Wrapping up this school stuff…

The foundation of medical school is a series of hoops… if you maneuver through them, you will eventually become a physician.  The fun part comes from enjoying the patient interaction and supplementing that foundation with something that adds more substance – such as research or outreach work.  At times, I think I have pursued the supplemental experiences to the neglect of the basics.  However, I have almost cleared all the hoops that stand in my way.  I took the final portion of my medical school boards last week, which involved a whirlwind trip to Philadelphia.  The test involves seeing 12 patients in a row, with 15 minutes to take a history and physical, and then 10 minutes to write a comprehensive medical note.  It’s pass/fail bullshit, and I think it went fine.  One more test this Friday, and I will be done with ALL my medical school exams.

Also due this week is my rank list for residency programs.  It’s a bizarre and complicated system where I rank programs that I interviewed at based on my preference.  The programs, at the same time, rank all applicants based on who they want most.  The lists are thrown into a computer, and a legally binding contract emerges that determines the next three years of my life.  My list is finalized after having undergone major revisions this weekend while drinking some Sierra Nevada Pale Ale.  Alcohol is an excellent truth-serum when making major choices like this.  I will be happy at any of the places I may end up – though the list is fairly random.

It is highly likely I will be leaving NYC, which is intentional.  I didn’t apply here.  I love the city, and it has been a great 4 years.  However, I need some open space… though I will miss the Indian, Thai, Spanish, Turkish, Tibetan, and all other ethnicity food that this place is so wonderful for.

I find out March 20th where we are headed.  I am determined to let the anxiety get to me and just enjoy NYC while I can.

I am running in early March in a Central Park race that is orchestrated in part by Einstein.  If you’re feeling generous, please donate – it’s to a good cause.  A big THANKS to those of you that have already given!

A minor update re: major life changes…

I got hitched exactly one month ago.  We are still talking about how much fun we had.  Truly one of the best nights ever. 

After that, the two of us went to Costa Rica for 7 days, which was amazing.  We will be going back when the opportunity arises. Pictures can be found at my Picasa gallery.

After getting back to NYC, I went back to the lab to hammer out a few more things there.  Much of my time has been spent studying for step 2 (medical boards) which I took today.  Nothing like a 9 hour test on a computer with a shitty flickering monitor.  You’d think they’d be able to adjust the hertz, but nope… a few ibuprofen/eyedrops/beers later and my head and eyes are still killing me. 

So what next?  Heading back to the hospital for February and likely continuing lab work in the evenings.  Other than that, I’m going to try and enjoy my last few months in NYC… as much as I can’t wait to leave, there will be a lot I will miss. 

PDX…

Got into Portland last night and I am slowly transitioning into Christmas mode thanks to my sister’s Christmas tree and abundance of nog in her fridge. 

Something happened last night that answered one of the burning questions I’ve had since childhood.  For as long as I can remember, I have always wondered what would happen if an escalator stopped moving with people on it.  Last night at PDX, my question was answered.  Two escalators were moving in parallel, and each was fairly packed with tired travelers, as it was almost midnight.  Suddenly, the escalator next to me stopped.  It didn’t slowly grind to a halt.  It just stopped.   

There were yelps, and inertia caused everyone to jolt forward, but everyone caught themselves.  I was kind of smiling, realizing I’d waited my whole life for this.  The result was far less catastrophic than I always imagined.  

One interview down…

I’m in Tucson right now waiting for my flight back to NYC. Everything went well and Tucson itself is a great little city. I really wish i had a bike here since there is an abundance of mountain biking.

I’m not looking forward to transitioning from this beautiful 85 degree weather back to frigid New York temps.

Things learned during my weekend as a bachelor…

The little lady left town, so I spent some much needed quality time with friends.  A few things realized: 

1.  I’m too old to drink like I did last night.

2.  I will never be too old to find it hysterical when my friend plows his bike straight into a park bench in Riverside Park at 2am.

I leave a wake of destruction…

I escaped the lab for a few hours today and got a quick ride in.  New York can really be beautiful this time of year.  It was brisk, and I was glad I wore the arm warmers.   While finishing up my ride by doing a quick loop around Pelham Park, I saw something in the corner of my eye move.  A squirrel darted between my tires.  Before I could do anything, there was a dull bump resonating from my rear tire.  The squirrel ran off, but I have to imagine that some pretty serious damage had to have been done.   Not the smartest animals… at least the chipmunks back in Bend just run between your tires, cheating death the whole time.

Stars…

I went down to Brooklyn last week and saw the Stars play at an excellent new venue – the Music Hall of Williamsburg.  The show was good…  They have a new guitarist that stands awkwardly off to the side of the stage.  He plays the guitar as if he is alone in his room playing along to the album. However, he clearly had his ONE moment to shine when he played the only shredding-guitar-part that exists in the entire stars catalog.  He came to life.  The crowd cheered.  And then he waddled back to his side of the stage to continue being awkward.  

  

Moving on…

NYC has been fun, but I’m ready to move on.  I’d even considering moving happily to the midwest instead of staying here.  It’s funny how once you mentally prepare yourself for leaving, you begin noticing more flaws with the place… as if you’re preparing yourself mentally for the exit. Current options for the next stage of my training include Colorado, Arizona, Wisconsin, and Vermont.  I’m still waiting to hear from Oregon, Washington, and a slew of places in California.

Lower Manhattan…

Getting back to normalcy…

With sub-internship behind me and four quality months of labwork to look forward to, things are slowly getting back to normal.   Christie and I put the finishing touches on the wedding registry tonight.  It’s a bit extravagant and weird to be asking for all of this merchandise, but I guess it’s what all the kids do these days.  Regardless, it is fun to pick out really nice kitchen stuff… The difference between nice cutlery and the Ikea shit I deal with now is immense.   Went riding… put the knobby tires on the single speed and took it out on the trails that run around the edge of the Bronx.  It feels almost rural, except when the trail spits you out along I95. 

Bronx wilderness…

 

Interstate 95

 I don’t know if I’ll be headed back home for thanksgiving.  Flights are a lot of money right now and I think I’ll have plenty of traveling to do for residency interviews.  If anybody joins me in the Bronx, I’ll guarantee turkey/mashed potatoes/stuffing for your company!