Monday we started with a basic medical terminology evaluation. This included various prefixes, suffixes and definitions of medical words and roots. For almost everyone, this was the easier of the three this week because it required simple memorization and very little application. Tuesday was our written test for anatomy. This unit was thorax, abdomen and pelvis, so the questions on the test varied form differentiating direct and indirect inguinal hernias to detailing portal hypertension. In addition to the written part of the test there were multiple choices as well. Finally, Thursday we went to the cadaver lab to identify some tagged items ranging from muscles and bones to nerves and orifices. Overall, I would say anatomy is the class that takes up most of my studying and time in general. This week was the most stressful week so far in PA school. The upperclassmen have been telling us that this week is just a snapshot of what the summer term is like all the time. If this is true, I am completely dreading the summer.
After the lab practical on Thursday, I took some time to help out at the Joan Nicole Prince Home in Scotia from 3 to 7. Usually I am busy until 4 on Thursdays but today I was in the group testing at 12:30pm; Bonnie (the volunteer coordinator of the Home) emailed me in desperation for someone to help out at the home today. Luckily, this was the only Thursday all semester where I was free for a 3 to 7 shift! I met the two residents (because I have not been able to volunteer since early winter). They were very pleasant and one is even planning for a wedding! So exciting! One of her last wishes is to get married to her soul-mate she's been with for a long time. I think it is great that the home can help their residents in so many amazing ways like this! Volunteers are coming together to help with tuxedos, dresses, altering, catering, and planning. Someone even donated a beautiful wedding dress! I hope I am able to help out with the wedding when the date gets closer. I also hope that I can visit and volunteer the home more often, a 4 hour shift is so short that I think I can fit it in the busy PA school schedule here and there.
I will be taking part in the 5K race the home has on April 25th in Schenectady's Central Park. I hope to have many other PA student run or walk with us as well! I will definitely update more information on that as the date gets closer.
After the lab practical on Thursday, I took some time to help out at the Joan Nicole Prince Home in Scotia from 3 to 7. Usually I am busy until 4 on Thursdays but today I was in the group testing at 12:30pm; Bonnie (the volunteer coordinator of the Home) emailed me in desperation for someone to help out at the home today. Luckily, this was the only Thursday all semester where I was free for a 3 to 7 shift! I met the two residents (because I have not been able to volunteer since early winter). They were very pleasant and one is even planning for a wedding! So exciting! One of her last wishes is to get married to her soul-mate she's been with for a long time. I think it is great that the home can help their residents in so many amazing ways like this! Volunteers are coming together to help with tuxedos, dresses, altering, catering, and planning. Someone even donated a beautiful wedding dress! I hope I am able to help out with the wedding when the date gets closer. I also hope that I can visit and volunteer the home more often, a 4 hour shift is so short that I think I can fit it in the busy PA school schedule here and there.
I will be taking part in the 5K race the home has on April 25th in Schenectady's Central Park. I hope to have many other PA student run or walk with us as well! I will definitely update more information on that as the date gets closer.