PPS

Right before I left for PPS. 

PPS here at Baylor stands for Patient, Physician, Society.  It's a time set aside once a week during the afternoon where we meet with a facilitator/physician that works locally and has volunteered their time to help us learn 'how to be' a doctor.  Included are the physical exams, history workups, and inspection of various problems with a patient.  Then the following week after meeting with our facilitator we are assigned a preceptor/physician in the community where we go and learn firsthand how to do particular exams with 'real' people.

Today was my first day of PPS, and I was assigned with an internist here in the medical center.   Truthfully he looks and has the demeanor of Sean Connery.  Stern, handsome, and older.   Our particular area that we were suppose to focus on was the physical exam of the upper extremities (shoulder, arm, forearm, hand).   For most of the patients, this exam was irrelevant and useless but for a particular one is proved to be very effective.  Mr. Jones (any identifying information has been changed) was about 55 and had previously suffered from a stroke earlier this year.  He was healthy, not overweight, with no underlying medical conditions.   However, after being told that his speech was slurring at work, he went to the doctor and was diagnosed.   Now he was coming to us to be accessed if was was eligible for disability.   He had asymmetrical reflexes, flexibility, and attenuated coordination on the right side.  Much more was discussed but I was impressed at how my preceptor was both knowledgeable and understandable.  Plus it was nice to use something that we learned in class to access someones condition.  Sometimes I felt he could have been a little more personable - but that's just me.

I think PPS will be a great tool for us as students so that we can remember every once in a while what being a doctor is truly about.   Not just lectures and studying all day long.  I look forward to working with my preceptor some more and learning 'how to be' a doctor.


WOD: "DT"  135# 3 rounds of:  12 deadlifts/ 9 hand cleans/ 6 jerk press
times - 9:34

He's almost here

One-sie that Shelby bought for Grayson (blue)

Today was Shelby's last official appointment with the obstetrician before Grayson comes.  She's now dilated to 3cm, practically 100% effaced, and mentally ready for the 'big event.' I don't blame her though for being a little scared, - after all, a giant watermelon will be popping out of her ready to change our lives.  The time though has been bittersweet.   Nights watching Shelby puke followed by ultrasounds showing our baby's little hands and feet made for an emotional roller coaster.  It truly is amazing how it has all played out.

Anywho, before leaving the appointment Dr. Davis scheduled Shelby for a Saturday induction.  Since it's technically before the due date, hence not an emergency, we have to call the hospital at 5:00 am! and tell them we're ready to come in etc.  They'll follow up with us when they get a room and some staff ready to receive us so we can just pop on in and get the IV drip going.  It's nice to have a definitive date to somewhat 'plan' around especially with my schooling, but I have a feeling though that Murphy's lay will totally screw up the planning.

We also found out that Shelby got picked to be in a pregnant bikini contest this Thursday.  There are lots of prizes and it should be a lot of fun.  Come on out if you want to Big Woodrows around 6-7 Thursday night.   It should be a blast, and maybe we'll just be coming home with the trophy!

Fatherhood is just around the corner.


WOD:  1 mile run with dogs.  (~8 min pace) - I wanted to take it easy because I'm still sore from the weekend workouts.

Newlyweds?

Headed to Jamaica on our cruise!

Now let me start off saying that Shelby and I were married on December 27, 2008 - which means that we've been married about a year and a half.  However, last night it was confirmed that we were the most fresh off the honeymoon when we played "The Newlywed Game" with our great friends Candace and Josh.  Earlier in the day we had them over at our place to swim, which was really nice and fun, especially because their two kiddos were able to come too.   They absolutely loved the water (too bad I didn't get any pics).   Afterwards we all headed over to their lovely house and ate spaghetti and salad, which was really good.

The night then consisted of playing The Newlywed Game, which was so entertaining.  I myself had never played but it was just like the TV show that everyone use to watch as a kid during the summers when school was out.  It was interesting to see how much/little Shelby and I knew about each other, and especially our thoughts about each other.   It was so funny how Shelby knew me so well like in one question where I had to write down what movie star she thought I would say she resembled most.   Now if you know me, you know that I don't do names - much less movie stars' names.   After thinking about it I just wrote down Heidi Klum, because I think she's really hot (like Shelby).  Much to my surprise Shelby had totally wrote her down too knowing that I wouldn't know of anyone else to write down.  :)

Being a husband has been awesome in more ways that I have ever thought, but I love learning more about myself through Shelby.  Her support has been great through this transition to medical school, and the structure our relationship provides helps out so much with everything I do.  So, if you feel like you're lost and can't figure out what to do - try finding someone else that cares about you enough to let you know what's best.  It works.


Yesterday's WOD: (Helen) 3 Rounds of 400m run, 21 1.5 pood KB swings, 12 pullups
time: 9:50

My new day job

Since leaving A&M HSC this past June I've been happily employed here at BCM.  My official title is "study-er."  As a med student the constant balance of what to study and how much is a daunting task - but it can be achieved.   While researching and talking to medical students at schools I was interested in, I often asked how they studied.  There were a plethora of methods in which each student studied, but most importantly I learned that time is everything.  You can't wait till the night, day, or week before the exam.  There is just too much information.  Everyone of them unanimously agreed that a constant study schedule, from week 1, is the best route to take.

A year ago I was fortunate enough to be able to participate in a 5 week internship at UT Houston medical school were we took washed down medical classes, cadaver dissections, and volunteered around the community.  It was great opportunity that I won't forget, but one part that I particularly remember was a time when a employee of student affairs (don't recall the name) talked to us about 'How to study.'  Turns out he was the guy you had to see if you weren't passing your classes or if you were just having a hard time figuring out a good routine/schedule.   He outlined what I believe was a bulletproof method to organize not just your time, but your study habits.

Rule 1:

Make a set amount of time each day that you study.

Rule 2:

Everyday whenever you leave class, organize the whole lecture in a study-able manner.  That being hand written, flash cards, typing, outlining etc.  Saving the powerpoint lecture to review later doesn't count.  You need your notes to be sufficient enough so that when you need to study a previous lecture, you don't ever need to reopen any powerpoint slides.

Rule 3:

When you're done preparing your notes, look over the next days lectures/labs and prepare for them.  This can be looking up words you don't know, jotting down questions, or just skimming over the lecture.

Rule 4:

Study.  Start from the lecture 1 and actively engage yourself in the material.  Force yourself to recall the important points before just reading everything.  When you're done with the lecture 1 go to 2, then 3, and so on.  When your time is up (for example .  . lecture 9) make a note of where you are and close your notes.  The following day after you prepare that day's notes and look over the following days lectures start back at lecture 9 and continue on.  If you finished reviewing/studying all your prepared notes, start over again and repeat until your time is up.  

I've implemented this so far and I feel it's been great.  Normally it takes me about 2-3 hours to prepare my notes then I finish off studying for about another 2-3 hours.  I'm not perfect at it, but it at least gives me some structure with how to approach the mass of information.  What I really like about this method is that everyday you are 'caught up.' There is nothing crappier than going to lectures that dovetail to previous lecture and having absolutely no idea what it's about.  Weekend studying also allows a lot of time to just study, without having to go back and try and understand each lecture.

I hope this is of use but if you need, feel free to shoot me any questions.

WOD: run 400m followed by 25 burpees.  6 rounds for time.
time: 24:58

He's almost here. . .

Today Shelby and I went to the doctor and had a normal check up.  She's now 2.5cm dilated and about 70% effaced.   (I would try to explain that but it doesn't matter).   Suffice it to say that the doctor thinks that she won't make it another week without baby Grayson coming.  

Sometimes I can't believe it's really happening so I have to sit back and think about it.  Hopefully he'll come sometime this weekend (not to be too picky).


WOD:  10 strick pullups/10 handstand pushups;  factorial from 10.
time: 13:48,  very disappointed with my body weight movements.  I will definitely try to implement more of this in my WODs.

The Better Half of Me

I can truly say I married the best girl in the world.  Ever since meeting in late 2007 Shelby has always supported me in every decision I've ever made.   Throughout my undergrad studies she motivated me to succeed, exhibited superb patience, and taught me more things about me than even I knew.   Every time I've ever asked her a favor, I never have to think twice that she'll do it because she's so responsible and tedious with the task at hand.  I love how she teaches me about construction and how she's so passionate for what she loves.  She always has my needs above her's and tries to do everything possible to make my life easier.

Since becoming pregnant, she's puked, had headaches, colds, tummy aches, and just about every other ailment possible.  She might not show her excitement "all" the time about becoming a mother but I just look at all the things she has done single-handily in preparation for the baby.   She's made doctor appointments, found new physicians, transferred all the paperwork, dealt with the insurance company countless times, handmade decorations, found pictures, started collecting memories, bought clothes, diapers, wipes, and other 'womanly' things I choose not to discuss.  I know she'll be the best mother for our baby boy, and I don't doubt it any bit.


She's been so flexible with me also since starting school, and for that I love her.  The clothes are always washed and put away.   The dishes are always clean.  The house is always picked up and the bed always made.  She's even made a extra effort in cooking more, and it doesn't go unnoticed.   She also loves our dogs more than anybody else could in the world.

And every morning I love to kiss her goodbye as I leave to school.  

Thank you Shelby, I love you to the moon and back.


WOD: 7 min AMRAP; 5x 135# cleans followed by 20 double-unders
completed 6 rounds, 5 cleans, 3 double-unders

Plan Now

I rarely enjoy or even like to read articles/blogs that call you to do something.  Because really, how often do we really get up and try what we read.  Instead we prefer to sit back, and allow others to do it (no matter how much it appears to help) - Maybe it's just so that overachievers stick out more. . ?

Anyways, I want to write about planning.  I myself wouldn't consider myself a planner by nature, because I generally prefer to just ride the wave and see what comes.  However, I've come to the realization that it's impossible to succeed in medical school, or better yet, be comfortable without planning.  Now I'm not exhorting you to do as I've done, I'm just putting my thoughts down.  To illustrate my point I'll lay out my daily schedule as an MS1 here at Baylor.

8-noon : Lecture/labs M-F
12-1 : various electives/luncheons
1-4 : twice/week afternoon group classes

Pretty simple right? - - wrong.  In all that I still have to eat right, exercise myself and the dogs, study, spend time with my wife, sleep enough, hang out with friends, and keep up my grades (plus much more).  It's really been different though since starting medical school and realizing that you can't just breeze on by without studying or maintaining personal goals.  You literally have to make time for it.  Like exercising, I wake up exactly at 6:15 every morning to run about a mile with the dogs.  Then I feed them (with food that was layed out the night before), make myself breakfast, then grab my clothes (picked the night before) and bag and head to the gym.  From about 7 to 7:30 I exercise, then shower, and prepare for class.  After lunch everyday, I study. . . then study. . and study some more until dinner.  After dinner I review notes, prepare for the next day and yes, study more.  

My point is, if I've even made one yet is that if you don't plan it - you most likely won't do it.  It's really not that hard.  It doesn't require that a calendar be carried everywhere, or all events punched into a pda, but simply running through the next day in your head and thinking. . "What should I eat tomorrow for lunch? What topics should I go over again? Do I need to attend that group study session?"

It's that simple.

WOD: 5 rounds of 50 18' vertical leap/40 squats/30 situps/20 pushups/10 pullups for time.
time: 33:40

Crossfit

Part of this blog I've dedicated to recording thoughts about science, medicine, and my family but you may have noticed the weird "WOD" that I post at the bottom of every post.  WOD simply means "workout of the day."  It comes from the fitness methodology of crossfit.

For those of you who have never heard of crossfit I'll give you the washed down version but provide link for more information.   In the most cliche' form, crossfit is, "constantly varied, high intensity, functional movements" - but what does that mean?!  Well crossfit's aim is to provide you with strength that you will actually use.  Like picking up a kid (in my case), or lifting heaving boxes.   I truly can't remember when was the last time I was in a position that required me to isolate my biceps femoris, as do so many isolation machines in the gym aim to do.  Core strength is at the top of the chart in terms of importance.

One large difference that crossfit offers to the traditional workout is that it doesn't just focus on brute force, but instead integrates 10 tiers of fitness into every 'WOD.'  They are cardio endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility, power, speed, coordination, agility, balance, and accuracy.  Most programs emphasize one or two skills above the rest, but crossfit tries to implement all together.  For example, coordination skills like double-unders with a jumprope are often employed at high intensity cardiovascular routines that demand concentration on a taxed body.   Many heavy lifts are performed quickly with little to no rest - which brings me to my next point.

POWER
What is power?  Simple physics states that it's your total work/time.   When increasing your physical fitness it's important not to just focus on a distance or time (like many runners).  Also lacking are gym rats that just lift heavy using the principles of Work=Force*distance.   What's the point of being able to move a lot of weight if you do it slowly?  That's were Power take over.  Quantifying how how much work in a specified time (aka power) allows you to accurately measure your capabilities.

In comes the WOD.  I get these from various places all over the internet and sometimes I make up my own with the guiding principles of crossfit.  I've decided to record my work to have some type of accountability and scaling to see any improvements.  If there is ever a WOD with a name I invite you to just google it and learn it - then try it yourself.

Links:
Crossfit homepage
What is crossfit?
What is fitness?

WOD - Fran:  21-15-9  95# thrusters/pullups
time: PR of 7:52

Cravings

Up to this point I could say that I've been very fortunate as far as Shelby's cravings have been.  The first 2 trimesters could have played an important role in that she could hardly eat anything without it coming back up soon after.  But even though she's eating fine and proportionately for someone who has almost 38 weeks of pregnancy under her belt, she does have her small cravings here and there.  For example. .

Yesterday after eating at Seoul Garden Shelby haaad to have some 'nana pudding.  We looked up a few places and finally found that Papadeaux's had some for take out.  We made the call and zig-zagged our way through Houston traffic to pick up the goods and headed home.  To say the least, it was yummy and I have a happy wife, which is all that matters.

Today we had been planning to eat some steaks that have been marinating overnight and some left over veggies in the fridge, but to my luck Shelby suggests that we eat chinese.  I of course had no problem to this because it's not too often that both of us are down for some good chinese/oriental food.  As we're heading out to the car though Shelby all of a sudden says, "Let's go to Red Robin."  - - "Hmm," I think to myself - why and what could have made her change her mind that quickly?  It must be the cravings.

So that lead me to think and look around to what exactly causes cravings.   After a few quick google queries I learned or say I didn't learn what actually causes cravings.  It's one of those topics that people spend a lifetime trying to research and understand and by default the Ph.D. that has more publishings and  seniority than the others is accepted as fact.  Basically is seems it boils down to hormones (the classic answer) and a "wisdom theory."  This theory postulates that the body, in all it's infinite wisdom and glory has developed a way to signal the mind to desire certain nutrients that it's needing.  Like a craving for ice cream, to properly ensure sufficient calcium intake is being established.  Or fruit, when more Vitamin C is needed.  Other ideas come from the side that the baby is the root of all the cravings, and that he/she is responsible for those midnight runs to McDonalds, (or making homemade sugar cookies at midnight).

Anyways, it's been interesting to observe all of this and just wonder how it all works.  I'm always excited  to learn new things about Shelby with her goofy cravings.  I guess that's just what comes with being a husband.

Welcome.

Well since creating this blog about a month ago I have yet to post one thing.  Let me tell you why.

During the last week of July, Shelby and I have had a lot going on.   I started medical school, we packed up and moved everything to Houston, and Shelby commuted daily to College station for a few weeks.  It was hectic, but worth it.  Our new place is perfect - the size, location, and amenities.  I think the dogs have even enjoyed the new place, especially meeting all the other dogs in the complex (from small to really large!)

As many may know, Shelby and I already have a blog that depicts what "our" life is like, and the events pertaining to it.  However, because of the transition of of our lives to a new place, the coming our of first son, and the start of a new career I thought it would be relevant and interesting (at least for me) to write and record my dealings as a husband, father, and student.  Posts will include (but not limited to) topics on medicine, school, crossfit, nutrition, and being a father and husband (while doing the rest). I welcome guest posts and look forward in starting this new chapter.

WOD: Completion of 250 double-unders.  Any miss results in 200m sprint.
(I finished having to run 800 meters, or 8 breaks - not timed)