Last week we finished our last test of the testing marathon in the month of March...and I couldn't be more relieved to finally be able to come home and relax instead of stress over studying for the next test. This past week I took some time for myself and only studied enough to stay relevant. Aside from tests, the biggest thing in the past two weeks has been things in the cadaver lab where we have been working on upper and lower extremities. Something a little different about these labs versus the ones in the past.... a lot more patience. I think that I may want to go into cardiothoracic surgery and I expect that patience will be needed there as much as it is in any other surgical specialty; however, I am really struggling with cleaning away fascia and simply detailing the muscles of the arm. The cadaver we are working on has not been cut open for many of the other systems and is much more life-like than the other dried out cadavers. I guess what I am trying to say is that a suction tool or a more absorbent towel would have made the dissection much easier and less frustrating. That morning I forgot to eat breakfast before lab (which is from 12-4pm) and I think this made me very cranky and h-angry. Hopefully, this was just an experience due to my mood and hunger and not a lasting feeling that I have toward surgical procedures. Nonetheless, a take away from these two weeks of extremities is that nerves and other vessels are much larger in the extremities than anticipated! The structure of the nerves is not only rope-like but as thick or thicker than a pencil in some people. Also, there are LOTS and LOTS of muscles in the arm and forearm that have very similar names and make it very difficult to memorize them. I found that the Netter Flashcards have become my best friend for this unit =p
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**As many of you can tell, I graduated AMC's program in May of 2017. Current plan is to start a new blog related to my Fellowship after PA school. Stay tuned for the link and updates :)**
Lindsey the
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