Block 1 Wrap Up

Just a few humorous exam Q&A's

The much anticipated and much awaited Block 1 of medical school here at Baylor College of Medicine has come to an end.  It has met all my expectations and exceeded many more.  The past few years have been spent working tirelessly, studying endlessly, and worrying excessively about how these past few weeks would play out, and I can say with an clear mind that it was "great."

I remember first learning about coming to Baylor College of Medicine.  I was worried that the student body would be unwelcoming, or maybe even a little "too nerdy" for my style of learning.  Around the same time I also learned that I would become a father just a week before the final exams of block 1.  Many nights I wondered how were our living conditions going to be, how much time would class take away from me and my 'new' family, or how would I ever concentrate enough to take exams with a 10 day old newborn at home. To wrap it up in a few words, "It wasn't easy, but it was worth it."

First I couldn't have done it without Shelby.  She's been extremely understanding and patient with me during my transition to medical school, sometimes maybe a little too much.  She has sacrificed herself over me numerous times so that I could focus or study more frequently and less interrupted.  And now, she has given up her career to primarily raise Grayson at home.

School has been both exciting and stressful.  While most classmates would probably agree, the material that we learned this past month and a half wasn't terribly difficult to learn or comprehend, but the sheer amount of it was overwhelming at times.  According to my transcript, we are currently enrolled in 40 semester credit hours -  40!!  That's like three times what I ever took at A&M during one semester.  All the professors at BCM have also been great.  While boring at times, and maybe a little irrelevant at others - it was incredible learning side by side to some of the greatest scientists and physicians Houston, and even world have to offer.  It's just incredible when diseases and pathways are named after the scientist who discovered it and is now subsequently standing in the auditorium teaching you about it first person.

Personally I feel that I did okay concerning my well being.  I made a goal to try and exercise consistently and maintain a healthy paleo-based diet.  Every week except when Grayson was born till the block exams I did extremely well with my workout regimen and diet.   However I don't feel like I stayed true to that course after Grayson came and block exams neared.  Stress (distress) played an important role in this, but I don't believe that's a valid excuse.  I except that I chose to stray from my good habits and am trying to redirect them back.  I've also tried to keep the dogs both actively engaged and healthy through a good diet, exercise, and positive stimulation.  From my short period of being an owner/dad to two labs these past few years it's incredible what a little time with them everyday can do for them over a long time.

Now finally, there's no better way to wrap up this block than to have a little time with my family.  Since exams ended yesterday afternoon, I have until Monday to rest, relax, and enjoy the time with Shelby, Grayson, Casey, and Parker.  During this time I hope to spend some quality time with them and maybe explore Houston a little more.  I'm also going get back in shape, read some recreationally, and most importantly - catch up on blogging!

Below is a video that has really motivated me to step up just a little more.

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