this week at all. I was assigned to shadow palliative care, which I have no interest in, I was jealous of the person who got to shadow surgery, and I was worried that at the end of the week I wouldn't get good/enough hours in the scheduling meeting. Needless to say, I shouldn't have worried. :P
Last week, I e-mailed Alba and Diego, our coordinators here, to see if I could shadow surgery for even one day this week. They said they'd ask, but by Monday I still hadn't heard anything. Turns out that they asked the chief of surgery that day, and he said I could shadow not one, but TWO days!! Cue happiness. :) Plus, shadowing on Monday wasn't even that bad. I was supposed to be in Palliative care and Megan was supposed to be in Oncology, but I think we inadvertently switched doctors, so I ended up going on rounds with the Oncology residents. Super interesting. :)
Tuesday was hair as interesting, although there were a couple of patients that were clearly nearing the end of their life, so that was hard to see. Like I said on Facebook that day though, I know they're going to a better place, and will have a chance to be resurrected and live again without all that pain and suffering. :) Tuesday was also awesome because in the afternoon I got an e-mail from my professor for Neuro 205, saying that a TA position had opened up. I'd been trying to figure out how on earth I was going to fulfil the leadership experience requirement for med school, so this kinda felt like an answer to prayers. :)
Wednesday was just amazing!!! Every week we have a full day excursion, and this time we went to the Cies Islands. Soooo pretty!! Apparently one of the beaches was named 'best beach in the world' a few years ago. :) I loved it- the water was gorgeous (although quite cold), the views were spectacular... I just wish we could've had more time!!!
Thursday was probably my favorite day this week, except maybe Wednesday... I think they may tie. :P anyway- I woke up around 7:00, and quickly got ready to head to the hospital with Alice (the person in surgery this week). We got there and got to be in a meeting where the doctors reviewed all the surgical patients, and then we each got asks fend a doctor to follow. I got to follow Reuben, and watch a tumor resection. The tumor had invaded a kidney, the adrenal glands, and a few other structures- and was massive! I wish I could post the pictures I took... (But I won't. :D ). Anyway- it was awesome. Then, when I got back, I saw an email from the Neuro 205 professor saying that he had narrowed the list down to seven people and wanted some additional information. I responded to that, and about two hours later got an email saying that he thought I was the best one for the position. So happy!!! Then, we had an amazing group dinner. :) overall, it was just an amazing day!!! :D
Friday was cool too.. I got to watch a surgery where they removed part of the large intestine that was infected with diverticulitis, then watch a thyroidectomy, and catch the last end of a hernia repair. :) That night we had dinner at a DELICIOUS Italian restaurant close to the hotel. So good!!! :)
Not much to tell from yesterday... I mostly just relaxed. :) I also had my scheduling meeting, and ended up getting perfect shifts, :) Now I just need to get them covered for next week... :P anyway- this week was awesome! This afternoon we get to visit Allariz, and I'm super excited. :) I'll probably post about that next week once I get back. :) I can't believe I only have one more week left' :'( the time has gone by so fast! I'll miss Europe/Spain, but I'm excited to start classes again!
Until next time!
So, as you might be able to guess from the title, this was a pretty dang good week. It's kinda funny, because I wasn't really looking forward to this week at all. I was assigned to shadow palliative care, which I have no interest in, I was jealous of the person who got to shadow surgery, and I was worried that at the end of the week I wouldn't get good/enough hours in the scheduling meeting. Needless to say, I shouldn't have worried. :P
Last week, I e-mailed Alba and Diego, our coordinators here, to see if I could shadow surgery for even one day this week. They said they'd ask, but by Monday I still hadn't heard anything. Turns out that they asked the chief of surgery that day, and he said I could shadow not one, but TWO days!! Cue happiness. :) Plus, shadowing on Monday wasn't even that bad. I was supposed to be in Palliative care and Megan was supposed to be in Oncology, but I think we inadvertently switched doctors, so I ended up going on rounds with the Oncology residents. Super interesting. :)
Tuesday was hair as interesting, although there were a couple of patients that were clearly nearing the end of their life, so that was hard to see. Like I said on Facebook that day though, I know they're going to a better place, and will have a chance to be resurrected and live again without all that pain and suffering. :) Tuesday was also awesome because in the afternoon I got an e-mail from my professor for Neuro 205, saying that a TA position had opened up. I'd been trying to figure out how on earth I was going to fulfil the leadership experience requirement for med school, so this kinda felt like an answer to prayers. :)
Wednesday was just amazing!!! Every week we have a full day excursion, and this time we went to the Cies Islands. Soooo pretty!! Apparently one of the beaches was named 'best beach in the world' a few years ago. :) I loved it- the water was gorgeous (although quite cold), the views were spectacular... I just wish we could've had more time!!!
Thursday was probably my favorite day this week, except maybe Wednesday... I think they may tie. :P anyway- I woke up around 7:00, and quickly got ready to head to the hospital with Alice (the person in surgery this week). We got there and got to be in a meeting where the doctors reviewed all the surgical patients, and then we each got asks fend a doctor to follow. I got to follow Reuben, and watch a tumor resection. The tumor had invaded a kidney, the adrenal glands, and a few other structures- and was massive! I wish I could post the pictures I took... (But I won't. :D ). Anyway- it was awesome. Then, when I got back, I saw an email from the Neuro 205 professor saying that he had narrowed the list down to seven people and wanted some additional information. I responded to that, and about two hours later got an email saying that he thought I was the best one for the position. So happy!!! Then, we had an amazing group dinner. :) overall, it was just an amazing day!!! :D
Friday was cool too.. I got to watch a surgery where they removed part of the large intestine that was infected with diverticulitis, then watch a thyroidectomy, and catch the last end of a hernia repair. :) That night we had dinner at a DELICIOUS Italian restaurant close to the hotel. So good!!! :)
Not much to tell from yesterday... I mostly just relaxed. :) I also had my scheduling meeting, and ended up getting perfect shifts, :) Now I just need to get them covered for next week... :P anyway- this week was awesome! This afternoon we get to visit Allariz, and I'm super excited. :) I'll probably post about that next week once I get back. :) I can't believe I only have one more week left' :'( the time has gone by so fast! I'll miss Europe/Spain, but I'm excited to start classes again!
Until next time!
A Perfect Week
Hey there!
So, as you might be able to guess from the title, this was a pretty dang good week. It's kinda funny, because I wasn't really looking forward to this week at all. I was assigned to shadow palliative care, which I have no interest in, I was jealous of the person who got to shadow surgery, and I was worried that at the end of the week I wouldn't get good/enough hours in the scheduling meeting. Needless to say, I shouldn't have worried. :P
Last week, I e-mailed Alba and Diego, our coordinators here, to see if I could shadow surgery for even one day this week. They said they'd ask, but by Monday I still hadn't heard anything. Turns out that they asked the chief of surgery that day, and he said I could shadow not one, but TWO days!! Cue happiness. :) Plus, shadowing on Monday wasn't even that bad. I was supposed to be in Palliative care and Megan was supposed to be in Oncology, but I think we inadvertently switched doctors, so I ended up going on rounds with the Oncology residents. Super interesting. :)
Tuesday was hair as interesting, although there were a couple of patients that were clearly nearing the end of their life, so that was hard to see. Like I said on Facebook that day though, I know they're going to a better place, and will have a chance to be resurrected and live again without all that pain and suffering. :) Tuesday was also awesome because in the afternoon I got an e-mail from my professor for Neuro 205, saying that a TA position had opened up. I'd been trying to figure out how on earth I was going to fulfil the leadership experience requirement for med school, so this kinda felt like an answer to prayers. :)
Wednesday was just amazing!!! Every week we have a full day excursion, and this time we went to the Cies Islands. Soooo pretty!! Apparently one of the beaches was named 'best beach in the world' a few years ago. :) I loved it- the water was gorgeous (although quite cold), the views were spectacular... I just wish we could've had more time!!!
Thursday was probably my favorite day this week, except maybe Wednesday... I think they may tie. :P anyway- I woke up around 7:00, and quickly got ready to head to the hospital with Alice (the person in surgery this week). We got there and got to be in a meeting where the doctors reviewed all the surgical patients, and then we each got asks fend a doctor to follow. I got to follow Reuben, and watch a tumor resection. The tumor had invaded a kidney, the adrenal glands, and a few other structures- and was massive! I wish I could post the pictures I took... (But I won't. :D ). Anyway- it was awesome. Then, when I got back, I saw an email from the Neuro 205 professor saying that he had narrowed the list down to seven people and wanted some additional information. I responded to that, and about two hours later got an email saying that he thought I was the best one for the position. So happy!!! Then, we had an amazing group dinner. :) overall, it was just an amazing day!!! :D
Friday was cool too.. I got to watch a surgery where they removed part of the large intestine that was infected with diverticulitis, then watch a thyroidectomy, and catch the last end of a hernia repair. :) That night we had dinner at a DELICIOUS Italian restaurant close to the hotel. So good!!! :)
Not much to tell from yesterday... I mostly just relaxed. :) I also had my scheduling meeting, and ended up getting perfect shifts, :) Now I just need to get them covered for next week... :P anyway- this week was awesome! This afternoon we get to visit Allariz, and I'm super excited. :) I'll probably post about that next week once I get back. :) I can't believe I only have one more week left' :'( the time has gone by so fast! I'll miss Europe/Spain, but I'm excited to start classes again!
Until next time!
So, as you might be able to guess from the title, this was a pretty dang good week. It's kinda funny, because I wasn't really looking forward to this week at all. I was assigned to shadow palliative care, which I have no interest in, I was jealous of the person who got to shadow surgery, and I was worried that at the end of the week I wouldn't get good/enough hours in the scheduling meeting. Needless to say, I shouldn't have worried. :P
Last week, I e-mailed Alba and Diego, our coordinators here, to see if I could shadow surgery for even one day this week. They said they'd ask, but by Monday I still hadn't heard anything. Turns out that they asked the chief of surgery that day, and he said I could shadow not one, but TWO days!! Cue happiness. :) Plus, shadowing on Monday wasn't even that bad. I was supposed to be in Palliative care and Megan was supposed to be in Oncology, but I think we inadvertently switched doctors, so I ended up going on rounds with the Oncology residents. Super interesting. :)
Tuesday was hair as interesting, although there were a couple of patients that were clearly nearing the end of their life, so that was hard to see. Like I said on Facebook that day though, I know they're going to a better place, and will have a chance to be resurrected and live again without all that pain and suffering. :) Tuesday was also awesome because in the afternoon I got an e-mail from my professor for Neuro 205, saying that a TA position had opened up. I'd been trying to figure out how on earth I was going to fulfil the leadership experience requirement for med school, so this kinda felt like an answer to prayers. :)
Wednesday was just amazing!!! Every week we have a full day excursion, and this time we went to the Cies Islands. Soooo pretty!! Apparently one of the beaches was named 'best beach in the world' a few years ago. :) I loved it- the water was gorgeous (although quite cold), the views were spectacular... I just wish we could've had more time!!!
Thursday was probably my favorite day this week, except maybe Wednesday... I think they may tie. :P anyway- I woke up around 7:00, and quickly got ready to head to the hospital with Alice (the person in surgery this week). We got there and got to be in a meeting where the doctors reviewed all the surgical patients, and then we each got asks fend a doctor to follow. I got to follow Reuben, and watch a tumor resection. The tumor had invaded a kidney, the adrenal glands, and a few other structures- and was massive! I wish I could post the pictures I took... (But I won't. :D ). Anyway- it was awesome. Then, when I got back, I saw an email from the Neuro 205 professor saying that he had narrowed the list down to seven people and wanted some additional information. I responded to that, and about two hours later got an email saying that he thought I was the best one for the position. So happy!!! Then, we had an amazing group dinner. :) overall, it was just an amazing day!!! :D
Friday was cool too.. I got to watch a surgery where they removed part of the large intestine that was infected with diverticulitis, then watch a thyroidectomy, and catch the last end of a hernia repair. :) That night we had dinner at a DELICIOUS Italian restaurant close to the hotel. So good!!! :)
Not much to tell from yesterday... I mostly just relaxed. :) I also had my scheduling meeting, and ended up getting perfect shifts, :) Now I just need to get them covered for next week... :P anyway- this week was awesome! This afternoon we get to visit Allariz, and I'm super excited. :) I'll probably post about that next week once I get back. :) I can't believe I only have one more week left' :'( the time has gone by so fast! I'll miss Europe/Spain, but I'm excited to start classes again!
Until next time!
Saturday, August 20, 2016
Urology: A Hidden Gem
Hey there!
So my dad just e-mailed me telling me that he can't wait til my next blog post, so I decided to take the hint and write a new one. :P
This week has been amazing! I got to Madrid late Wednesday night/early Thursday morning, and immediately went to sleep once I got to my hostel. In the morning, I took advantage of the free breakfast/maps they provide, and started to plan my day. They offer a free tour in Madrid, so I headed out, with the goal of making it to the 2:00pm one. I had about two hours, so I took the long way around, and saw some super cool stuff! Madrid doesn't have as many obvious attractions as places such as Italy or London, but it was still awesome. My favorite is probably a tie between the El Prado museum and Parque del Retiro. The next day I got up and went back to the airport to wait for the Atlantis Project representative (the hotel we stayed at was a ways away from the Madrid city center, so the Atlantis Project coordinator said that that would be the easiest/cheapest way to find my way to the hotel). Three other girls (Lucy, Maycee, and Sarah) arrived at the same time I did, and we had a fun time getting to know each other on the right to Hotel Alcala Plaza.
Once we got to the hotel, we dropped our things off, and headed out to see Madrid. Another girl, Christina, who got there around the same time also joined us. We had a fun time wandering around -- mostly to places I'd seen the day before. Once we got back, we relaxed, and didn't do much the rest of the night. I also met my roommate, Alice. She goes to UCLA, and is pretty cool. :) The next day we had orientation - it was super fun!! We all found out where we're shadowing - -I got Urology, Palliative Care, and Intensive Care. It wasn't exactly what I was hoping for, but they all sound super interesting.
After orientation we had lunch, and then some people went out to Madrid, while I stayed at the hotel. The next day we had a few hours before our train left, so we explored Alcala de Henares, the suburb of madrid where our hotel was. When we got back, we took a bus to the train station, and then took a train to Ourense. :) It's sooooo beautiful here!!! I was expecting a small town with little to do, but it's amazing - -I love the architecture, and we're right in the middle of the city center so we're close to everything. We got to Ourense pretty late, so we checked into our hotel (a different one than where we are now, because this one was sold out that first night), and called it a night. The next day we had a tour of Ourense, and moved our stuff to the hotel that we'll be in for the rest of the three nights. It's pretty nice, and I was one of about half of us who gets an individual room. :D I love it!
Tuesday was our first day shadowing. I wasn't sure what to expect with Urology, but was definitely excited when Alba (our local coordinator) told me and Sarah (who was also on Urology this week) that we'd be going straight to the OR. That first day we saw two bladder tumor resections. Super cool! They do it endoscopically, so we were able to see everything they did up on a screen. After that, we had lunch, and then went back to the hospital so Alba could show us where volunteering is -- all of us volunteer twice during these three weeks in the children's area of the hospital -- basically we just play with any of the kids who come in. My first day was supposed to be Wednesday, but our group activity got moved to that afternoon, so I just stayed Tuesday and volunteered with Sophie and Alice. We didn't have any kids come in, but we were able to talk with the other volunteer, and the volunteer coordinator - it was super fun!
After that we went to dinner...there are so many amazing places to eat here! We've found an Italian place, a place with great octopus (which Galicia, the province where Ourense is, is known for), etc. I love the food here! Anyway -- we ate dinner, and then went to bed. (Dinner here is at like 8:30-9:00, so we don't get back til around 10:30 and we have to get up early so we don't usually do much after dinner). The next day we got to go back to the OR, and we saw four Botox injections in the urinary sphincter (meant to help with urinary incontinence), and 4 prostate biopsies. It was super cool! It was nice to see so many of the same procedures, because we got to see what aspects stayed the same and what were different. Later that afternoon we went to the hot springs -- sooooo awesome!!! I think we're all planning to go back some time -- probably to different ones (Ourense has a lot of hot springs), but wherever we go it should be awesome.
Thursday we saw four more bladder tumor resections...it was cool to see how each was different. Not too much else to mention from Thursday...we did have a great group dinner though. :) I love our group - -we all get along really well, and have lots of fun together. Friday was probably my favorite day so far -- we got to watch a laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. It was amazing!! The other tumors we've seen have involved little blood and have been minimally invasive, so this was my first 'intense' surgery. They made five small incisions; one had a camera in it, and the others had devices with holes through which different instruments could be inserted. It was so cool! we got to see the intestine (at least that's what I think it was) and adipose tissue as they found their way to the prostate. It was a lot bigger than I expected, and I actually originally thought it was the bladder. :P Once they found it, they started the process of identifying the bladder neck, and then started removing the prostate. After the prostate was removed, they started what I think was the coolest part of the procedure -- performing a urethral anastomosis (they took two parts of the urethra, and sutured them together). It was amazing!!! After the surgery was over, we had a bit of a break, and then watched part of a catheter change before heading back to the hotel. Later, Sierra and I went back to the hospital for volunteering. It was super fun!!! After that we had dinner, and went to sleep.
Today's been a pretty relaxing day....we had a late breakfast, and then went to the mall here in Ourense (one way you can tell that we're an all girl group -- we were all excited to find out that there's a nice mall here. :P ) Two of the girls went to Barcelona for the weekend and left last night; the other 8 of us stayed here, and right now 6 went to watch the start of a cycling race. :) Once they get back we'll probably have dinner at the hotel, and call it a day. :)
So yeah - -this week has been awesome. Urology turned out to be a hidden gem. I wasn't sure how I felt about shadowing an area that focuses mostly on the urinary system/male reproductive system, but it's been awesome! I'm sad to leave it, but am looking forward to palliative care next week.
Also, while my laptop was working long enough to write this, it unfortunately didn't work enough for me to post pictures. :/ maybe soon though! :)
So my dad just e-mailed me telling me that he can't wait til my next blog post, so I decided to take the hint and write a new one. :P
This week has been amazing! I got to Madrid late Wednesday night/early Thursday morning, and immediately went to sleep once I got to my hostel. In the morning, I took advantage of the free breakfast/maps they provide, and started to plan my day. They offer a free tour in Madrid, so I headed out, with the goal of making it to the 2:00pm one. I had about two hours, so I took the long way around, and saw some super cool stuff! Madrid doesn't have as many obvious attractions as places such as Italy or London, but it was still awesome. My favorite is probably a tie between the El Prado museum and Parque del Retiro. The next day I got up and went back to the airport to wait for the Atlantis Project representative (the hotel we stayed at was a ways away from the Madrid city center, so the Atlantis Project coordinator said that that would be the easiest/cheapest way to find my way to the hotel). Three other girls (Lucy, Maycee, and Sarah) arrived at the same time I did, and we had a fun time getting to know each other on the right to Hotel Alcala Plaza.
Once we got to the hotel, we dropped our things off, and headed out to see Madrid. Another girl, Christina, who got there around the same time also joined us. We had a fun time wandering around -- mostly to places I'd seen the day before. Once we got back, we relaxed, and didn't do much the rest of the night. I also met my roommate, Alice. She goes to UCLA, and is pretty cool. :) The next day we had orientation - it was super fun!! We all found out where we're shadowing - -I got Urology, Palliative Care, and Intensive Care. It wasn't exactly what I was hoping for, but they all sound super interesting.
After orientation we had lunch, and then some people went out to Madrid, while I stayed at the hotel. The next day we had a few hours before our train left, so we explored Alcala de Henares, the suburb of madrid where our hotel was. When we got back, we took a bus to the train station, and then took a train to Ourense. :) It's sooooo beautiful here!!! I was expecting a small town with little to do, but it's amazing - -I love the architecture, and we're right in the middle of the city center so we're close to everything. We got to Ourense pretty late, so we checked into our hotel (a different one than where we are now, because this one was sold out that first night), and called it a night. The next day we had a tour of Ourense, and moved our stuff to the hotel that we'll be in for the rest of the three nights. It's pretty nice, and I was one of about half of us who gets an individual room. :D I love it!
Tuesday was our first day shadowing. I wasn't sure what to expect with Urology, but was definitely excited when Alba (our local coordinator) told me and Sarah (who was also on Urology this week) that we'd be going straight to the OR. That first day we saw two bladder tumor resections. Super cool! They do it endoscopically, so we were able to see everything they did up on a screen. After that, we had lunch, and then went back to the hospital so Alba could show us where volunteering is -- all of us volunteer twice during these three weeks in the children's area of the hospital -- basically we just play with any of the kids who come in. My first day was supposed to be Wednesday, but our group activity got moved to that afternoon, so I just stayed Tuesday and volunteered with Sophie and Alice. We didn't have any kids come in, but we were able to talk with the other volunteer, and the volunteer coordinator - it was super fun!
After that we went to dinner...there are so many amazing places to eat here! We've found an Italian place, a place with great octopus (which Galicia, the province where Ourense is, is known for), etc. I love the food here! Anyway -- we ate dinner, and then went to bed. (Dinner here is at like 8:30-9:00, so we don't get back til around 10:30 and we have to get up early so we don't usually do much after dinner). The next day we got to go back to the OR, and we saw four Botox injections in the urinary sphincter (meant to help with urinary incontinence), and 4 prostate biopsies. It was super cool! It was nice to see so many of the same procedures, because we got to see what aspects stayed the same and what were different. Later that afternoon we went to the hot springs -- sooooo awesome!!! I think we're all planning to go back some time -- probably to different ones (Ourense has a lot of hot springs), but wherever we go it should be awesome.
Thursday we saw four more bladder tumor resections...it was cool to see how each was different. Not too much else to mention from Thursday...we did have a great group dinner though. :) I love our group - -we all get along really well, and have lots of fun together. Friday was probably my favorite day so far -- we got to watch a laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. It was amazing!! The other tumors we've seen have involved little blood and have been minimally invasive, so this was my first 'intense' surgery. They made five small incisions; one had a camera in it, and the others had devices with holes through which different instruments could be inserted. It was so cool! we got to see the intestine (at least that's what I think it was) and adipose tissue as they found their way to the prostate. It was a lot bigger than I expected, and I actually originally thought it was the bladder. :P Once they found it, they started the process of identifying the bladder neck, and then started removing the prostate. After the prostate was removed, they started what I think was the coolest part of the procedure -- performing a urethral anastomosis (they took two parts of the urethra, and sutured them together). It was amazing!!! After the surgery was over, we had a bit of a break, and then watched part of a catheter change before heading back to the hotel. Later, Sierra and I went back to the hospital for volunteering. It was super fun!!! After that we had dinner, and went to sleep.
Today's been a pretty relaxing day....we had a late breakfast, and then went to the mall here in Ourense (one way you can tell that we're an all girl group -- we were all excited to find out that there's a nice mall here. :P ) Two of the girls went to Barcelona for the weekend and left last night; the other 8 of us stayed here, and right now 6 went to watch the start of a cycling race. :) Once they get back we'll probably have dinner at the hotel, and call it a day. :)
So yeah - -this week has been awesome. Urology turned out to be a hidden gem. I wasn't sure how I felt about shadowing an area that focuses mostly on the urinary system/male reproductive system, but it's been awesome! I'm sad to leave it, but am looking forward to palliative care next week.
Also, while my laptop was working long enough to write this, it unfortunately didn't work enough for me to post pictures. :/ maybe soon though! :)
Wednesday, August 10, 2016
The Real Reason
Hey there!
Today, like the last time I wrote, I'm sitting in an airport. :) Last time I was sitting in one of the two airports in Kiev, getting ready for two weeks of exploring Europe with some of the best girls in the world - Paige, little Paige, and Genesis. I could probably make a whole new blog just to talk about travel and how much fun we had and advice, etc. But I don't really have the time, so here are some of my favorite things/recommendations for each place.
LONDON
London was one of my favorite places, second only to Rome. Thanks to my time there, I'm seriously considering applying to medical schools there. Here are my top five recommendations:
1. Buy an Oyster card for the Underground, not a day pass. It'll be cheaper. We never actually figured out how the Oyster cards work, but it seems like everyone but us had one, and saved money that way.
2. Take a free walking tour- there are lots to choose from - from traditional sight seeing tours to Harry Potter tours to Jack the Ripper tours.
3. If you're a Harry Potter nerd, like me, visit the Harry Potter store at King's Cross Station. :)
4. See Big Ben and Westminster Abbey.
5. Walk along the Thames.
DUBLIN
1. In Dublin it would probably be wise to invest in a bus pass- otherwise you'll do lots of walking. Or find a place that has a bike your size (I unfortunately didn't have luck in that area.)
2. Check the weather and go to Phoenix Park when it's not raining. The park is beautiful, and I'm really sad that I wasn't able to see more of it. :/
3. Check out Trinity College. We only saw the entrance to campus on our walking tour, but it looks awesome! And the library there is also the Hogwarts library. :P
4. Go to St. Patrick's Cathedral and Christ's Church cathedral.
5. Check out the museums! Dublin has some amazing museums and I'm sad we didn't get to see more. :/
BERLIN
1. Try curry wurst. It's cheap snd super delicious!
2. Go to museum Island! Even if you just want to look at the museums from the outside, you won't regret it!
3. Check out the TV tower. We only saw it from a distance, but Paige's friend says that you can go to the top and see a great view of the city
4. Visit the East Side Gallery. It's the longest remaining piece of the Berlin Wall
5. Check out the world clock in... One of the squares. It shows the time in every time zone. :)
Rome
I don't know if I can pick just five things to suggest, but here goes:
1. Buy a water bottle and take it with you everywhere. The water in Rome is the best I've ever tasted and there are free fountains everywhere with surprisingly cold water. You can even fill it up at the Trevi fountain or at the base of the Spanish steps.
2. GO TO THE VATICAN MUSEUMS!!! Yes the lines are long, but it's totally worth it!!! Take your time going through though. I went through fairly quickly because I wanted to see the Sistine Chapel, but I wish I'd gone through a bit slower.
3. Try some authentic Italian pizza or pasta. I opted for pizza, but I know Genesis enjoyed her pasta. And don't forget gelato for dessert!
5. Visit as many of the Piazza's as you can! Piazza Navona was probably my favorite. Also, near Piazza del Popolo, there's a place called Villa Medici - it's a bit of a climb to get there, but the views are worth it!
Speaking of views- one more: go to all the typical sightseeing spots- Colosseum, Pantheon, Roman Forum- they're all worth it. :)
GREECE
We didn't spend too much time in Greece, so I'm combining my tips for Athens and Santorini into one.
1. Rent ATV's in Santorini! They're so fun, and an easy/cheap way to get around.
2. Go to the red beaches in Santorini- but make sure you only take a small bag, since it's a bit of a hike, first up, then down to the beach. And put on lots of sunscreen!!!!!!
3. Check out the white houses in Oia. You know- the one's Lena rides a donkey through in Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. They're pretty, and are right next to a beautiful ocean view.
4. Try an authentic Greek gyro
5. In Athens, go to the Acropolis!!
There's a whole lot more to see/do in each place, but these are a must. :)
Now, on to the title of the post, and why I'm once again in an airport. I'm on my way to Spain!!! Right now I'm sitting in the Warsaw airport, waiting to catch my flight to Madrid. :) I can't wait to have a chance to shadow doctors in Madrid. Expect lots of blog posts, since that's the real reason I started this blog. Talking about Ukraine and teaching and traveling has been fun, but I started this blog as a way to catalog my adventures as a female pre-med student. Speaking of, I've finally started my MCAT studies too, so expect a post where I talk study strategies. :)
Until next time!
Today, like the last time I wrote, I'm sitting in an airport. :) Last time I was sitting in one of the two airports in Kiev, getting ready for two weeks of exploring Europe with some of the best girls in the world - Paige, little Paige, and Genesis. I could probably make a whole new blog just to talk about travel and how much fun we had and advice, etc. But I don't really have the time, so here are some of my favorite things/recommendations for each place.
LONDON
London was one of my favorite places, second only to Rome. Thanks to my time there, I'm seriously considering applying to medical schools there. Here are my top five recommendations:
1. Buy an Oyster card for the Underground, not a day pass. It'll be cheaper. We never actually figured out how the Oyster cards work, but it seems like everyone but us had one, and saved money that way.
2. Take a free walking tour- there are lots to choose from - from traditional sight seeing tours to Harry Potter tours to Jack the Ripper tours.
3. If you're a Harry Potter nerd, like me, visit the Harry Potter store at King's Cross Station. :)
4. See Big Ben and Westminster Abbey.
5. Walk along the Thames.
DUBLIN
1. In Dublin it would probably be wise to invest in a bus pass- otherwise you'll do lots of walking. Or find a place that has a bike your size (I unfortunately didn't have luck in that area.)
2. Check the weather and go to Phoenix Park when it's not raining. The park is beautiful, and I'm really sad that I wasn't able to see more of it. :/
3. Check out Trinity College. We only saw the entrance to campus on our walking tour, but it looks awesome! And the library there is also the Hogwarts library. :P
4. Go to St. Patrick's Cathedral and Christ's Church cathedral.
5. Check out the museums! Dublin has some amazing museums and I'm sad we didn't get to see more. :/
BERLIN
1. Try curry wurst. It's cheap snd super delicious!
2. Go to museum Island! Even if you just want to look at the museums from the outside, you won't regret it!
3. Check out the TV tower. We only saw it from a distance, but Paige's friend says that you can go to the top and see a great view of the city
4. Visit the East Side Gallery. It's the longest remaining piece of the Berlin Wall
5. Check out the world clock in... One of the squares. It shows the time in every time zone. :)
Rome
I don't know if I can pick just five things to suggest, but here goes:
1. Buy a water bottle and take it with you everywhere. The water in Rome is the best I've ever tasted and there are free fountains everywhere with surprisingly cold water. You can even fill it up at the Trevi fountain or at the base of the Spanish steps.
2. GO TO THE VATICAN MUSEUMS!!! Yes the lines are long, but it's totally worth it!!! Take your time going through though. I went through fairly quickly because I wanted to see the Sistine Chapel, but I wish I'd gone through a bit slower.
3. Try some authentic Italian pizza or pasta. I opted for pizza, but I know Genesis enjoyed her pasta. And don't forget gelato for dessert!
5. Visit as many of the Piazza's as you can! Piazza Navona was probably my favorite. Also, near Piazza del Popolo, there's a place called Villa Medici - it's a bit of a climb to get there, but the views are worth it!
Speaking of views- one more: go to all the typical sightseeing spots- Colosseum, Pantheon, Roman Forum- they're all worth it. :)
GREECE
We didn't spend too much time in Greece, so I'm combining my tips for Athens and Santorini into one.
1. Rent ATV's in Santorini! They're so fun, and an easy/cheap way to get around.
2. Go to the red beaches in Santorini- but make sure you only take a small bag, since it's a bit of a hike, first up, then down to the beach. And put on lots of sunscreen!!!!!!
3. Check out the white houses in Oia. You know- the one's Lena rides a donkey through in Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. They're pretty, and are right next to a beautiful ocean view.
4. Try an authentic Greek gyro
5. In Athens, go to the Acropolis!!
There's a whole lot more to see/do in each place, but these are a must. :)
Now, on to the title of the post, and why I'm once again in an airport. I'm on my way to Spain!!! Right now I'm sitting in the Warsaw airport, waiting to catch my flight to Madrid. :) I can't wait to have a chance to shadow doctors in Madrid. Expect lots of blog posts, since that's the real reason I started this blog. Talking about Ukraine and teaching and traveling has been fun, but I started this blog as a way to catalog my adventures as a female pre-med student. Speaking of, I've finally started my MCAT studies too, so expect a post where I talk study strategies. :)
Until next time!
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