I was working the weekend. I was being nice so the 2 guys with family on the service can get the weekend. This way I can get my 3-4 days New Year's weekend for sure.
I guess I lucked out, since the staff on for the weekend is a quick rounder so it won't be too bad. Also CCF gives us a free meal as well for the holiday. It wasn't so bad. The entire weekend I was done by 1pm so I get the rest of day to myself. It was only 4-5 hrs a day and by the time I was finish, I would still be fairly early in calling home.
I do feel sad, depressive, since I was the only one around for the holiday. Definitely lonely. I do believe it was the first time that I have felt the loneliness to this extent. It made me really miss my family. The very first holiday that I did not go home. BooHoo.
I just spent the weekend with me and myself and my lonely pitiful Christmas tree. I did watch the classic Christmas movies too. My favorite is still the Miracle on 34th St (original and remake).
Monday, December 27, 2010
Monday, December 20, 2010
Weekend with my mistress
My Mistress (Kirstin) has come to visit ... Yippee ... super excited. Haven't seen her since graduation. Would say she's my best friend. She drove in on Thurs night and Fri she's getting pampered while I'm at work.
So after work on Friday, went to meet up with Kirstin and Sarah's place. We just hung out, chatted and playing with Sarah's boys. They are adorable and love to play. I'm excited that Evan remembers who I am.
Then we went to Mad Greek for dinner where I got the GroupOn. They serve both Greek and Indian food. I had gyros and Kirstin had curry. They are both good. Totally worth going. I think I'll use my lunch coupon either with someone or just order take out on a weekend.
Cleveland is not a Friday night going out city, so we stayed in and watch movies and just hang out with the 2 of us. I really miss her. In Kirksville, we would chat nearly everyday and we live so close together. She was the reason that I even looked at Cleveland then she pulled the card which the program she wanted was not taking any. Now we just swapped out cities. Too funny, God, You just love to play with us.
For Sat, we had brunch with Sarah and Scot and then just hang out. It was good times, we had girl talks with Sarah and catched up with Scot as well. Poor dude, he's exhausted. Looking at him, I'm glad that I didn't do medicine. Whew. We also played with their little guys too. Love them. They are so much fun.
Afterwards, we went to Melt. It's basically a grilled cheese restaurant but they have some strangest and weird combination of grilled cheese. But it's actually good. It was featured on Diners, Drive-in and Dives show with Guy Fieri with Lucky Cafe. I've always want to try it but there's always a wait especially for a table. So this was a good opportunity for me to go with Kirstin. I had the Tokyo Tuna melt with fresh tuna and wasabi and Kirstin got the Big Popper (essentially jalepeno popper sandwich). We shared Melt Peirogi. Everything was yummy, delish. They have really good saurkraut too. I think it's got vodka in it, making it taste better than any other ones. Their coleslaw is fresh too, not much of mayo, mostly vinegarrette with lemon juice and whatnot. I think this will become a new place for me to order takeout.
That night, we went to Cadillac Ranch and like we are not leaving cuz it was too cold outside. It was quiet until around 11pm when more people started to arrive. It was fun, we just had drinks and danced the night away. We did attracted a couple of the older guys who were a little creepy than we would like. We ended up trying to run away from them. Yuck! After that we ended dacing with a group of Indians. The guy I was dancing with was cute and the girls with them were giving me the stink eyes. Haha. It was fun. The one Kirstin dance with just 21 so still fairly young but wa just as fun. Overall it was a good fun night.
So for Sunday we went to my church, mostly Chinese and Kirstin was one of the only blonde in the sanctuary. Haha. Afterwards we went Mint Cafe for Thai food. Yummy. This was a good place for my fix of Thai food. Definitely another take-out place for me. Afterwards, we just veg and watched movies. It was a good restful Sunday.
This was a great weekend. Can't wait to see her over New Years in NYC. :)
So after work on Friday, went to meet up with Kirstin and Sarah's place. We just hung out, chatted and playing with Sarah's boys. They are adorable and love to play. I'm excited that Evan remembers who I am.
Then we went to Mad Greek for dinner where I got the GroupOn. They serve both Greek and Indian food. I had gyros and Kirstin had curry. They are both good. Totally worth going. I think I'll use my lunch coupon either with someone or just order take out on a weekend.
Cleveland is not a Friday night going out city, so we stayed in and watch movies and just hang out with the 2 of us. I really miss her. In Kirksville, we would chat nearly everyday and we live so close together. She was the reason that I even looked at Cleveland then she pulled the card which the program she wanted was not taking any. Now we just swapped out cities. Too funny, God, You just love to play with us.
For Sat, we had brunch with Sarah and Scot and then just hang out. It was good times, we had girl talks with Sarah and catched up with Scot as well. Poor dude, he's exhausted. Looking at him, I'm glad that I didn't do medicine. Whew. We also played with their little guys too. Love them. They are so much fun.
Afterwards, we went to Melt. It's basically a grilled cheese restaurant but they have some strangest and weird combination of grilled cheese. But it's actually good. It was featured on Diners, Drive-in and Dives show with Guy Fieri with Lucky Cafe. I've always want to try it but there's always a wait especially for a table. So this was a good opportunity for me to go with Kirstin. I had the Tokyo Tuna melt with fresh tuna and wasabi and Kirstin got the Big Popper (essentially jalepeno popper sandwich). We shared Melt Peirogi. Everything was yummy, delish. They have really good saurkraut too. I think it's got vodka in it, making it taste better than any other ones. Their coleslaw is fresh too, not much of mayo, mostly vinegarrette with lemon juice and whatnot. I think this will become a new place for me to order takeout.
That night, we went to Cadillac Ranch and like we are not leaving cuz it was too cold outside. It was quiet until around 11pm when more people started to arrive. It was fun, we just had drinks and danced the night away. We did attracted a couple of the older guys who were a little creepy than we would like. We ended up trying to run away from them. Yuck! After that we ended dacing with a group of Indians. The guy I was dancing with was cute and the girls with them were giving me the stink eyes. Haha. It was fun. The one Kirstin dance with just 21 so still fairly young but wa just as fun. Overall it was a good fun night.
So for Sunday we went to my church, mostly Chinese and Kirstin was one of the only blonde in the sanctuary. Haha. Afterwards we went Mint Cafe for Thai food. Yummy. This was a good place for my fix of Thai food. Definitely another take-out place for me. Afterwards, we just veg and watched movies. It was a good restful Sunday.
This was a great weekend. Can't wait to see her over New Years in NYC. :)
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Infectious Disease
Finished one of our crazy rotation. ID in any hospital is busy, so being busy at CCF is no surprise at all.
The service is great despite being long days. The staff are really nice and tried to teach as much as they could. Also there's at least one lecture everyday then the residents have their required lectures depending on individual department. Sometimes I felt like I was just running between patients and lectures all day.
Then we have to come in one day during the weekend. Those days are usually lighter depending on the number of consults and the fellow. I have been getting out by 4pm and usually with 3 consults or so. We also had to see our own patients from the week as well.
Everyday, we had to see our old patients from previous day then pick 2-3 new consults. Sometimes we would double our list in one day. When we get too busy or had one too many complicated patients, our staff would help out too. At times I would have to see 6-8 pts before lecture and new consults rolling in around 9am.
There are some interesting patients being that it is the Cleveland Clinic. One that I had was a patient with a mass growing the brain but negative cultures. The biggest question was what is it. That was never answered but the extensive work up needed required thinking and see what the next set of work up would be required. He may one in which we would never know the answers to.
Other than the occasional strange cases, most of the consults were post surgical infection. I have learned much of the antibiotics, what they are, when to use it and how to manage them. Also learned about the prior tests that should be done before consults. I think this is definitely a good intern rotation especially for the IM residents.
Overall, this has been a good rotation. Totally recommending it.
The service is great despite being long days. The staff are really nice and tried to teach as much as they could. Also there's at least one lecture everyday then the residents have their required lectures depending on individual department. Sometimes I felt like I was just running between patients and lectures all day.
Then we have to come in one day during the weekend. Those days are usually lighter depending on the number of consults and the fellow. I have been getting out by 4pm and usually with 3 consults or so. We also had to see our own patients from the week as well.
Everyday, we had to see our old patients from previous day then pick 2-3 new consults. Sometimes we would double our list in one day. When we get too busy or had one too many complicated patients, our staff would help out too. At times I would have to see 6-8 pts before lecture and new consults rolling in around 9am.
There are some interesting patients being that it is the Cleveland Clinic. One that I had was a patient with a mass growing the brain but negative cultures. The biggest question was what is it. That was never answered but the extensive work up needed required thinking and see what the next set of work up would be required. He may one in which we would never know the answers to.
Other than the occasional strange cases, most of the consults were post surgical infection. I have learned much of the antibiotics, what they are, when to use it and how to manage them. Also learned about the prior tests that should be done before consults. I think this is definitely a good intern rotation especially for the IM residents.
Overall, this has been a good rotation. Totally recommending it.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Chronicles of Narnia
The 2nd awesome movie I saw in the span of 2 weeks. It's a good fantasy genre and still Christian base. Totally worth seeing. great for family and adults. A great way to talk about the parallels to Christianity. I felt like a kid again watching the movie, the awe, the amazement of the fantasy.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
It's food!: Mexican Sweet Potato Black Bean Salad
It's food!: Mexican Sweet Potato Black Bean Salad: "Ingredients: Salad: 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch chunks 2 tbsp. canola or other vegetable oil 1 tbsp. ground corian..."
I had this at a potluck and it was surprisingly yummy. Didn't think this was going to taste good because of the combination.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Thanksgiving
of course, I'm on ID and the first day, was told that Thanksgiving is a regular work day, not a holiday or weekend. Bummer, didn't think I was going to be able to go to Eskestrands for the holiday but could make it to the church one though.
That week was also my first official week on ID with just me, senior res and staff and the load of patients just keep increasing and days are long with us meeting our educational requirement. Days go from 7:30a to 6p.
For Thanksgiving, thankfully, it was quiet and the fellow let us go around 1pm whenever we finished with out share of consults. I did manage to get to Eskestrands' luncheon and met some of their friends from their church. It was nice since it's a truly homecooked thanksgiving meal and good people and company. It at least made me feel like it a family gathering.
After the lunch, I basically got home and showered then went straight to the church dinner with Nepalese and Burmese refugees. It was multicultural and was very nice to see other people who were not able to go home for the holiday gathering together because we have God and church in common.
By the end of the night, I was stuffed, got some left over from church that lasted me for another 2 meals. I'm very thankful that God has provided me with friends that willing to take me in and a church that provided me a home away from home.
I did miss my "mistress", Kirstin's, family, I have spent previoius Thanksgiving with them, they are very much like my own family except Americans and do the traditional Thanksgiving meal. I haven't been to my own family's Thanksgiving get together in years. This year, there's not one potluck but just a few of of family members having dinner with my grandmother. It's always one holiday where I don't try really hard to get myself back home. Christmas is the one that I tried harder. Oh well, but I had fun, not too bad this year being alone.
That week was also my first official week on ID with just me, senior res and staff and the load of patients just keep increasing and days are long with us meeting our educational requirement. Days go from 7:30a to 6p.
For Thanksgiving, thankfully, it was quiet and the fellow let us go around 1pm whenever we finished with out share of consults. I did manage to get to Eskestrands' luncheon and met some of their friends from their church. It was nice since it's a truly homecooked thanksgiving meal and good people and company. It at least made me feel like it a family gathering.
After the lunch, I basically got home and showered then went straight to the church dinner with Nepalese and Burmese refugees. It was multicultural and was very nice to see other people who were not able to go home for the holiday gathering together because we have God and church in common.
By the end of the night, I was stuffed, got some left over from church that lasted me for another 2 meals. I'm very thankful that God has provided me with friends that willing to take me in and a church that provided me a home away from home.
I did miss my "mistress", Kirstin's, family, I have spent previoius Thanksgiving with them, they are very much like my own family except Americans and do the traditional Thanksgiving meal. I haven't been to my own family's Thanksgiving get together in years. This year, there's not one potluck but just a few of of family members having dinner with my grandmother. It's always one holiday where I don't try really hard to get myself back home. Christmas is the one that I tried harder. Oh well, but I had fun, not too bad this year being alone.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Harry Potter & Deathly Hallows
Movie time ... first movie since the last one I saw with my brother.
Definitely a fan of Harry Potter, never read the books but totally enjoyed the movies. So totally up for this when friends from church made plans for this.
Watched this with Angel and everyone else bailed out on us. Oh well.
The movie was great, intense with humor thrown in every so often. It got both me and Angel on the edge of seats most of the time. I didn't even realized that it's been 2hrs when I checked my watch. Usually I would start checking my watch about 45min-1hr into the movie. So didn't want the movie to end.
Can't wait the next installment in May/June. Totally watching it the weekend it comes out.
Afterwards, we went the Cladagh (Irish pub). They are known for fish and chips around the area. I had that and Angel had their Jack Daniel Burger. Both were yummy. Normally, I don't like restaurant burgers but this one was really good, totally impressed with it. The fish was more fish than dough. Good quality, totally could come again.
Definitely a fan of Harry Potter, never read the books but totally enjoyed the movies. So totally up for this when friends from church made plans for this.
Watched this with Angel and everyone else bailed out on us. Oh well.
The movie was great, intense with humor thrown in every so often. It got both me and Angel on the edge of seats most of the time. I didn't even realized that it's been 2hrs when I checked my watch. Usually I would start checking my watch about 45min-1hr into the movie. So didn't want the movie to end.
Can't wait the next installment in May/June. Totally watching it the weekend it comes out.
Afterwards, we went the Cladagh (Irish pub). They are known for fish and chips around the area. I had that and Angel had their Jack Daniel Burger. Both were yummy. Normally, I don't like restaurant burgers but this one was really good, totally impressed with it. The fish was more fish than dough. Good quality, totally could come again.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
COMLEX step 3
Yucky ... glad that it's the last one for the ridiculous COMLEX. My goal is to just pass and if I scored high, then it'll be a bonus.
Materials:
First Aid Step 3 - chose this because bad experience with Crush step 2, not a fan of sentences/paragraphs study guides. Need something that is readable and easy to understand.
Combank - used it for step 2 and it was fine, so I stuck with it. signed up for it for a month.
Plan: read the FA book twice and do the Qbank for the month with the goal of getting around 70%.
Note: By the last week before the test, I got really sick of it, so the weekend before I just decided to not do any studying. I even went to the B-Ball game the week before. I guess it's pretty true that for Step 3, you just need a No. 2 pencil. :) I'm not that crazy but I think if I had studied 10-12 hr/day for 2 weeks, it would've been fine. Certainly glad that I'm done.
Test: it's long, 400Qs in 8hrs. There are some ridiculous questions, like anatomy related to OMM (literally muscle insertion and what not) and ethics/medicare/medicaid. Lots of OB and peds and case related. There are certainly a few of pull out of the hat types as well. Generally the format and the feel were similar to Step 2. Ended up with a headache by the end.
As a treat, I went to SalonBlu for eyebrow wax and a short massage. The therapist was good, excellent. She went right for the muscles and got the eyebrows right. Totally coming back for it even though it was a bit pricey.
Update: 12/18 - passed Step 3. Lowest of the 3 but passed with a good cushion. 487/81.
Also as of now, my eyebrows are still in good shape even a month after. Plan on going back 1-2 weeks before going to Taiwan.
Materials:
First Aid Step 3 - chose this because bad experience with Crush step 2, not a fan of sentences/paragraphs study guides. Need something that is readable and easy to understand.
Combank - used it for step 2 and it was fine, so I stuck with it. signed up for it for a month.
Plan: read the FA book twice and do the Qbank for the month with the goal of getting around 70%.
Note: By the last week before the test, I got really sick of it, so the weekend before I just decided to not do any studying. I even went to the B-Ball game the week before. I guess it's pretty true that for Step 3, you just need a No. 2 pencil. :) I'm not that crazy but I think if I had studied 10-12 hr/day for 2 weeks, it would've been fine. Certainly glad that I'm done.
Test: it's long, 400Qs in 8hrs. There are some ridiculous questions, like anatomy related to OMM (literally muscle insertion and what not) and ethics/medicare/medicaid. Lots of OB and peds and case related. There are certainly a few of pull out of the hat types as well. Generally the format and the feel were similar to Step 2. Ended up with a headache by the end.
As a treat, I went to SalonBlu for eyebrow wax and a short massage. The therapist was good, excellent. She went right for the muscles and got the eyebrows right. Totally coming back for it even though it was a bit pricey.
Update: 12/18 - passed Step 3. Lowest of the 3 but passed with a good cushion. 487/81.
Also as of now, my eyebrows are still in good shape even a month after. Plan on going back 1-2 weeks before going to Taiwan.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Hospitalist
So glad I'm in anesthesia and not end up in internal medicine. ::happy sigh::
The biggest issues I had was that I felt like a social worker/case manager instead of physician. For every patient, it was dealing with where would they go, how would they get meds, insurance issues, who would take care of them and follow up after discharge. There are little medicine involved. Only complicated patients would I feel like that I'm actually practicing medicine.
Other than that, it has been a fairly good month. Reminding me of some basic medicine since I haven't really seen medicine since Jan of my 4th year. It's a good practice and learning to prep for my Step 3.
The funny thing is that there's a fellow for hospitalist. Why would anyone want do 1 yr fellowship in hospitalist medicine? Shouldn't anyone who had finish IM residency should be able to practice hospitalist medicine? Bizzare.
One thing that really irked me was that a patient was transferred from cardiac ICU after MI was ruled out. When I saw the patient, she was breathing really fast and in pain. There was a CT report of pancreatitis vs cholecystitis. Of course, no abx was started, totally unconcerned that it could turn into necrotizing pancreatitis. When I got patient, decided to watch carefully for the night with low threshold to go to MICU. Of course the next AM, disaster struck. Septic picture, change in mental status, respiratory distress. MICU she went. I followed with what happened. She coded and suffered anoxic brain injury. CT read 75% necrotizing pancreatitis. Passed few days later when family withdraw care. Sad. what a disaster from too focused specialties and units/floors.
The biggest issues I had was that I felt like a social worker/case manager instead of physician. For every patient, it was dealing with where would they go, how would they get meds, insurance issues, who would take care of them and follow up after discharge. There are little medicine involved. Only complicated patients would I feel like that I'm actually practicing medicine.
Other than that, it has been a fairly good month. Reminding me of some basic medicine since I haven't really seen medicine since Jan of my 4th year. It's a good practice and learning to prep for my Step 3.
The funny thing is that there's a fellow for hospitalist. Why would anyone want do 1 yr fellowship in hospitalist medicine? Shouldn't anyone who had finish IM residency should be able to practice hospitalist medicine? Bizzare.
One thing that really irked me was that a patient was transferred from cardiac ICU after MI was ruled out. When I saw the patient, she was breathing really fast and in pain. There was a CT report of pancreatitis vs cholecystitis. Of course, no abx was started, totally unconcerned that it could turn into necrotizing pancreatitis. When I got patient, decided to watch carefully for the night with low threshold to go to MICU. Of course the next AM, disaster struck. Septic picture, change in mental status, respiratory distress. MICU she went. I followed with what happened. She coded and suffered anoxic brain injury. CT read 75% necrotizing pancreatitis. Passed few days later when family withdraw care. Sad. what a disaster from too focused specialties and units/floors.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
NBA Nets vs Cavs
I got tix from CCF to the basketball game for $40/pair in the middle seats. Pretty good seats for the price. I figured why not? It would be my first NBA game and it was pretty cheap game. The only problem was who to ask to come with?
My thought was that I don't really know who would be interested in going with me. So I decided to ask one of the guys I met at church that I knew was interested in B-Ball. VL is from Cali and knew several people from my home church. He's very funny too, great sense of humor. So I asked him to come with as friends, no other intention at all.
He ended up asking me if we want to grab a bite to eat before the game as I would be going staright from work. I didn't even think that this might become a date at all. He did paid for the meal and drove me from dinner to game.
From my close girlfriend, this turned into a date, despite me being completely oblivious about it. This was only supposed to be friendly hangout time. Oh well. We shall see what will happen next.
Otherwise, game was fun but the best part was the end that determined the results. I would definitely be up for another one. The weekend after I found out that there were 2 other girls from church that are up for sports game too. Now I've got buddies to go with for the next games.
This turned out weird, probably me being oblivious. Oh well. We shall see what happens the next time I see him.
My thought was that I don't really know who would be interested in going with me. So I decided to ask one of the guys I met at church that I knew was interested in B-Ball. VL is from Cali and knew several people from my home church. He's very funny too, great sense of humor. So I asked him to come with as friends, no other intention at all.
He ended up asking me if we want to grab a bite to eat before the game as I would be going staright from work. I didn't even think that this might become a date at all. He did paid for the meal and drove me from dinner to game.
From my close girlfriend, this turned into a date, despite me being completely oblivious about it. This was only supposed to be friendly hangout time. Oh well. We shall see what will happen next.
Otherwise, game was fun but the best part was the end that determined the results. I would definitely be up for another one. The weekend after I found out that there were 2 other girls from church that are up for sports game too. Now I've got buddies to go with for the next games.
This turned out weird, probably me being oblivious. Oh well. We shall see what happens the next time I see him.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
CV-ICU Part 2
J 54
My week in this unit was slow. Not much going on. People are fairly stable, just keeping an eye out for them and make adjustment as needed. The only issue I had was the fellow that was in the unit. He's Egyptian CTS who is doing critical care training. He was sent up by his dept for extra training. He drove me crazy. He doesn't understand how to use the EPIC and even the nurses from his patients were coming to me for orders and what not. We lovingly call him Dr. "Useless". haha. He really should stick with surgery but at the same time he needs more patient contact time.
J 66
The unit is upstairs and pretty much it's me and the PA/NP. The staff I was with pretty much treated me as a 2nd or 3rd year where he would come in so I can go for breaks/lunch and sometimes around for lines and new admits. It's been interesting. There are times I'm like, I'm not ready to handle the unit by myself. This is the first time where I truly experienced that I am a doc and have the privilege to take care of patients the way that PA/NP couldn't. I'm definitely not ready to run the unit by myself but I'm sure that by the end of 4yrs, I should be able to. I'm glad that they don't just throw us into units and have us run it by ourself. That would be too scary.
Overall, it's been a really good experience with a good fellow, Mike. He pretty let me do what I'm comfortable in and wanting to learn and he would just supervise. Very good teaching, Dr. Boss. (gotta love the last name esp on the unit when we called by last name without dr. in front)
My week in this unit was slow. Not much going on. People are fairly stable, just keeping an eye out for them and make adjustment as needed. The only issue I had was the fellow that was in the unit. He's Egyptian CTS who is doing critical care training. He was sent up by his dept for extra training. He drove me crazy. He doesn't understand how to use the EPIC and even the nurses from his patients were coming to me for orders and what not. We lovingly call him Dr. "Useless". haha. He really should stick with surgery but at the same time he needs more patient contact time.
J 66
The unit is upstairs and pretty much it's me and the PA/NP. The staff I was with pretty much treated me as a 2nd or 3rd year where he would come in so I can go for breaks/lunch and sometimes around for lines and new admits. It's been interesting. There are times I'm like, I'm not ready to handle the unit by myself. This is the first time where I truly experienced that I am a doc and have the privilege to take care of patients the way that PA/NP couldn't. I'm definitely not ready to run the unit by myself but I'm sure that by the end of 4yrs, I should be able to. I'm glad that they don't just throw us into units and have us run it by ourself. That would be too scary.
Overall, it's been a really good experience with a good fellow, Mike. He pretty let me do what I'm comfortable in and wanting to learn and he would just supervise. Very good teaching, Dr. Boss. (gotta love the last name esp on the unit when we called by last name without dr. in front)
Saturday, October 02, 2010
CV-ICU ... part 1 ... hearts
ICU ... much more intense and faster paced. First day was orientation and just hanging around to learn about the patients and the units.
For the last 2 weeks, I've been in what they called the heart units, pretty much all patients have some sort of heart surgeries or are on artificial hearts. These patients wer very sick.
For the 1st week, the unit had more thoracic patients than hearts but it definitely turned around the second week. Heart patients then started rolling in like crazy. All it takes was one day of multiple admissions with several people going nuts with plenty of work for us. It was fun though. My co-resident working on a patient withthe fellow and the NP was busy with other surgeons rounding on their patients and phone calls. So I was pretty much covering for whatever else going on for other patients. It was a definite adrenaline rush.
By now, I have already done multiple central lines, arterial lines and even tried a bronchoscopy. Bronchoscopy, oh my!. It's a video game in medicine
It's been so fun; there are just so much hands on things to do. Really glad that I'm anesthesia. it's tiring and takes up so much of energy, but I really think it's so worthwhile for me. Totally enjoying it.
For the last 2 weeks, I've been in what they called the heart units, pretty much all patients have some sort of heart surgeries or are on artificial hearts. These patients wer very sick.
For the 1st week, the unit had more thoracic patients than hearts but it definitely turned around the second week. Heart patients then started rolling in like crazy. All it takes was one day of multiple admissions with several people going nuts with plenty of work for us. It was fun though. My co-resident working on a patient withthe fellow and the NP was busy with other surgeons rounding on their patients and phone calls. So I was pretty much covering for whatever else going on for other patients. It was a definite adrenaline rush.
By now, I have already done multiple central lines, arterial lines and even tried a bronchoscopy. Bronchoscopy, oh my!. It's a video game in medicine
It's been so fun; there are just so much hands on things to do. Really glad that I'm anesthesia. it's tiring and takes up so much of energy, but I really think it's so worthwhile for me. Totally enjoying it.
Friday, October 01, 2010
SalonBlu
I'm in search of a salon here in Cleveland that can give me a Asian layering haircut that I've had from my favorite hairdress in SF. Since I won't be going home as often as I like, I really need one here. My hair is now long enough where once it gets out of shape, it gets annoying and makes me want to chop it all off. I do want to keep my hair long for a while.
So I found this salon from Groupon and was pretty much 50% off with a facial/massage. The salon was quaint, cute and would love to be able to love it and make it my place for next 4 years. Unfortunately, I ended up with Sammy and by the way she was cutting my hair, she's still fairly new and needs more experience. Also I couldn't see how the other 2 hairdressers do since one was doing coloring and the other was styling. Also they don't seem to know what Asian layering style cut means. So I walked out with a fairly uniformed layering, a trim and not much of thinning out as I would have like. Even the bangs was done well. Bangs were cut but there wasn't much of a flow from bangs to the rest of the hair.
I guess this was an okay haircut until it grows out of shape and try another salon. There's a couple that I want to try. I think the next one would Michael Christopher salon.
SalonBlu
Michael Christopher Salon
Laura Lee Aveda Salon (Coventry)
Rosalina's Markfrank (Shaker Hts)
Lucia's Salon
So I found this salon from Groupon and was pretty much 50% off with a facial/massage. The salon was quaint, cute and would love to be able to love it and make it my place for next 4 years. Unfortunately, I ended up with Sammy and by the way she was cutting my hair, she's still fairly new and needs more experience. Also I couldn't see how the other 2 hairdressers do since one was doing coloring and the other was styling. Also they don't seem to know what Asian layering style cut means. So I walked out with a fairly uniformed layering, a trim and not much of thinning out as I would have like. Even the bangs was done well. Bangs were cut but there wasn't much of a flow from bangs to the rest of the hair.
I guess this was an okay haircut until it grows out of shape and try another salon. There's a couple that I want to try. I think the next one would Michael Christopher salon.
Michael Christopher Salon
Laura Lee Aveda Salon (Coventry)
Rosalina's Markfrank (Shaker Hts)
Lucia's Salon
Saturday, September 18, 2010
APain
Acute Pain month - "Pain in the butt"
Anyways, it was a fun month. Did lots of regional blocks for surgery and had my first experience ever being on call. It was impressive that they would let me, an intern with practically no experience, to do quite a number of blocks. For the first week, I was pretty much the assistant, setting up, prepping, clean up and doing records. By second week, I was doing some of the easy blocks myself with assistance. It was exhilarating. I have done with and without ultrasound. It's finally something anesthesia related, not just medicine anymore.
Had my first ever call. nerve wrecking but good. The rest of my calls were good. Apparently, I'm one of the residents who has the "white cloud" for calls, meaning that the calls were light, no craziness and able to get good amount of time for sleep. I think I got at least 4 hrs of sleep for every call.
During the month, I was able to see and do some less common blocks. One of them was the axillary nerve block and supraclavicular blocks. Those are usually done by fellows but they were busy or it was beginning of my call, so I ended up doing it. Way cool.
Epidurals are still difficult. I have done a few but it's still difficult being that there are no imaging to see where I'm going with the needle, unlike other regional blocks. It's definitely a good one to learn, but I need more practice.
I can honestly say, I can't wait till I do my anesthesia rotations. :)
Anyways, it was a fun month. Did lots of regional blocks for surgery and had my first experience ever being on call. It was impressive that they would let me, an intern with practically no experience, to do quite a number of blocks. For the first week, I was pretty much the assistant, setting up, prepping, clean up and doing records. By second week, I was doing some of the easy blocks myself with assistance. It was exhilarating. I have done with and without ultrasound. It's finally something anesthesia related, not just medicine anymore.
Had my first ever call. nerve wrecking but good. The rest of my calls were good. Apparently, I'm one of the residents who has the "white cloud" for calls, meaning that the calls were light, no craziness and able to get good amount of time for sleep. I think I got at least 4 hrs of sleep for every call.
During the month, I was able to see and do some less common blocks. One of them was the axillary nerve block and supraclavicular blocks. Those are usually done by fellows but they were busy or it was beginning of my call, so I ended up doing it. Way cool.
Epidurals are still difficult. I have done a few but it's still difficult being that there are no imaging to see where I'm going with the needle, unlike other regional blocks. It's definitely a good one to learn, but I need more practice.
I can honestly say, I can't wait till I do my anesthesia rotations. :)
Monday, September 06, 2010
Frustrated ... Lesson learned
Never ever agree to cover someone else's call for a couple of hours. Be sure to switch call days if needed.
I stupidly agree to cover for about 4 hours on Labor Day so my colleague can see her husband for the long weekend. Of course, I knew that there was a risk of her flight being delayed but I was not expecting what was about to happened. I was on 24 hr on Sunday already. Even though my call was very quiet not at all busy but still, I was tired and ready to go home and be away from the hospital. I was planning on grocery shopping to stock up for the week and just relax before working again the next day. I would still have majority of the day left when I was to leave at noon.
Of course I got a call around 11am from my colleague that she missed her flight and her connecting flight is delayed until 2:30pm. So I was like fine. But inside, I was thinking how can you miss your flight when you know that someone is covering for you. If I was her, I would not miss the flight cuz then I would feel bad and I wouldn't want something like this happen to me. Be warn. I was being kind in covering, missing a flight is a big no no.
Then when 2:30pm came along, she called saying that she's landed and is currently on her way. So I was expecting her around 3pm since it only takes about 30min from the airport to the hospital. She didn't get in until 4pm and that's when I found out that she went home to her work bag and scrubs and then back to the hospital. How can you not have your work things already in the car when you are fully aware that you would be coming straight from the airport to work to relieve the person who has generously agreed to cover. It was unbelievable. Now that's what I call total irresponsibility. By the time she got in, I was so pissed that I couldn't even make small talk. I had to sign out immediately and leave or else I would've said something mean.
There goes my day and my week in shambles. Lesson: never cover. only swap. be responsible when asking someone to do something for you.
I stupidly agree to cover for about 4 hours on Labor Day so my colleague can see her husband for the long weekend. Of course, I knew that there was a risk of her flight being delayed but I was not expecting what was about to happened. I was on 24 hr on Sunday already. Even though my call was very quiet not at all busy but still, I was tired and ready to go home and be away from the hospital. I was planning on grocery shopping to stock up for the week and just relax before working again the next day. I would still have majority of the day left when I was to leave at noon.
Of course I got a call around 11am from my colleague that she missed her flight and her connecting flight is delayed until 2:30pm. So I was like fine. But inside, I was thinking how can you miss your flight when you know that someone is covering for you. If I was her, I would not miss the flight cuz then I would feel bad and I wouldn't want something like this happen to me. Be warn. I was being kind in covering, missing a flight is a big no no.
Then when 2:30pm came along, she called saying that she's landed and is currently on her way. So I was expecting her around 3pm since it only takes about 30min from the airport to the hospital. She didn't get in until 4pm and that's when I found out that she went home to her work bag and scrubs and then back to the hospital. How can you not have your work things already in the car when you are fully aware that you would be coming straight from the airport to work to relieve the person who has generously agreed to cover. It was unbelievable. Now that's what I call total irresponsibility. By the time she got in, I was so pissed that I couldn't even make small talk. I had to sign out immediately and leave or else I would've said something mean.
There goes my day and my week in shambles. Lesson: never cover. only swap. be responsible when asking someone to do something for you.
Friday, September 03, 2010
SING CHOW MAI FUN (SINGAPORE FRIED RICE NOODLES/星洲炒米粉)
INGREDIENTS:
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon minced ginger
8 dried or fresh shiitake mushrooms
12 ounces of fine dry rice vermicelli (Wai Wai brand recommended)
2 stalks celery, sliced thin
1 medium yellow onion, sliced thin
4 jalapeno peppers, seeded and sliced thin
1 cup bean sprouts, rinsed and drained
8 green onions, root end trimmed, cut into 2-inch pieces
1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 pound char siu (Chinese barbecued pork), cut into matchsticks
4 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 tablespoons oyster sauce
FOR SAUCE:
3 tablespoons Madras (hot) curry powder
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon minced ginger
1 cup chicken broth
4 tablespoons soy sauce
4 teaspoons granlulated sugar
2 teaspoons hot chili paste
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
METHOD:
1) If using dried shiitake mushrooms, soak them in hot water for half an hour. Drain, then cut off the stems. Slice the mushrooms thinly.
2) Put the rice vermicelli in a large bowl and soak in enough hot water to cover, until the noodles are soft (about 8 to 10 minutes). Drain noodles and set aside.
3) Start by heating up 2 tablespoons of oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the curry powder, the ginger, and the minced garlic, and saute until fragrant. Add the chicken broth, soy sauce, sugar, and chili paste. Stir to combine and then cover and cook for 5 minutes. Remove pan from heat and set aside.
4) Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large wok over high heat. Add in the remaining garlic and ginger, and stir-fry until the garlic starts to become golden. Add in the celery, onion, pepper, sprouts, green onions, and mushrooms. Stir-fry for 3 minutes, until the vegetables start to soften. Set the vegetables aside in a bowl.
5) Heat the last 2 tablespoons of oil in the wok over high heat. Add in the shrimp and stir-fry until they start to turn pink on both sides. Add the char siu and toss to combine.
6) Add in the noodles and the vegetables. Pour on the sauce and also add the oyster sauce. Mix the ingredients thoroughly to coat all the noodles and incorporate all the vegetables.
7) Serve hot.
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon minced ginger
8 dried or fresh shiitake mushrooms
12 ounces of fine dry rice vermicelli (Wai Wai brand recommended)
2 stalks celery, sliced thin
1 medium yellow onion, sliced thin
4 jalapeno peppers, seeded and sliced thin
1 cup bean sprouts, rinsed and drained
8 green onions, root end trimmed, cut into 2-inch pieces
1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 pound char siu (Chinese barbecued pork), cut into matchsticks
4 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 tablespoons oyster sauce
FOR SAUCE:
3 tablespoons Madras (hot) curry powder
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon minced ginger
1 cup chicken broth
4 tablespoons soy sauce
4 teaspoons granlulated sugar
2 teaspoons hot chili paste
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
METHOD:
1) If using dried shiitake mushrooms, soak them in hot water for half an hour. Drain, then cut off the stems. Slice the mushrooms thinly.
2) Put the rice vermicelli in a large bowl and soak in enough hot water to cover, until the noodles are soft (about 8 to 10 minutes). Drain noodles and set aside.
3) Start by heating up 2 tablespoons of oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the curry powder, the ginger, and the minced garlic, and saute until fragrant. Add the chicken broth, soy sauce, sugar, and chili paste. Stir to combine and then cover and cook for 5 minutes. Remove pan from heat and set aside.
4) Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large wok over high heat. Add in the remaining garlic and ginger, and stir-fry until the garlic starts to become golden. Add in the celery, onion, pepper, sprouts, green onions, and mushrooms. Stir-fry for 3 minutes, until the vegetables start to soften. Set the vegetables aside in a bowl.
5) Heat the last 2 tablespoons of oil in the wok over high heat. Add in the shrimp and stir-fry until they start to turn pink on both sides. Add the char siu and toss to combine.
6) Add in the noodles and the vegetables. Pour on the sauce and also add the oyster sauce. Mix the ingredients thoroughly to coat all the noodles and incorporate all the vegetables.
7) Serve hot.
Mee Goreng (Malaysian Spicy Fried Noodles)
Fresh Chinese egg noodles, chili sauce, dark soy, oyster sauce, shao hsing wine and fried shallots are available at Asian markets. Serves 5-6 as part of a family-style meal, 3-4 as a main dish.
INGREDIENTS:
2 cups fresh Chinese egg noodles
2 Tbsp chili sauce (Sriracha), or more to taste
1 tsp dark soy sauce
1 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp salt
3 Tbsp oyster sauce
3 Tbsp ketchup
2 Tbsp vegetable or canola oil
2 eggs
1 tsp minced garlic
1 cup mung bean sprouts, rinsed
1/2 cup shredded cabbage
1/4 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/4 lb boneless chicken breast, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (or leftover shredded cooked chicken)
2 Tbsp shao hsing wine
1/4 tsp white pepper
2 Tbsp scallions, sliced
2 Tbsp fried shallots (available packaged at Asian markets)
METHOD:
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the noodles for 30 seconds, drain, and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine chili sauce, dark soy, sugar, 1/4 tsp salt, oyster sauce and ketchup. Stir to combine, and set aside.
In a large wok (at least 12 inches in diameter) preheated over high heat, add the oil. Crack the eggs into the wok, stir vigorously until the eggs are lightly scrambled and just set, then add the garlic, noodles, bean sprouts, cabbage, shrimp, chicken, and 3/4 cup water. Stir-fry continuously until noodles are cooked, 3-5 minutes (depending on the heat of your wok), making sure to also cook the chicken and shrimp. Add chili sauce mixture, and keep stirring until well combined. The noodles should begin to get a bit drier (no liquid left in the bottom of the wok). Add shao hsing wine and white pepper, stir to combine, and remove from heat. Garnish with scallions and fried shallots.
INGREDIENTS:
2 cups fresh Chinese egg noodles
2 Tbsp chili sauce (Sriracha), or more to taste
1 tsp dark soy sauce
1 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp salt
3 Tbsp oyster sauce
3 Tbsp ketchup
2 Tbsp vegetable or canola oil
2 eggs
1 tsp minced garlic
1 cup mung bean sprouts, rinsed
1/2 cup shredded cabbage
1/4 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/4 lb boneless chicken breast, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (or leftover shredded cooked chicken)
2 Tbsp shao hsing wine
1/4 tsp white pepper
2 Tbsp scallions, sliced
2 Tbsp fried shallots (available packaged at Asian markets)
METHOD:
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the noodles for 30 seconds, drain, and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine chili sauce, dark soy, sugar, 1/4 tsp salt, oyster sauce and ketchup. Stir to combine, and set aside.
In a large wok (at least 12 inches in diameter) preheated over high heat, add the oil. Crack the eggs into the wok, stir vigorously until the eggs are lightly scrambled and just set, then add the garlic, noodles, bean sprouts, cabbage, shrimp, chicken, and 3/4 cup water. Stir-fry continuously until noodles are cooked, 3-5 minutes (depending on the heat of your wok), making sure to also cook the chicken and shrimp. Add chili sauce mixture, and keep stirring until well combined. The noodles should begin to get a bit drier (no liquid left in the bottom of the wok). Add shao hsing wine and white pepper, stir to combine, and remove from heat. Garnish with scallions and fried shallots.
Friday, August 27, 2010
First Call ever ....
Acute Pain - one of intern anesthesia months.
It's been busy so far. Acute pain is mostly epidurals and regional blocks. What it means is that we put local anesthestics specifically near a certain nerve that would help with pain control during operation and post operation. It's absolutely crazy in some areas that we can block. Epidural is one that we know well about since most labor and delivery patients have them, natural or C-section. The regional blocks, some are normal and some are very new, but nonetheless incredible to watch/assist.
My first call ever. I've managed to not have any calls all through med school because the hospital I was at wanted all students to be there every weekday so we can't stay past midnight hence no calls. People are amazed at what I have gotten away with so far. It just makes it seem like I have had an atypical med student experience where I was not going crazy with stress and crazy hours during rotations.
The experience ... It was good actually. I only had to call my staff about 2 things. First was because the nurse mentioned something and I felt obligated to call and confirm even though I was pretty sure of my findings. Oh well, joy of being an intern where people just don't trust your judgement. The second call was actually legit where it was something that the staff is required to notified. Otherwise, my call started off with running between 2 PCAU, putting orders in, bolusing pts with pain meds, seeing new consults, and others. Then time was spent running between orthro floor and others. By the time I actually sat down trying to eat dinner it was 9PM. Then the pager decides to go off. I think I finally ate dinner around 10PM. I'm glad that we on call meal allowance so I can get AuBonPain. I normally don't get ABP cuz it's expensive but oh so good.
The pager finally quiet down a little before midnight and I had some time to finish off the new consults. The last consult was finished a little after 2AM and finally able to catch some zzz's. Woke up a bit before 6am for sign out and one 1st round block before taking off for post call day.
Not bad for 1st call ever. No disaster, got some sleep. Now hopefully, the rest of the month will go as well.
It's been busy so far. Acute pain is mostly epidurals and regional blocks. What it means is that we put local anesthestics specifically near a certain nerve that would help with pain control during operation and post operation. It's absolutely crazy in some areas that we can block. Epidural is one that we know well about since most labor and delivery patients have them, natural or C-section. The regional blocks, some are normal and some are very new, but nonetheless incredible to watch/assist.
My first call ever. I've managed to not have any calls all through med school because the hospital I was at wanted all students to be there every weekday so we can't stay past midnight hence no calls. People are amazed at what I have gotten away with so far. It just makes it seem like I have had an atypical med student experience where I was not going crazy with stress and crazy hours during rotations.
The experience ... It was good actually. I only had to call my staff about 2 things. First was because the nurse mentioned something and I felt obligated to call and confirm even though I was pretty sure of my findings. Oh well, joy of being an intern where people just don't trust your judgement. The second call was actually legit where it was something that the staff is required to notified. Otherwise, my call started off with running between 2 PCAU, putting orders in, bolusing pts with pain meds, seeing new consults, and others. Then time was spent running between orthro floor and others. By the time I actually sat down trying to eat dinner it was 9PM. Then the pager decides to go off. I think I finally ate dinner around 10PM. I'm glad that we on call meal allowance so I can get AuBonPain. I normally don't get ABP cuz it's expensive but oh so good.
The pager finally quiet down a little before midnight and I had some time to finish off the new consults. The last consult was finished a little after 2AM and finally able to catch some zzz's. Woke up a bit before 6am for sign out and one 1st round block before taking off for post call day.
Not bad for 1st call ever. No disaster, got some sleep. Now hopefully, the rest of the month will go as well.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Nephrology ...
2 weeks on transplant and 2 weeks of floor consults.
Transplant: Basically, my work is with acute renal injuries in any transplant patients, heart, lungs, kidney and any other organs that CCF have deemed transplantable. It was a 2 weeks since with my luck, now new kidney/pancreas transplants but the Monday after I left the service there were 3, of course. But I definitely get to see some crazy transplants done. Lungs were the scariest ones since most of the patients either don't leave the hospital or if they do leave, they'll end up coming back a couple months of later and not leave then. Kidney/pancreas transplant seem to have the most success. Liver patients are disasters to start with so they are disasters to end. Heart transplant still amazes me. Patient comes with nearly nonfunctioning heart or already on some sort of artificial heart pump and they leave here with a functioning heart. Amazing. Definitely my first time seeing some of these amazing procedures that I have only read about in the last couple of years. With these people, either they do really well or they crash hard. Of all the transplant I would not recommend lung transplant unless it's the absolutely the last resort.
Floor Consult: Pretty much anyone with kidney problems, either chronic or acute. Acute on chronic, new acute injury, dialysis. It's almost always the same. But I did get to meet some of the other medicine residents/interns and urology intern. It was fun 2 weeks with them since each of us know different things/ procedures.
Overall this rotation, I have definitely learn a bit about the kidney and what happens during surgery/low BP from other reasons and how to care for it. Immunosupressants really do a number on the body organs, brain, kidney, liver and any other organs that bugs would like to live on.
Transplant: Basically, my work is with acute renal injuries in any transplant patients, heart, lungs, kidney and any other organs that CCF have deemed transplantable. It was a 2 weeks since with my luck, now new kidney/pancreas transplants but the Monday after I left the service there were 3, of course. But I definitely get to see some crazy transplants done. Lungs were the scariest ones since most of the patients either don't leave the hospital or if they do leave, they'll end up coming back a couple months of later and not leave then. Kidney/pancreas transplant seem to have the most success. Liver patients are disasters to start with so they are disasters to end. Heart transplant still amazes me. Patient comes with nearly nonfunctioning heart or already on some sort of artificial heart pump and they leave here with a functioning heart. Amazing. Definitely my first time seeing some of these amazing procedures that I have only read about in the last couple of years. With these people, either they do really well or they crash hard. Of all the transplant I would not recommend lung transplant unless it's the absolutely the last resort.
Floor Consult: Pretty much anyone with kidney problems, either chronic or acute. Acute on chronic, new acute injury, dialysis. It's almost always the same. But I did get to meet some of the other medicine residents/interns and urology intern. It was fun 2 weeks with them since each of us know different things/ procedures.
Overall this rotation, I have definitely learn a bit about the kidney and what happens during surgery/low BP from other reasons and how to care for it. Immunosupressants really do a number on the body organs, brain, kidney, liver and any other organs that bugs would like to live on.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
CMDA Picnic
CMDA annual picnic. My first contact here in Ohio with Christian medical people. Again, it was mostly caucasians but it was encouraging to see that there are quite a few number of Christian physicians active with CMDA. There were a few medical students from Case and Lerner that are active with CMDA. There's a women medical society type meeting once a month. The one in Sept will be hard for me to make since I'm on a call schedule for APain, but will seen. I'll definitely try to make it to one to see what's like and meet others.
It was here that I realized I'm sorely missing my Chinese Christian connections. I hope I can get settle with this soon.
It was here that I realized I'm sorely missing my Chinese Christian connections. I hope I can get settle with this soon.
Sunday, August 01, 2010
Church
Looking for my new home church ... quite a task and challenge.
I've been in Cleveland now for about 5 weeks and explored a couple of the churches in eh area. I'm stilling looking for a place to call home. So far I've come to the conclusion that finding a church with a group of young working adults is quite the task since the ones I've been to either are family oriented or college oriented.
Cleveland Chinese Christian Church
It's very close to my apt. It takes me less than 15 mins to get. That's a definite pros so I can get there even when I'm tired. The church has several branches but the young adult English branch is the one I went. It's actually pretty small. Mostly college or grad students there and a few residents and new attendings there. The teaching is good and it's base on the scripture for topics. I've only heard the pastor once and the other times I wents, it was visiting pastors speaking. They are good but they are not as good as the one I went to in Jersey. I feel like they are just still trying to find their own niche for the English group whereas, the Chinese services are already very well established. I can see myself coming for the next 4 yrs but will it be good for me? That's the million dollar question.
Parkside Church
It's a big church. Probably on par with Grace Community Church with J. MacArthur. I wouldn't have minded joining that church, but it's a bit far. On good days, I don't mind driving the 30 - 40 mins there but when I'm tired or it's snowing, I'm not sure I can do the drive. Even though the drive is only 10mins longer than the one I make in Jersey and home. Otherwise, the teaching is very sound and I could definitely grow there. I only wish that it's not so far. Their small group fellowship is on Wed, wish it's on Fri so I could actually have the chance to make it there. Midweek is just a bit difficult. Oh well.
Riverview Church
I went to one other church and I had high hopes that it would be good since the pastor is from Masters Seminary. The pastor was great and the sermon was very similar to Grace Community Church style. The biggest thing I have against it is that the church is mostly caucasians with families. There are not many young adult for me to at least associate with. So sad.
I think I'm going to settle with the Chinese church. Even though it's smaller that I'm used to in NJ, I think there are great potential that I can work with. Can't wait to see what God brings.
I've been in Cleveland now for about 5 weeks and explored a couple of the churches in eh area. I'm stilling looking for a place to call home. So far I've come to the conclusion that finding a church with a group of young working adults is quite the task since the ones I've been to either are family oriented or college oriented.
Cleveland Chinese Christian Church
It's very close to my apt. It takes me less than 15 mins to get. That's a definite pros so I can get there even when I'm tired. The church has several branches but the young adult English branch is the one I went. It's actually pretty small. Mostly college or grad students there and a few residents and new attendings there. The teaching is good and it's base on the scripture for topics. I've only heard the pastor once and the other times I wents, it was visiting pastors speaking. They are good but they are not as good as the one I went to in Jersey. I feel like they are just still trying to find their own niche for the English group whereas, the Chinese services are already very well established. I can see myself coming for the next 4 yrs but will it be good for me? That's the million dollar question.
Parkside Church
It's a big church. Probably on par with Grace Community Church with J. MacArthur. I wouldn't have minded joining that church, but it's a bit far. On good days, I don't mind driving the 30 - 40 mins there but when I'm tired or it's snowing, I'm not sure I can do the drive. Even though the drive is only 10mins longer than the one I make in Jersey and home. Otherwise, the teaching is very sound and I could definitely grow there. I only wish that it's not so far. Their small group fellowship is on Wed, wish it's on Fri so I could actually have the chance to make it there. Midweek is just a bit difficult. Oh well.
Riverview Church
I went to one other church and I had high hopes that it would be good since the pastor is from Masters Seminary. The pastor was great and the sermon was very similar to Grace Community Church style. The biggest thing I have against it is that the church is mostly caucasians with families. There are not many young adult for me to at least associate with. So sad.
I think I'm going to settle with the Chinese church. Even though it's smaller that I'm used to in NJ, I think there are great potential that I can work with. Can't wait to see what God brings.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
CCF ED ...
Officially done with ED .... YEA ... A big celebration ....
It's been exhausting month ... 18 shifts in 3.5 weeks with just 1 full weekend. All my free time has been spent sleeping. Even when my mom calls me, she's like "you sleeping?" and I'm like yup and somewhat coherent. I don't think I have ever been this exhausted before. I just finished my last shift and tomorrow is the start of new rotation, Nephro.
I have definitely learn that it is with difficulty to get patients admitted when they needed to and to filter patients as they come into the ED. Some patients use the ED as their personal primary physician office so they come in for everything. Some of the things they come for, we would be skeptically say "really? that is emergency?" But what can you do. It's the American healthcare with Medicare and some PCP are not taking Medicare and ED cannot refuse patients who want to be seen. What a mess and definitely needs lots of cleaning up and politics are not doing much good now. Everything is very political within the hospital.
The staff has been great. I'm definitely going to miss them. They are protective of the residents and very willing to teach. It happened to me once where I called medicine admitting team to give them an admission but they were trying to argue with me that the patient doesn't need to be admitted. I just couldn't argue back so I handed to call over to my staff. Staff pretty much laid it into them and backed me up when the admitting staff mentioned that me as a new intern doesn't know what I'm doing. I was like "Wow, what a bogus!" All the admission calls has to be approved by ED staff before the calls are to be placed. I'm definitely glad that we interns are somewhat protected even though I do expect that we will get some verbal "teaching".
The ED was so busy that pretty much at the end of each shift, I'm tired that I just want to shower and collapse in my bed. Hardly even have to time to eat during the shift. Graham cracker and peanut butter has became the staple food during shift. I probably only end up eating one real meal a day for the entire month. I lost 5 lbs and I'm pretty sure that's the unhealthy way of losing the weight I'm really trying to lose.
That's my personal goal for intern year. Lose about 30 lbs. So 25 more to go.
It's been exhausting month ... 18 shifts in 3.5 weeks with just 1 full weekend. All my free time has been spent sleeping. Even when my mom calls me, she's like "you sleeping?" and I'm like yup and somewhat coherent. I don't think I have ever been this exhausted before. I just finished my last shift and tomorrow is the start of new rotation, Nephro.
I have definitely learn that it is with difficulty to get patients admitted when they needed to and to filter patients as they come into the ED. Some patients use the ED as their personal primary physician office so they come in for everything. Some of the things they come for, we would be skeptically say "really? that is emergency?" But what can you do. It's the American healthcare with Medicare and some PCP are not taking Medicare and ED cannot refuse patients who want to be seen. What a mess and definitely needs lots of cleaning up and politics are not doing much good now. Everything is very political within the hospital.
The staff has been great. I'm definitely going to miss them. They are protective of the residents and very willing to teach. It happened to me once where I called medicine admitting team to give them an admission but they were trying to argue with me that the patient doesn't need to be admitted. I just couldn't argue back so I handed to call over to my staff. Staff pretty much laid it into them and backed me up when the admitting staff mentioned that me as a new intern doesn't know what I'm doing. I was like "Wow, what a bogus!" All the admission calls has to be approved by ED staff before the calls are to be placed. I'm definitely glad that we interns are somewhat protected even though I do expect that we will get some verbal "teaching".
The ED was so busy that pretty much at the end of each shift, I'm tired that I just want to shower and collapse in my bed. Hardly even have to time to eat during the shift. Graham cracker and peanut butter has became the staple food during shift. I probably only end up eating one real meal a day for the entire month. I lost 5 lbs and I'm pretty sure that's the unhealthy way of losing the weight I'm really trying to lose.
That's my personal goal for intern year. Lose about 30 lbs. So 25 more to go.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Girls Night/ Weekend ...
Desperately in need of girl time and connections ... Help ...
So far, only been in the ED for about 3 weeks and have already felt very isolated. Before moving to Cleveland, I've always had some girlfriends with whom I could rant and rave to and just to meet up for lunch/dinner. I have yet to find my own group here.
So Friday nite, we had a interns' girls nite out with Tania and Deanna, a fellow anesthesia intern and derm intern. We went out to niteclub to dance and had drinks. Guys that nite were mostly creepers but we had a great time just dancing and being silly. We also had girls talk prior to going out as well. As usual, we talked about guys and the pickings that we have in Cleveland. It was fun.
Then I just had a quiet weekend with a phone call to Kirstin, just catching up. I really miss her. She was my biggest lifeline throughout med school. We were brought up in similar family lifestyle despite her being white and me Chinese. It was soothing to be able to talk to her and have her understand what's going on in our lives since we are both interns. I really want to make plans to go see her in Bronx sometimes soon. I need my Kirstin dose.
Then, Monday, I just spent a few hours before work with Sarah E and her 2 little adorable boys. It was calming to chitchat with her about finding our own niche in Cleveland as we both see Cleveland as a place for residency only. Her 2 little boys really reminded me of how much kids have and how innocent and naive we all were. They are so adorable and everything to them is so new to them. Her baby, Drew, is so content to just look around and getting used to what's happening in the world. Wondering what they think about everything that they see.
This was a good weekend to just reconnect with the world outside, away from the hospital. But I really miss the student times when we call for girls time we would go out, eat, chat or traveling. so much easier to set up. ::sigh::
So far, only been in the ED for about 3 weeks and have already felt very isolated. Before moving to Cleveland, I've always had some girlfriends with whom I could rant and rave to and just to meet up for lunch/dinner. I have yet to find my own group here.
So Friday nite, we had a interns' girls nite out with Tania and Deanna, a fellow anesthesia intern and derm intern. We went out to niteclub to dance and had drinks. Guys that nite were mostly creepers but we had a great time just dancing and being silly. We also had girls talk prior to going out as well. As usual, we talked about guys and the pickings that we have in Cleveland. It was fun.
Then I just had a quiet weekend with a phone call to Kirstin, just catching up. I really miss her. She was my biggest lifeline throughout med school. We were brought up in similar family lifestyle despite her being white and me Chinese. It was soothing to be able to talk to her and have her understand what's going on in our lives since we are both interns. I really want to make plans to go see her in Bronx sometimes soon. I need my Kirstin dose.
Then, Monday, I just spent a few hours before work with Sarah E and her 2 little adorable boys. It was calming to chitchat with her about finding our own niche in Cleveland as we both see Cleveland as a place for residency only. Her 2 little boys really reminded me of how much kids have and how innocent and naive we all were. They are so adorable and everything to them is so new to them. Her baby, Drew, is so content to just look around and getting used to what's happening in the world. Wondering what they think about everything that they see.
This was a good weekend to just reconnect with the world outside, away from the hospital. But I really miss the student times when we call for girls time we would go out, eat, chat or traveling. so much easier to set up. ::sigh::
Sunday, July 04, 2010
First time as doctor
This feels weird as a "doctor". I start my intern year in the ED. My least fav rotation and I'll be dreading it and starting my countdown.
So far, I've had 3 shifts already and this is the start of me working on the holidays and being "owned" by CCF for the next 4 yrs. The shifts were 10 hrs long each but I have yet to get out on time since I have to sign out and finish up my notes. It's weird for to ID myself as Dr Cheung when I call for consults, call for info in nursing home or answering pages/calls. I guess it's something I'll have to get used to it really soon.
Patient population at the clinic is very complicated. They are not necessarily emergent but they always have some complicated issues. ugh. trying to dig through those is a pain in the butt, but I've definitely spent some time on UptoDate reading about them. I guess that's a good way to get some reading in during this extremely sporadic hours month.
So far time has been flying and I am glad that I'm not doing ER. It's busy and I feel very disoriented half the time I'm there since a lot of the care are broken up. So far, I'm adjusting to the fact that I have the power to put in orders and actually be able to do something for the patient despite being on the bottom of the totem pole in this crazy medical hierarchy.
I'm definitely on my way to working the holidays as this is the first holiday weekend we got. I've worked the day before and day after. Not much of celebration. Any time that I'm not working has spent either sleeping and maybe cooking if I feel up to it. It may or may not get any better as the month goes by. We shall see.
So far, I've had 3 shifts already and this is the start of me working on the holidays and being "owned" by CCF for the next 4 yrs. The shifts were 10 hrs long each but I have yet to get out on time since I have to sign out and finish up my notes. It's weird for to ID myself as Dr Cheung when I call for consults, call for info in nursing home or answering pages/calls. I guess it's something I'll have to get used to it really soon.
Patient population at the clinic is very complicated. They are not necessarily emergent but they always have some complicated issues. ugh. trying to dig through those is a pain in the butt, but I've definitely spent some time on UptoDate reading about them. I guess that's a good way to get some reading in during this extremely sporadic hours month.
So far time has been flying and I am glad that I'm not doing ER. It's busy and I feel very disoriented half the time I'm there since a lot of the care are broken up. So far, I'm adjusting to the fact that I have the power to put in orders and actually be able to do something for the patient despite being on the bottom of the totem pole in this crazy medical hierarchy.
I'm definitely on my way to working the holidays as this is the first holiday weekend we got. I've worked the day before and day after. Not much of celebration. Any time that I'm not working has spent either sleeping and maybe cooking if I feel up to it. It may or may not get any better as the month goes by. We shall see.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Orientation ...
June 18 ... not much except spending the day getting oriented somewhat to the clinic itself. Tons of forms to fill out, getting packets of papers and trying to meet random fellow intern at the same time hoping that you'll find someone in the same program or someone you recognized during interview trail. Thankfully, I did meet new people but do I remember their names, not likely, but I'll recognize their faces. I did run into a gal that I met on interview trail, can't remember which one but it's nice to see a familiar face around. Met a few other people from Anesthesia as well, but otherwise, a fairly boring day.
Went to a get together over the weekend that was arranged by a couple of medicine folks but ended up meeting more non medicine people. haha how funny. It was fun, just hanging out, drinking, and "clubbing" for the night. Good times.
Monday - 6/21 - crazy 8 hrs of Epic training on the computer. It's so boring and I'm not how much of it I'll remember. It got to a point where we are sending emails for side chats since there's no cell phone reception. Haha. Finally got to see out class.
Tues through Friday - our official anesthesiology orientation. We all sat around the conference table for 8 hrs a day, listening to lectures, having discussions and getting to know each other really well. And come on, yes, we are always around the "good" drugs all the time but really necessary for the 2 full days worth of talks and discussions on drug addiction. But I guess prevention is better than cleaning up after messes. These couple of days, we literally bonded and found our own little group to hang out with. Surprising stats is that only 3 gals in the American grad side and we are all single but there's only 4 single peeps total. So we all kind of hang out together mostly. Also there's like a DO group as well since there are 6 of us. But we are good group, will have lots of fun and do pretty well. Can't wait to see how we'll all do in the next 4 years as a family. On Friday, we finally met the rest of the IMGs that made up half of out class of 26. They are all married and if not, they don't tend to hang out with us American grad. Oh well. We'll all get to know each other soon enough when we start rotating.
Mon - Wed - BLS/ACLS - necessary but super boring and somewhat ridiculous as well. To think that we have to do this every 2 yrs. ugh. enough side about this. But definitely more bonding time and ever more distince cliques of IMGs and AMGs.
Oh boy, July 1st here we come whether we are ready or not!!
Went to a get together over the weekend that was arranged by a couple of medicine folks but ended up meeting more non medicine people. haha how funny. It was fun, just hanging out, drinking, and "clubbing" for the night. Good times.
Monday - 6/21 - crazy 8 hrs of Epic training on the computer. It's so boring and I'm not how much of it I'll remember. It got to a point where we are sending emails for side chats since there's no cell phone reception. Haha. Finally got to see out class.
Tues through Friday - our official anesthesiology orientation. We all sat around the conference table for 8 hrs a day, listening to lectures, having discussions and getting to know each other really well. And come on, yes, we are always around the "good" drugs all the time but really necessary for the 2 full days worth of talks and discussions on drug addiction. But I guess prevention is better than cleaning up after messes. These couple of days, we literally bonded and found our own little group to hang out with. Surprising stats is that only 3 gals in the American grad side and we are all single but there's only 4 single peeps total. So we all kind of hang out together mostly. Also there's like a DO group as well since there are 6 of us. But we are good group, will have lots of fun and do pretty well. Can't wait to see how we'll all do in the next 4 years as a family. On Friday, we finally met the rest of the IMGs that made up half of out class of 26. They are all married and if not, they don't tend to hang out with us American grad. Oh well. We'll all get to know each other soon enough when we start rotating.
Mon - Wed - BLS/ACLS - necessary but super boring and somewhat ridiculous as well. To think that we have to do this every 2 yrs. ugh. enough side about this. But definitely more bonding time and ever more distince cliques of IMGs and AMGs.
Oh boy, July 1st here we come whether we are ready or not!!
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Last vacay home for the year...
Spent three weeks ... I think it's the longest that I have spent home since I've left for college back in 2002. It was great ... a last vacay of just bumming around before the crazy residency starts in Cleveland.
I really miss the time with my parents and made realize that they already have their own schedule to their lives and are quite happy. I spent lots of time eating out with my mom and eating my mom's homemade food. It was great time to just be able to chat with my parents the "adult" topics that I never really cared even a couple months ago.
It finally hit me that being away from home for so long that I don't really my parents' home as my home any more. I still say I'm original from Cali cause I just can't shake off my Cali style but I tend to say I'm from wherever that I have been living before. Now, I'll say that I'm from Jersey. My parents' place now has become one of my vacation place where I can just lounge and not obligated to do anything beside visiting my family. I even feel like I'm a visitor at the church that I grew up in. I guess this is part of growing up and becoming an adult and moving so far away from home.
I don't know when I'll be moving back to Cali but I have a feeling that it'll be awhile.
I really miss the time with my parents and made realize that they already have their own schedule to their lives and are quite happy. I spent lots of time eating out with my mom and eating my mom's homemade food. It was great time to just be able to chat with my parents the "adult" topics that I never really cared even a couple months ago.
It finally hit me that being away from home for so long that I don't really my parents' home as my home any more. I still say I'm original from Cali cause I just can't shake off my Cali style but I tend to say I'm from wherever that I have been living before. Now, I'll say that I'm from Jersey. My parents' place now has become one of my vacation place where I can just lounge and not obligated to do anything beside visiting my family. I even feel like I'm a visitor at the church that I grew up in. I guess this is part of growing up and becoming an adult and moving so far away from home.
I don't know when I'll be moving back to Cali but I have a feeling that it'll be awhile.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
My brother's graduation ...
One long crazy weekend ...
Sat ... early morning drive for the long awaited haircut with my fav hair dresser. Hair feels much lighter and much easier to deal with. Then photo session with my parents. I don't like to be in photos and my mom is determined to get some good shots in with my brother so she can send to them and to keep them on her phone ... sigh. Surprisingly, we did get some good ones. Then onto our usual family game night, except this time around it's Monopoly and MahJong. Before it used to Big 2 card game... my family goes through phases.
Sun .. graduation ceremony and pictures galore. We took pics prior to the ceremony with my dad's side of family. Way too many pictures and I'm the silly girl with the green hood in the midst of lavendar hood for dentistry. Oh well. The ceremony was over 2 hours and I was so bored ... then dinner at a fancy Chinese restaurant where the food is more for the adults and the younger gen was wondering what half the food was. One of the dish is the fish's stomach ... interesting and ech... Then onto our usual family game nights ... oh the crazy fun ...
Monday ... finally finshed with packing up my brother's room ... This was the 3rd trip out to bring his things back home. Imgaine how much things he had as a single guy. I swear, he has more than I do and I have an entire apt with furniture and what not. We moved everything back home and his stuff filled up my room, his room and what used to be the study. Amazing how my brother has pretty turned the house into his storage until he finds a job and move out. I'm just waiting for the phone calls from my mom when she can't stand up any more and need to vent... haha
Sat ... early morning drive for the long awaited haircut with my fav hair dresser. Hair feels much lighter and much easier to deal with. Then photo session with my parents. I don't like to be in photos and my mom is determined to get some good shots in with my brother so she can send to them and to keep them on her phone ... sigh. Surprisingly, we did get some good ones. Then onto our usual family game night, except this time around it's Monopoly and MahJong. Before it used to Big 2 card game... my family goes through phases.
Sun .. graduation ceremony and pictures galore. We took pics prior to the ceremony with my dad's side of family. Way too many pictures and I'm the silly girl with the green hood in the midst of lavendar hood for dentistry. Oh well. The ceremony was over 2 hours and I was so bored ... then dinner at a fancy Chinese restaurant where the food is more for the adults and the younger gen was wondering what half the food was. One of the dish is the fish's stomach ... interesting and ech... Then onto our usual family game nights ... oh the crazy fun ...
Monday ... finally finshed with packing up my brother's room ... This was the 3rd trip out to bring his things back home. Imgaine how much things he had as a single guy. I swear, he has more than I do and I have an entire apt with furniture and what not. We moved everything back home and his stuff filled up my room, his room and what used to be the study. Amazing how my brother has pretty turned the house into his storage until he finds a job and move out. I'm just waiting for the phone calls from my mom when she can't stand up any more and need to vent... haha
Monday, May 24, 2010
Post Grad Party
Went to Vegas day after graduation for a couple of days. It's really the first time as a legal adult for me. Went with a couple of the girls and their boyfriend/fiance. Had a wonderful time partying it up and getting the Vegas feel. It's been a great self esteem booster at XS (club we went) and at Carnival Bar, which we randomly stop by. Alcohol definitely seems like free floating since we all pretty much drank more than usual. Definitely some stories are remained to be stories among us girls and will remain in Vegas. The last party before work, work, work.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Med School Graduation
Finally after 4 crazy years, I'm Dr. Carina Cheung. Until this day, I still don't really respond when people called my Dr. Cheung. It takes me a bit to go Oh! That's me. It was great to see my Aunt and Uncle whom I haven't seen for years. I got to see my silly cousin and his wife too. It's always great to get to see family.
Everything before graduation went smoothlyg. The financial aid session was mindboggling in that I have too much debt and there are too much info to process to find the best way to pay off the debt. AHHH!! Had a good time catching up with everyone in class. It's been almost 2 years since we've seen each other and it was good times. There are so many new babies. I'm guessing our class now have about 50+ kids. It was great seeing the girls from CMDA and see how our lives are. We had a class party and a white coat bonfire. Too funny.
The only glitch was the my family's flights were delayed and missed their connection but thank the Lord! He made it happen so they can get on the later flight and arrive a couple hours of later than planned.
None of the I'm a doctor mindset hit me until we recite our Hippocratic oath. That's when I realize that I'm really going to be responsible for people's lives now come July 1st. I'm still trying to process that thought. Who knows when I will fully wrap my head around that thought? The one thing that I have no trouble with is that God has made all this happen. Without Him, I would not be where I am today. Now just waiting for my next adventure... Cleveland Clinic ...
Everything before graduation went smoothlyg. The financial aid session was mindboggling in that I have too much debt and there are too much info to process to find the best way to pay off the debt. AHHH!! Had a good time catching up with everyone in class. It's been almost 2 years since we've seen each other and it was good times. There are so many new babies. I'm guessing our class now have about 50+ kids. It was great seeing the girls from CMDA and see how our lives are. We had a class party and a white coat bonfire. Too funny.
The only glitch was the my family's flights were delayed and missed their connection but thank the Lord! He made it happen so they can get on the later flight and arrive a couple hours of later than planned.
None of the I'm a doctor mindset hit me until we recite our Hippocratic oath. That's when I realize that I'm really going to be responsible for people's lives now come July 1st. I'm still trying to process that thought. Who knows when I will fully wrap my head around that thought? The one thing that I have no trouble with is that God has made all this happen. Without Him, I would not be where I am today. Now just waiting for my next adventure... Cleveland Clinic ...
Monday, May 10, 2010
New Home
My home for the next 4 years. It's been almost 2 months after I found out I'm going to Cleveland. I'm happy and excited at the thought of being at the Clinic for anesthesia, but I'm too sure about being in Cleveland for the next 4 years. I was really hoping to stay in the East but I guess God has other plans. So far, I'm liking my apartment and it doesn't feel like a student apartment or one where I would move after a year or so. I'm hoping I'll be able to fall in love with this place as I finally immerse myself come June. I'm sure once things get going, I'll enjoy being in Cleveland and all it has to offer too. Just waiting to see what God has plan!
Please pray for a church that will be my home and family for the next couple of years.
Please pray for a church that will be my home and family for the next couple of years.
Tuesday, May 04, 2010
Last 2 weeks in NJ
The first week back from Uganda - adjusting back to States lifestyle, faster pace and more right sided. I felt like I even had to adjust to driving again. I spent the time sorting my pics out and uploading my INMED blog and dealing with paper work for graduation. But I did really miss Uganda and all of the people that I have met and befriended there. It was such a short time but I still felt like I have been there for a lot longer.
It was nice that I have the 2 weeks left in NJ and I could officially say my own good bye to the place that have been my home for the last 2 years. I said goodbye to the people I have befriended at church and it made me reflect back on the last 2 years that I have known them. They have really become my support and home for the last 2 years despite me being MIA every so often. God has really put them in my life as I really needed a family after my not so great experience in Kirksville. Thank you CCCNJ and 5W.
Then moving. Found a company East West Movers Inc and they help with packing. So I planned on packing my bedroom and bathroom and leave the rest for them to help me pack. It only took us all together a little over 2 hours to pack up what I didn't pack and for them to load into the truck. I'm impress. At first when I saw the space that all my things were suppose to go in, I though "Oh crap! I'm going to have to pay more because it will not all fit in there, 300 cubic feet." But they did it with room to spare on top. The only thing that didn't go is my desk but no harm done. I have been wanting an excuse to get rid of it. So now I only have my duffle bag of cothes, sleeping bag and food in the fridge. Everything else that's left either gets toss or get shoved in the last 2 boxes or so that I have left.
I don't think it really hit until today that I am really moving. It was when I looked at my empty apartment and DING! I really am leaving the East Coast for the next 4 years and will being calling Cleveland home. I'm sure God is having fun up there with my life and how everything is turning out, but nonetheless, it will be great. Can't wait to start my new phase of life.
It was nice that I have the 2 weeks left in NJ and I could officially say my own good bye to the place that have been my home for the last 2 years. I said goodbye to the people I have befriended at church and it made me reflect back on the last 2 years that I have known them. They have really become my support and home for the last 2 years despite me being MIA every so often. God has really put them in my life as I really needed a family after my not so great experience in Kirksville. Thank you CCCNJ and 5W.
Then moving. Found a company East West Movers Inc and they help with packing. So I planned on packing my bedroom and bathroom and leave the rest for them to help me pack. It only took us all together a little over 2 hours to pack up what I didn't pack and for them to load into the truck. I'm impress. At first when I saw the space that all my things were suppose to go in, I though "Oh crap! I'm going to have to pay more because it will not all fit in there, 300 cubic feet." But they did it with room to spare on top. The only thing that didn't go is my desk but no harm done. I have been wanting an excuse to get rid of it. So now I only have my duffle bag of cothes, sleeping bag and food in the fridge. Everything else that's left either gets toss or get shoved in the last 2 boxes or so that I have left.
I don't think it really hit until today that I am really moving. It was when I looked at my empty apartment and DING! I really am leaving the East Coast for the next 4 years and will being calling Cleveland home. I'm sure God is having fun up there with my life and how everything is turning out, but nonetheless, it will be great. Can't wait to start my new phase of life.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Uganda
I am excited. Can't wait ... Thurs I'll be embarking on my trip to Uganda doing my last medical school rotation. After that, when I come back, I'll be waiting for my degree and be officially a doctor. No more playing doctor. Wonder what my next adventure will hold.
My adventure in Uganda will on the following blog as it is part of the organization that I'm doing my international rotation with. I don't think I'll try double blogging. Too lazy. Hopefully I won't get into something way over my head. I'll update as much as I can when I'm there, but definitely when I'm back.
INMED Blog - Uganda
I'm glad that I have finally found an apartment in Cleveland, OH before I leave. That's one less thing for me to fuss and cram/stress about when I come back. Now I just have to wait for the final word at my apt complex.
My adventure in Uganda will on the following blog as it is part of the organization that I'm doing my international rotation with. I don't think I'll try double blogging. Too lazy. Hopefully I won't get into something way over my head. I'll update as much as I can when I'm there, but definitely when I'm back.
INMED Blog - Uganda
I'm glad that I have finally found an apartment in Cleveland, OH before I leave. That's one less thing for me to fuss and cram/stress about when I come back. Now I just have to wait for the final word at my apt complex.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Matched!!!
Mon 11:55am
Congratulations! You've Matched.
Thurs 12:55pm
Cleveland Clinic Foundation
I officially have a job post graduation. I matched into Categorical Anesthesia. Cleveland, OH will be my home for the next 4 years. My family decided to play their own version of guessing game. My brother and dad guessed Baystate and mom guessed Maine Med. I personally knew that I would end up in Cleveland, just a gut feeling that that's where God was leading me to. I'm thrilled to be there and am not disappointed that it was my third choice. To me my first 3 choices were all my number 1's. I just couldn't really distinguish their tiers. I guess I'm still processing the results but nonetheless, it's great.
Now, I just have to find a place to live so I can get the moving process in order once I'm back from Uganda. Now only if I could get my mom stop going on and on about moving process long enough for me to fully process what happened and make my own decisions. Seriously, she is starting to treat me like a kid again. ugh.
I need to savor the sweet moment.
Congratulations! You've Matched.
Thurs 12:55pm
Cleveland Clinic Foundation
I officially have a job post graduation. I matched into Categorical Anesthesia. Cleveland, OH will be my home for the next 4 years. My family decided to play their own version of guessing game. My brother and dad guessed Baystate and mom guessed Maine Med. I personally knew that I would end up in Cleveland, just a gut feeling that that's where God was leading me to. I'm thrilled to be there and am not disappointed that it was my third choice. To me my first 3 choices were all my number 1's. I just couldn't really distinguish their tiers. I guess I'm still processing the results but nonetheless, it's great.
Now, I just have to find a place to live so I can get the moving process in order once I'm back from Uganda. Now only if I could get my mom stop going on and on about moving process long enough for me to fully process what happened and make my own decisions. Seriously, she is starting to treat me like a kid again. ugh.
I need to savor the sweet moment.
Monday, March 08, 2010
NYC ... College Gals Weekend
My college small group mate Dung came down this weekend to visit. She's in New Hampshire for nursing school and want to see NYC while on spring break. So we did the touristy things. We hit Chinatown's Joe's Shanghai, Doughnut Plant, WTC, Rockefeller, Times Square. I only spent one day with her and her friend in the city. I'm not a fan of the city and I can only handle so much going into the city. They stayed at my place for the weekend. It was nice see her again and catching up on our news. She's still very much as I remembered. And I felt like I was the one who changed the most once I have left UCLA/GOC. It makes me feel old that now I get think back how college was. ::sigh:: Time just flies.
One of the place we visited in Times Square, M&M store. Couldn't resist.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Digging my car ...
The last 2 weeks had been fun. I had to dig my car out of half a foot snow the first week then a week later a foot and half of snow. What a workout. Each time took me at least 45 min to a hour of arm strength. The second time I lost my parking spot to the snow since my spot is next the handicap spot and is at a corner. It had the space for the apartment to pile the snow. What a crazy 2 winter storms.
The 1st snow dig out.
Monday, February 22, 2010
ROL #2
It's official. It's in. Here's my ranking list.
1. Baystate
2. Maine Med
3. Cleveland Clinic
4. VCU/MCV
5. UTSW
6. SLU
7. Thomas Jefferson
8. Univ of Washington
9. Case Western/ MetroHealth
10. St Luke's Roosevelt
11. Univ of Washington (Adv)
12. Baystate (adv)
13. UMKC
14. Henry Ford
15. Univ of Mississippi
16. Mizzou
17. Mizzou (adv)
1. Baystate
2. Maine Med
3. Cleveland Clinic
4. VCU/MCV
5. UTSW
6. SLU
7. Thomas Jefferson
8. Univ of Washington
9. Case Western/ MetroHealth
10. St Luke's Roosevelt
11. Univ of Washington (Adv)
12. Baystate (adv)
13. UMKC
14. Henry Ford
15. Univ of Mississippi
16. Mizzou
17. Mizzou (adv)
Friday, February 19, 2010
Senoritis
It's the home stretch of the end of my med school training. Graduation is 5/15 and my international elective is coming up. I have a hard time motivating myself to get to work. Also, once I get to the hospital, I keeping wanting the day to be over as soon as possible. I'm on Peds EM this month at St Joseph's. It's actually a pretty good rotation and I am glad that I don't have to go in every day. I have a grand total of 15 12hr shifts. During my shifts I was able to get the required reading done for my Uganda rotation and able to chat with other 3rd and 4th years that are rotating at the same time. For most of my shifts, the 4th years take a long lunch breaks about 1.5 - 2 hr long. haha. Anything to shorten our workload.
What a difference between 3rd and 4th year. As a 3rd year, we are doing everything we can to get the good eval and possible letter. We needed to impress our attending and want to see everything that comes in. Now as a 4th, we know what we needed to do to just get by. What an amazing difference.
I have more time to go over and over my ranking list and the order of all the programs.
What a difference between 3rd and 4th year. As a 3rd year, we are doing everything we can to get the good eval and possible letter. We needed to impress our attending and want to see everything that comes in. Now as a 4th, we know what we needed to do to just get by. What an amazing difference.
I have more time to go over and over my ranking list and the order of all the programs.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
ROL #1
I have Maine Med, Baystate and Cleveland Clinic running around in my head. I can't decide how to order these 3. I love each of the three. Maine Med is smallest of the 3 and is in Portland, ME. It's gorgeous and has a very quaint feeling. The only thing holding me back is the small Asian population. Baystate is great, a medium size, great hours, resident friendly. Clinic is great too, the only thing is that it's big. It has great cases and great name.
The decision really is between a big well known program or a small regionally know place. Decisions, decisions.
As the next couple on my list would be VCU, UTSW, SLU and Thomas Jefferson. With them, it'll probably be based on location. They are about the same feeling for me.
I know that I'm definitely going to be disappointing my mom regarding UW ranking. It's going to be middle of the list because I'm not sure how well I'll fit into the rogram there. I love Seattle but just not sure about the program itself.
The rest will be based on location again with Mizzou at the end. I'm not the greatest fan of these because of location. Texas Tech is not on my list because I didn't have a good gut feeling about it and also, it sounds a little sketchy being that I feel like the residents learn from books.
Will see how it all turn out.
The decision really is between a big well known program or a small regionally know place. Decisions, decisions.
As the next couple on my list would be VCU, UTSW, SLU and Thomas Jefferson. With them, it'll probably be based on location. They are about the same feeling for me.
I know that I'm definitely going to be disappointing my mom regarding UW ranking. It's going to be middle of the list because I'm not sure how well I'll fit into the rogram there. I love Seattle but just not sure about the program itself.
The rest will be based on location again with Mizzou at the end. I'm not the greatest fan of these because of location. Texas Tech is not on my list because I didn't have a good gut feeling about it and also, it sounds a little sketchy being that I feel like the residents learn from books.
Will see how it all turn out.
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
Winter Break
Finally got home after 2 more interviews during the week. I think in the last 4 weeks, I've had 9 interviews. It's really exhausting and all of those beside the 2 this past week, were within driving distance for me. The interviews themselves are not exhausting, it's more of the traveling that is making me tired. So I'm definitely glad I'll have 2 weeks of doing nothing to just rest before coming back to Jersey for a couple more interviews and rest of med school rotations. I spent most of my time with my parents, going out to eat and shop, while being my brother short term tutor for his boards whenever he has a question. He's taking his boards right before New Years.
The highlights of my break was going to SF for New Years then going to LA day after New Years of Disney on Ice. My brother got a new digital SLR camera and spent ton of time experimenting with the camera. It's been a long time for me for photography. Once I have some time and some cash flow, I'll definitely get back into it.
Then we drove down to LA to see Disney on Ice the Princess. It was definitely more for younger kids but it was fun for us too because we have never seen one and it was a family thing for us. The show was amazing on its own, the costume and choreography. Very nicely done.
Disney on Ice: Cars
The highlights of my break was going to SF for New Years then going to LA day after New Years of Disney on Ice. My brother got a new digital SLR camera and spent ton of time experimenting with the camera. It's been a long time for me for photography. Once I have some time and some cash flow, I'll definitely get back into it.
With my parents doing hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil. Just being goofy at my brother's apartment while he's experimenting with his camera.
For New Year's Eve, we went to SF to spend some time at my brother's place. In SF, it's the one night where the cable car is free and tons of family out past 10pm. We took the cable car down to Fisherman's Wharf and watched fireworks. It was cold though while waiting for the fireworks, but pretty.
This was taken at the Bread Company right by Fisherman Wharf. This Bread Company was also featured on Food Network too. It was too cute to pass up.
This was taken at the Bread Company right by Fisherman Wharf. This Bread Company was also featured on Food Network too. It was too cute to pass up.
It was fun again, being touristy, seeing SF again as an adult. I've seen it as a kid during day. I really liked SF and totally don't mind living there if I could.
Then we drove down to LA to see Disney on Ice the Princess. It was definitely more for younger kids but it was fun for us too because we have never seen one and it was a family thing for us. The show was amazing on its own, the costume and choreography. Very nicely done.
Disney's version of popcorn.
Disney on Ice: Cars
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