101 things christinechronicles likes Explore more popular stuff on Tumblr →

Immunology & Microbiology: This was similar to a foreign language class. We learned the names of microorganisms, diseases, and treatments. After a while, it was easy to mix up the types and classifications of the microbes. Some pictures were not pleasing to look at. But the professor was great and straight-forward with his exams. 

Psychology: Okay, this was one class I can say I didn’t study until the last minute. Psychology was also my major in college. I was hoping it would be more heavily focused on psychiatry and abnormal psychology. It turned out to be pretty basic…

Pharmacology: Personally, it was one of the toughest courses. Majority of pharmacology is pure memorization. The drugs’ names were often confusing. Diagrams were extremely helpful when illustrating how and where each drug works precisely. Lippincott’s pharmacology book was a real life savior. 

Pathology (I & II): My favorite classes by far. This was partly due to the professor that we had. He is definitely world-class! The course was built upon anatomy and physiology. Without them, you’ll have tougher time getting the pathology. In this class, I felt as if I was finally learning medicine. It is a lot of materials and more like pathophysiology rather than just pathology. 

Epidemiology: It is mostly statistics. I learned this in college too so it was another easy course. The math was nothing compared to calculus courses I took in high school and college. So, even if you’re weak in math, no worries.

Physical Diagnosis Introduction: Another class that I have enjoyed. My favorite part was its laboratory sessions. You learn about how to exam a patient (classmates), know what to say or ask a patient. The professors were all knowledgeable, supportive and useful in every way. I did wish that the lectures could have been done better and more interactive though.

Research in Health and Medicine (I, II, III): These should have been for those without or with very little research backgrounds. Not a place for PhD students or anyone like myself who had strong research backgrounds. The third class was manageable since we had the opportunity to create our own project and present it to other students and faculty. But I wish they designed the course better and made it optional for those who already had done their own research in the past. 

Final comments: Like I’ve said, this path is not for everyone. It will be long and hard. Remember, you don’t just need to pass your exams. You also have to know this throughout your medical career so you can help patients with your knowledge. Don’t be afraid of criticisms either. Trust me, you’ll get more of those once you start clinical rotations and residency.

What was basic sciences like for you? I’d love to hear about your experiences. Write a post and share it with me, I’ll definitely follow and check out your blog. 

We have a potluck every month but the Asian raises more than all the other ones combined. They saved me a couple of plates of pancit, lumpia, teriyaki, fried rice, ginataan, and bimbimbap for dinner. It was so delicious and much better than the Mexican platter of enchilada, taco, rice, and beans that I had for lunch.

There are just two cases during my shift: Dr. Downey’s back to back ureteroscopies with holium laser-stent which are less than an hour each (30-45 minutes) so I had more time to eat and socialize in the lounge than work.

The Medical Chronicles invites you to Narrative Medicine night!

Date: March 15, 2012

Time: 5-7 P.M.

Place: Women’s Center (227 New Ingersoll)

Featuring guest speakers from Columbia University’s Narrative Medicine Program:

Jennifer Sotsky has an MS in Narrative Medicine and has been teaching narrative medicine to pre-med students at Columbia and Dartmouth University. She will start medical school this coming Fall.

Jocelyn Jiao has an MS in Narrative Medicine and is now a first year medical student at Mt. Sinai. She is a painter and did her MS capstone project during an intensive oil painting summer course in London.

Lisa Roth is currently a third year medical student at Columbia. She did a summer fellowship with Narrative Medicine/NIH funds and worked all summer in the British Museum in London on the depiction of neurological diseases in 19^th century fiction.

Don’t miss out on this extraordinary event – you can also find out more about The Medical Chronicles, check out our first issue, and find how you can submit your own work!

*Refreshments will be served*