From [January to June]. Reflections.

What have I learned and experienced these past few months? Where to start?

This semester challenged me to recognize disease patterns and then ask myself the next best step with testing, imaging, and treatment. As we explored cardiac, renal, GI, surgery, orthopaedic, ob/gyn, cancer, and more, I was constantly amazed at how incredibly intricate the human body is. I love this career path I’ve chosen and the opportunity to pursue this education in order to help other people.

Although this semester was lighter in comparison to the previous two, it was by no means easy. Along with our major Foundations of Clinical Practice (FCP IV) class, we also had a health ethics, law, and policy (HELP) class, scientific literature course, and clinical lab course. Throughout the semester, we had multiple patient encounters in the hospital (performing a history, physical exam, and note write-up), learned to do blood draws, and practiced female- and male-specific exams.

Life in Iowa included incredibly cold, snowy winters. I even had to buy a warmer long, down coat to brave the elements. Not to mention, dressing in 2-3 layers minimum every day in every way. I constantly forgot to leave time to chip the ice from my windshield and sweep the snow from my car when headed out for church, run errands, or meet up with someone. And I even got parking tickets for failing to move my car every 48 hours when parked curbside by my apartment. Apparently, the massive snow buildup gave me away. All that being said, you know you’re in Iowa when people stop sporting their coats when the weather is a balmy 30 degrees. And it’s official; I’m not a winter gal.

The snow's pretty though.

Despite the school load, I’ve still remained involved in the church nursery monthly, been an active participant in our young adult book club, and completed p90x with a fellow student.

Other fun events this semester have included:

• Date nights with Kurt
• Valentine’s Day dinner and entertainment with Grad Group
• Crista Gala: our med school’s prom
• Karaoke and bubble tea with friends
• Attending a string quartet concert
• Enjoying a night out at the theater to watch Absurd Person Singular
• Exploring the Old Capitol building (finally)
• Ice skating
• Live country music and dancing
• Movies at the theater
• Wedding reception
• Chicken Lips at Graze (was told I needed to try them while in Iowa City)
• Easter egg dying and hunts
• Christian-growth conference

All in all, it was a great semester.

Valentine's Day Dinner and Crista Gala.

Easter egg-travaganza.

After many months, we finally had five weeks of summer break. And I have lived it up. First, a week in South Dakota exploring the Black Hills and Badlands with Kurt. Next, a trip to Boston for sightseeing and the annual AAPA conference. Finally, a trip to Jefferson City and Springfield to visit family and friends. In the middle of all the travelling, I moved apartments too with the help of some amazing guys.

Hello, Rushmore.

Cannoli in Little Italy, Boston.

As I prepare for the upcoming year of clinical rotations, I am slightly unnerved, overwhelmed, and excited all at once. It’s amazing how much we’ve been able to learn this past year, and I’m confident that this next one will be as rewarding. Just gonna take it one step at a time.