FoleyFunctional

I’ve finally completed the summer class at Macon State College. I will have to say I am slightly disappointed I did not get an A, and that I put too much effort to just get a B. I got a 88.6, and there are no B+ at MSC.

I am also disheartened that a fellow student, who I feel does not know how to reason correctly was able to memorize her way through the class and got an A. One who thought osteoporosis was gaining too much bone density, even though she knew it is due to an increase of osteoclasts , which destroy bone.The same student, who did not know why a pH of 0 is most acidic, and memorized it as such…

I am also disheartened that another fellow student I sat next to got a similar score as me, but only studied the day off and day before the exam. I will have to give her credit though, that she is probably more intelligent than she thinks she is, as she is going to graduate from UGA in 3 years.

Slightly irritated that on the first lab exam I got 5 wrong in a row because I bubbled in the wrong spot…if I had gotten those right I would have a 89.

I guess what I’m most discontented about is the school system does not permit transcripts to show your percentage grade, but just a letter grade. Thus my efforts of obtaining a 88.6 is rewarded the same as one who would earn a 80. I’m personally a proponent of displaying the percentage on the transcript, or at least a B+ and B- system (I do not believe in A-. If you get a 90, that is an A, not a A-!!). With all our grades being automated, it should be easily to transition in this, not a silly archaic A,B,C,D, F system.

I will admit, that I found the class interesting and I am glad I have the knowledge I know now. I was more interested in the physiology aspect. Memorizing body parts does not turn me on.

With my work schedule, plus driving (45 minutes each way), 4.5 hours of class per day, twice a week, plus studying, and other things…crammed into a 9 week period, took a toll on me. I’ve decided to take the Fall semester off from school and pursue other things.

I may continue taking A&P2 in the spring. I plan on continuing to volunteer at the hospital. I am slightly bored at the tasks assigned, but I am hoping I can get my way into more exciting duties.

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From the books and articles I’ve read I’m very convinced that more money does not equal higher quality. Here is an article in the New York Times with some good pointers that look at both sides of the arguments as well as provides the papers that back up the commentary.

"In sum, the evidence for regional variations in the United States and in other countries is strong, and every study indicates huge levels of inefficiency in health-care spending."

optical amplifier

http://economix.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/13/is-more-care-better-care/?hp

…"Medicare beneficiaries in higher spending regions are hospitalized more frequently, are referred to specialists more often and have a much smaller proportion of their visits to primary care physicians.”"

Which is why every doctor wants to be a specialist….charge more $, cost the health care industry more $…screw over family doctor, who should be the first line of defense in health care! Something along those lines…

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After my interview at the hospital, I went to the Warner Robins education center and registered for anatomy and physiology. I took the Tuesday and Thursday class. The labs follow the class immediately, so basically, my whole night is shot.

There was also a Monday and Wednesday class taught by the same professor, but I picked Tuesday and Thursday based on my experience with classes at UF. I learned that generally, the teacher would be more prepared when the second class comes around. For example, for test reviews, the teacher would know the frequently asked questions. If the first class had issues with homework and it’s postponed, he would quickly postpone it for our class. Etc…

I will leave at least one day open for volunteer. If I volunteer at the Macon Volunteer Clinic (which I’d have to do on a Monday, since I can only volunteer there Monday or Tuesday) that’s two days that’s shot. This means, I’d have 3 days to myself, one of which would probably be for tennis. With two days left, I’d probably be using those for MCAT preparation, and homework. It will be a very busy summer.

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I went in for the interview for a volunteer position at the county hospital on Thursday. I was suppose to meet with the director of the volunteer program but she unexpectedly had to go to a meeting, so I talked to her assistant, I guess. I’ve spoken to her several times. She’s really nice lady, and turns out she is going to Macon State College part time as well. She will be taking anatomy and physiology in the fall semester, which is the class I will be taking in the summer.

We just had a brief discussion of what areas I’d like to work in, and what I don’t want to work in. She asked if I would like more patient interaction, or behind the scene. In reality, I won’t mind doing hospital management as well. Leave the gruesome stuff to the doctors!

She also asked if I prefer to work with a certain age group, since many people come in preferring to work with pediatrics. I told her I’d prefer the more mainstream…regular adults, and not in the extreme age groups of young, or old. She asked if I would be capable of knowing that someone may be walking in with the swine flue, or some other bizarre medical condition. I told her, I don’t think I”ll have a problem, but if I find out I do, I know medical school isn’t for me!

I will be attending volunteer orientation on May 13th.

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I just received a letter today from Macon State College. I have been accepted into their ‘Special Student” program. It doesn’t mean anything, really. It just means I have a degree already and I’m taking classes for the hell of it. I will be enrolling in Anatomy and Physiology this summer. Or, I think I am.

I don’t know why they decided to mail me a letter, instead of calling or e-mailing me. Also, when I first applied, they needed ‘Official Transcript’. It cost me $12 from freaken UF! I had a copy of an official transcript, but it wasn’t sealed. Sigh oh well. At least I got my application fee waived because I work on base.

On Thursday, I have an interview with the directory of the volunteer program at the county hospital. I’ve been warned by several friends that I may not gain much insight in the medical profession from volunteering. There is also the Macon Volunteer clinic. It’s a clinic that run solely on donations, and volunteer time. I was told I may find that a better experience than at the hospital. The hours are a bit limited and I can only volunteer Monday, and Tuesday when they are open at night. The only thing that is holding me back is that I don’t know if they will be overwhelmed with volunteers, since they are a rather unique medical provider.

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This is not something I want to make public amongst my friends, but I am willing to make it public on the web. I know not many of my friends read my blog, so I think my secret is relatively safe. If my friends do stumble upon it, congrats.

Han put the idea of medical school in my mind, and I’ve contemplated it somewhat in the past few weeks. I’ve more serious now about being a doctor than I have ever my entire life. Even though my parents mentioned it to me, I never considered it. I always wanted to be in the science or engineering field, or even a pilot. But not doctor. I don’t know why.

If I am ever going to consider that career, now is the time while I am still young and without a family. I’ve picked up a book…

The author was in hid Physics Phd program when he decided to switch careers. He writes about his experience in his residency program. I’ve decided I will also volunteer at the hospital (I’m still waiting for them to process my damn application) and I will take Anatomy and Physiology at the local college, and try to fulfill my requirements to apply to med school.

I have not decided whether I will apply or not. But I will follow a few steps and test the waters.

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