Today was our last block exam of the year (yay!), and it was all about psychopharmacology and toxicology. Now that we are done with the regular material, it is the start of a month of intense review for the 100 question, pharmacology shelf exam. As daunting as this sounds. . . I'm kind of excited to study for this. I love, love, LOVE standardized exams. While most people find them intimidating, or not useful for understanding material, or stressful, I thrive off of that organized, methodical, type of exam. Don't get me wrong- I also enjoyed taking our regular medical pharmacology exams. But there is something about not having to worry about any other material than what is already there, about having time to set a strict study schedule, about organizing notes and material into chunks that are manageable that is just so wonderful about this part of the year. I'm sure like everyone else, I definitely want to use this time to really master all of the material that I was slightly iffy on, and to solidify in my mind all of the other stuff. I kind of feel like House (M.D.)- that is the level to which I want to know this material. This last part may be wholly unrealistic and somewhat naive, but I'm just that excited!
In addition to the studying, I'm also happy that we will have sufficient time to really engage in the material from all of our electives. Although every student has something like 7 presentations this semester, I'm finding them to be a great way to understand pharmacology (and medicine) in a completely different, in-depth way. I also think all of us have improved significantly in our abilities to comprehend scientific literature, do background research, put together Power Points, and present the material in a way that the audience can understand. (Another nerd alert: I also happen to love public speaking. I get super excited about these presentations, even though I'm sure half of the class is not listening to a word I say).
Our other classes are also equally interesting and beneficial. In Endocrine we have been focusing on the role of stress on the body, and we have these web-discussions and posts that allow us guidance in our reading and give us a chance to feed off of each other. Environmental pharmacology has also been really interesting; it is opening up a new way for all of us to think about pharmacology and toxicology, and Drs. MacLachlan and Mielke are doing a great job of helping us start to think about these topics from the physician point of view. Finally Cell Control Mechanisms has also been really useful; although I cringe at the thought of memorizing pathways and specific molecules, the material has been very manageable and is also a great refresher for me as I start to re-study for the MCAT.
I guess my last nerd alert is just that: I'm starting to study (again) for the MCAT. Unfortunately I took it somewhat early, and although my score was good, it will be expired by the time I apply for medical school. However I think there is an upside to re-taking it; this year has been a great review of all of the biology that is included in the MCAT, and I feel I have a better chance of better understanding the other material through sheer experience with it. Again: MCAT= standardized exam = ridiculously excited me. It's looking to be a fun few months :)
No comments:
Post a Comment