Recap: 1st Semester of 2nd year

Let’s jump right into it. Unfortunately, we didn’t start the blog until our second year of medical school so you don’t know our detailed thoughts on first year. But let me just give you a quick summary: IT WAS HARD. So imagine my enthusiasm when I realized that 2nd year was even harder.

Neurology/Psychology: We started off with a neuro/psych block*. We learned about all the pathways that travel in the spinal cord (issa lot). We learned about psych disorders that are outlined according to the DSM V criteria (Also a lot). My thoughts on Neuro is that dementia is a trip, and all those motor disorders are really sad. However, after this block, I have a greater appreciation for my brain and the fact that I am able to learn so many concepts because, I have now studied the major deficits that can occur when the brain isn’t functioning correctly. This block took up the majority of the semester which included nine exams over neuro/psych. 6 were regular multiple choice and 3 were written (fill-in style) exams.

MSK: We then moved into a Musculoskeletal (MSK) block*. Bones and muscles are a little easier to conceptualize for me. We only had 3 tests in this block and I was a lot less stressed out than I was for the Neuro exams.

Osteopathic Principles: We learned about Cranial manipulations, Balanced Ligamentous Tension/Myofascial Release, and (my favorite) Upper/Lower Crossed Syndromes. Upper/Lower Crossed Syndromes address how micro-traumas that our body encounters daily can have long-term effects on our posture and gait. I just thought it was very applicable for patients.

My study habits took a turn this semester. I have made it clear in past posts that I take pride in the fact that group study works for me. However, I came to a realization that I wasn’t doing enough internalizing of the material. I started waking up early again and doing notes prior to the classes I went to. I skipped some classes if I knew the teaching style of the professor didn’t line up with my learning style (which I realized was a risk but turned out to be a good idea because I wasn’t wasting time spacing out in class.)

I joined a local gym and started going to spin class. I also gave yoga a fair chance for the first time this semester, and LOVED IT! I wasn’t as consistent as I would’ve liked, but my physical and mental health loved me for it.

I was involved in a lot of extracurricular activities and, in retrospect I wish I hadn’t signed up for so many; but they were fulfilling and helped me remember why I chose to go into medicine.

Overall this semester was challenging, but also rewarding. I learned a lot, it built my confidence up and I can’t say I am ready for the new year yet, but I am impressed with how much growth has occurred in my knowledge in the past 4 months.

*I'm not sure if we've ever explained how a block works but our curriculum is systems-based. So we study a body system and learn basically everything about it. We review the anatomy, physiology, pathology, and pharmacology having to deal with that system; and our exams cover all of that material. It's hard, but one can imagine why learning this way would be important because as a physician they're not thinking about just anatomy when someone says they have a headache. They're thinking of how the brain works and what could be causing the problem and the best way to formulate a treatment plan all at the same time. So this is what we're referring to as a "block".