Decided

I have officially submitted my residency applications. What specialty have I chosen? Pathology. Why? A series of thoughts and revelations have led to this decision. Through my first two years of medical school, I enjoyed pathology but didn't consider it as a career. To be honest, the thought just didn't cross my mind. During rotations last year I liked every specialty for different reasons but did not feel an intimate connection with anything... until I followed the pathologist on my surgical rotations. So what does a pathologist do? Pathology literally translated means the "study of disease." Using laboratory and tissue samples, pathologists aid physicians in diagnosing illness so patients can get the treatment they need. I may do some autopsies in my career as well but overall they only constitute 2% of total practice.

The reasons I chose pathology as my future career:

1) Almost all pathologist are HAPPY people, unlike many other physicians I came in contact with

2) It energizes me

3) Potential for teaching

4) Intellectual challenge

5) I feel I can make a difference in pathology, whether that is through research or making a correct diagnosis

6) I can actually use my business degree!

7) Separation from the hierarchy and politics in medicine

8) Independence to tailor my practice

The down side is there is no patient care. However, I have realized that as a pathologist I can see patients if I want (though it will not be in bulk). Will I get paid for it?? Probably not, but that makes it all the more fulfilling. I feel as a pathologist I can channel my love for patients and people into a life of service. I will have more time to volunteer at a free clinic or travel abroad to disaster sites and give back that way. I am so excited about my decision! People don't have to understand but I have realized in life that is okay. Not answering to anyone or conforming is so incredibly liberating! With lots of prayer, God has led me to this decision. What an amazing gift! With His guidance I am letting life lead me instead of the other way around. I am empowered.

Now, waiting for my board scores is another story. I feel like I have passed my written exam but I just cannot know for sure. I am not quite as confident on my PE, I made some stupid mistakes. I really do not want to take either exam again but if so it will not be the end of the World. I just want to know either way soon!

Another thing that on my mind recently is Ryan. I don't think people realize how much he does for me and I definitely do not give him enough credit for it. He followed me to Kansas City to follow my dream because he loved me more than anything, something I have never doubted. With residency, there is potential I will uproot him again, something I don't have much control of. Yet through it all, he is still here supporting me financially, emotionally, and spiritually. I am so lucky to have him as my husband. But more than that he is my confidant, best friend... someone I can say anything to without judgement. Ryan, I love you more than my luggage. We are the real thing, the Big Kahuna.

Some highlights of the past 6 weeks:

1. Since I had to fly to Philadelphia for my PE exam, Ryan joined me to see the city. Ryan wore me out but we did see a lot. The Philly Cheesesteak IS as good as they say!

2. Going to Milwaukee to visit a dermatopathology office and Tim and Cindy. We also got to meet Matthew's new girlfriend, Jenna. She was so sweet. I told Tim and Cindy I couldn't say anything bad about them because I didn't want to do anything to scare her away :-)

3. Having my Dad and the clan come down for a weekend visit. We got to see NDSU beat KU on their home field... probably will never see that again! The 7 of us stuffed into our two bedroom apartment but I wouldn't have had it any different.

4. Started my pathology rotation at KU. So far it has been a great experience.

I can't remember the last time I had a free weekend in Kansas City, it may have been in June?? Ryan had to work this morning but we plan on enjoying the weather when he gets home. I miss my family so much, thanks for keeping me in your prayers throughout this process. It has been hard being away but know it will pay off in the end!!

Remembering the lives lost on 9/11 today as well as the men and women who have fought for our country in the days since. That day is forever imprinted in my memory. God bless the families of those who passed on that fateful day.

♥ Raquel

Currently Reading: The Guardian by Nicholas Sparks

Listening to: Is There Life Out There by Reba McEntire

P.S. I finished reading Mockingjay, the final book in the Hunger Games Trilogy... not what I was expecting. I planned on re-reading the series after I finished the final book but needed time to digest it first, really makes you think.

My Love

I had an emotional breakdown yesterday. I had this strange feeling that my World was collapsing in around me, I couldn't breathe. I wanted to scream. That has never happened to me before. Why did it happen? I'm not positive, but I have a good idea. I've spent the past month at home in Minnesota delivering babies and spending quality time with family and that was wonderful; however, reality struck hard when I got back to KC. The shock of the heat may have played a role as well. I told Ryan I'm going to start calling KC "Stress City". From the moment I got back I started worrying about everything that needed to be done. The pressure of applying to residency (which by itself would stress me out), studying for boards, preparing for rotations, and keeping the house in order has reached an epic level. Will I buckle? Maybe I already did? I can assert that today is going to be better, despite the heat index reaching 111, ahhh! I needed to break for a short moment to realize that I cannot be Super Woman, it is not in my nature. If I try to, I will fail. At least I managed to get my residency application photo taken, what do you think?

Being home in Minnesota for the month made me realize how much I miss the little things, staying up late in bed talking to my sister, discussing life with my mom on our walks, watching my little siblings transform in front of me, the warmth and comfort I feel when I am with my grandparents. I have trained myself to live without these things, but my fleeting moment with them left me wanting more. I don't know if I will end up back in MN/WI next year, but someday that's where I would like to settle down. Trust me, it is not because I love the weather. I often wonder why my ancestors decided to settle in one of the coldest places in the US, sigh. If that's where my family is, that's where I want to be too regardless of the temperature.

I also had the privilege of watching my uncle Patrick marry Auntie Erin. I am so happy for them. It was a beautiful wedding and they were both glowing. Congratulations again, Pat and Erin!

I spent the last month delivering babies on the OB/GYN service in Alexandria. I absolutely loved it. Both the doctors I worked with were great teachers and allowed me to do a lot in the OR, I was sewing the fascia and skin all by myself! It is a thrill to deliver a baby but it did not convince me to go into the field. I like it but you have to love it. I'm thankful I had the opportunity to be a part of such a special part of people's lives, including some old friends.

I better get studying! I am spending the first half of the month studying for my second set of boards. My written exam is on the 17th in KC, then Ryan and I are flying to Philadelphia for my oral exam on the 23rd. After that I'm heading to Milwaukee to visit a dermatopathology lab for a few days. It's going to be busy. If you don't here from me for a while, you know where I am! I am praying for no more panic attacks!

Love ♥ Raquel

Currently Reading: Shiver by Maggie Shiefvater

Listening to: "Free" by Zac Brown Band

The Beginning of the End

First off, I would like to congratulate my "little" brother Mitchell on graduating from high school. He plans on attending NDSU next fall to study pharmacy. We had a great time celebrating with him and the rest of the family. Mitch, Ryan and I are so proud of how well you've done and we can't wait to see what the future has in store for you. We love you, Mitch.

I have officially completed my 3rd year of medical school and am about to embark on the intimidating 4th year. I ended up doing my month of June working in an ER. It was exciting and I saw a lot but I did not like the fact that if a patient is not critically ill, they are discharged and told to follow up with their primary care provider and you never see them again. Where is the finality in that? Being my thorough self I did not acclimate well to the emergency room. I enjoyed my time spent there but in the end my mind doesn't work that way. I do enjoy putting in stitches, however... any takers??

Where is the time going? I still remember my first day of medical school like it was yesterday and now I only have nine months left. I feel I could be in school for three more years and still not know everything there is to know, it is overwhelming. I have my second step of boards coming up in August ... didn't I just finish studying for the first one? Gosh, I can't keep up with time anymore. I have questioned how much more I can handle to tell you the truth. The pressure of landing a good residency, performing for interviews, and transitioning into life as a real physician seems daunting. While listening to the message at church this morning, I decided to approach the process differently. There is nothing in life I have achieved where I did not work hard for it. My efforts have not put me into the top 5% of my medical school class, but I am OK with that. I find comfort knowing I did the best I could. I do not intend on changing my ways now. I will put my best foot forth and pour my whole heart into the residency application process, in the end that is all I can do. All else is out of my control. If I stay true to who I am, God will guide me the rest of the way. Even if things don't work out perfectly as planned, everything will still be OK. I have the most wonderful man beside me, a family that loves me unconditionally, and faith in God's plan. Everything else is superfluous.

Next month I am rotating at the Alexandria Clinic in Minnesota, I get to be home for a whole month in the summer! I am nervous and excited at the same time. There is an added pressure that I may know some of the patient's/employee's. I'll just have to do that much better I guess. Ryan, I will miss you so much! Please don't trash the apartment while I'm gone ;) (I know, you'd never do that)


We had some visitors a couple of weeks ago. Savannah, Marit, and Olivia came to spend a few days in Kansas City. I think we were all happy to get pool time in. Thanks for coming you three, it was fun. My sisters are the best!


For the second year in a row, I used my birthday money to attend a concert of my choice. This year I chose to take advantage of my fan club membership and buy Lady Antebellum tickets. I absolutely LOVE Lady A. Their music has been a refuge for me the past three years as I have spent countless hours studying to it. When they came on stage, my eyes started to water. I got so emotional because Lady A's music is more than a culmination of notes to me. It represents comfort, a way to bring me home again. The concert was awesome, I can't wait to see them again someday! Tim McGraw was an added bonus. I like his music and movies but he seemed arrogant to me on stage which turned me off a bit but it didn't deter from the overall enjoyment of the night.

Currently Reading: The Opposite of Love by Julie Buxbaum

Love ♥ Raquel

Nothing Gold Can Stay

Nothing Gold Can Stay by Robert Frost

Nature's first green is gold,
Her hardest hue to hold.
Her early leaf's a flower;
But only so an hour.
Then leaf subsides to leaf.
So Eden sank to grief,
So dawn goes down to day.
Nothing gold can stay.

Sitting here writing this, I can't help but think of a beautiful woman who had the charisma to transform lives. A woman whose passion for life emanated to all those around her. A woman who loved her family dearly and wasn't afraid to show it. I am remembering my cousin Breanna, who passed last week at the age of 28. I remember watching her give her high school graduation speech with so much conviction and her whole life ahead of her, hoping that I could someday be as good and hard working as she was. She had a gift of teaching and a love of literature that she spread to those she taught. Her spirit shone bright at her memorial service yesterday. The service was full of beautiful music, psalm, and tributes. As I saw her one-year old daughter's ponytail in the front row bobbing up and down to the music her mother so dearly loved, I knew that her love would live on through it all. A beautiful woman gone too soon, now in the arms of our Lord in a land of bountiful grace. We will love and miss you always, Breanna!

I read this recently and wanted to share it also.
Poem written by Mrs. J.C. Yule,

A voice missed by the dear home-hearth--
A voice of music and gentle mirth--
A voice whose lingering sweetness long
Will float through many a Sabbath song,
And many a hallowed, evening hymn,
Tenderly breathed in the twilight dim!
--But that missing voice, with a richer tone,
Is heard in the anthems before the throne;
And another voice and another lyre,
Are added now to the angel-choir

A form is missed in the hour of prayer,
At the altar, now, there's an empty chair,
Where one lonely pleader hath scarcely won
Strength, e'en yet, for "_Thy will be done!_"
--But that missing form in its saintly dress
Of Christ's unsullied righteousness,
Bows with worshipful accents sweet,
Where angels bow at the Saviour's feet

A step is missed by the cradle bed
Where an infant nestles its sleeping head--
Smiling, perchance, in his baby rest,
Deeming his pillow her gentle breast--
But the feet that moved with a soundless tread
In the calm still night by that cradle bed,
Beyond the waters of death now stand

Mid the fadeless flowers of the Heavenly land O heart, sore pierced by the fatal dart--
O, wounded, suffering, bleeding heart--
More than all others doomed to miss
The glance, the accent, the smile, the kiss,--
Nothing is lost that you miss to day--
Not even the beautiful, death cold clay
But Jesus guards it with watchful eye,
Soon to restore it no more to die,
Clothed in the bloom of immortal life,
The sinless mother, the sainted wife!

♥ Raquel

Listening To: "Love Lives On" by Mallary Hope

Breanna's Obituary

You Can’t take the Country Out of the Girl

At Matthew's college graduation two weeks ago, the speaker described to the new graduates that in times of great obstacles (a.k.a. crap job market following a deep recession) one has the opportunity to become a leader. As Matthew graduated from the University of Minnesota business school, this message had an even greater significance. This speaker told of the 90's boom and how greed took over. The more you have, the more you want. He encouraged the new graduates to seize the opportunity to become leaders of change; to strive for greater moral standards in the business world, ditch the hierarchy, and foster teamwork and communication. It was inspiring. The more I thought about it, I realized that this is not just an opportunity for business people to change how things are run, but for all of us. We can mold our future and change culture for the better, no matter how old or young we are. People over materialism. Optimism over cynicism. I find this a daunting task for me as I will soon enter the health care field as an independent agent, let's hope I can live up to the challenge. It was a great weekend in Minneapolis seeing Ryan's family and congratulations again Matthew!

I have recently learned to shoot a shotgun. At the adjournment of my days in Hoisington, our preceptor brought us out to shoot clays. I never knew how much fun shooting could be, despite the fact I have horrible aim. Though, I was told I did well for my first time shooting. You can take the girl out of the country, but you can't take the country out of the girl!

Speaking of country, the day I returned Ryan and I were going to relax when we realized that Darius Rucker and Brad Paisley were playing at the Sprint Center. So, one hour before the concert we went on Craigslist and found a good deal on tickets and an hour later we were there. Little did we know they were front row on the catwalk! The people didn't want the tickets because they wanted to go out for dinner instead... really?? People are crazy.

The rest of the weekend was spent with friends, oh and driving to Jefferson City to see the Capitol.

The past couple weekends have been a nice respite from the ordinary. Just found out today I am doing my emergency medicine rotation this month. I am pretty excited for it despite the fact that I really wanted a pathology elective. Everything doesn't always work out exactly how you plan, I guess. Happy late Memorial Day.

♥ Raquel

I'm Not in Kansas (City) Anymore

Raquel here, reporting from the humble abode I currently reside in. Location: Hoisington, Kansas. In our 3rd year we are required to do a rural rotation and I ended up four hours west of Kansas City in a town of 2,500. I was not looking forward to this family medicine rotation at all but I am happy to report it has been much better than expected. I LOVE small town medicine, much more fun than the big city in my opinion. Everyone has been so welcoming to us and are thankful for all we do here. Stark contrast from being treated as second rate citizens in the big KC. I kind of forgot how relaxing it is to live in a small town, it has been 7 years (I know, I can't believe it either). The pace is slower and no one is ever in a hurry. It seems that because of that, things are also more efficient. Who knew? I love that everyone knows everyone else and that true relationships are formed. I am also thrilled to report that since my arrival in rural Kansas, I have not had one inkling of a headache... For me not to have one headache in a time frame of two weeks is actually pretty remarkable. My body is trying to tell me something, I think.


I have one suitcase worth of clothing, a book bag of text and fiction books, my toiletries, iPod, and computer. Life is so much more simple, it makes me wonder why we clutter our lives with things we don't need when they inevitably just increase the maintenance and stress required to function. I am able to enjoy the weather, breathe the fresh air, enamor at the sky full of stars, and experience once again stress-free living. It's hard to explain but I feel like air, like a bunch of weight has been lifted. I am refreshed and ready to move onto 4th year, what a great gift it has been.


Ryan and I met halfway last weekend to go on a camping extravaganza. We had an awesome camping wedding shower thrown for us and are stocked up on the camping gear so we decided to make use of it! We had a great time. (Besides the 30 mph winds and 32 degree weather one night) One thing I demanded was to see the Wizard of Oz Museum. It was very cheesy, complete with the Wizard of Oz soundtrack playing over and over, and thousands of collector items from the movie but interesting none the less. I have to say the highlight of the weekend, though was visiting the President Eisenhower Library/Museum. It is remarkable what that one man accomplished in his lifetime. The history of our country is fascinating to me and that is what I enjoy most about the presidential libraries, they make our history palpable. If anyone gets a chance to visit it or any other presidential library, I highly recommend it.


I have droned on enough about inconsequential things but I am satisfied with my current feelings of contentment. Take some time for yourself this month, it will do you wonders.

Love ♥,
Raquel

Currently Reading: "Fire" by Kristin Cashore
Listening to: "Falling Slowly" by The Frames

Cruising in San Diego

I nearly missed my flight. My progressive laxity about arrival time before a flight out of MCI finally backfired. Typically the line for check in is two people long and security takes a mere five minutes to get through. However, the day I decide to arrive later, the lines are long and they almost didn't let me on my flight. I did what I do best and thankfully was able to whine my way onto the flight. Consequently, I was on track to meet Mom, Grandma, and Savannah at the Denver airport to join them on the rest of the trek to San Diego. Just seeing their bright and beautiful faces made my day. Ever since Savannah and I were in high school we have talked about doing a girls trip with the four of us and it has just never happened. There always seemed to be a good reason for not going but we decided that now was the time to stop talking about it and actually do it.

We arrived in San Diego late on Wednesday night and were a bit concerned about the lack of activity, strip clubs on every corner, and the creepy noises in our hotel room. When the power went out in our room all we could do was congregate on the one king bed and laugh, hoping the lights would come on soon. The power eventually did come back on and we decided to just get some rest. We woke the next morning to blue skies and realized we were not in the ghetto and that our small town worries were unwarranted.

We spent Thursday exploring the treasures of San Diego. In Old Town we had a full Mexican breakfast accompanied with margaritas, chips, and salsa. It's five o'clock somewhere, right?It felt like half the day was spent navigating the public transportation system. If you lived there it would be quite simple, but we are apparently challenged. Luckily, we were able to get everywhere we wanted to go regardless. The highlight of the day was taking the bus over the Coronado Bridge to the island of Coronado which houses the military base and the famous Hotel del Coronado. We spent some time on the beach and enjoyed the views from the hotel. After busing our way back to downtown San Diego we decided to walk around the Gaslamp District to get dinner where our waitress' name was Kate Walsh, born May 5, 1985 and also whom had a fraternal twin sister. Very strange. The only difference we could find was that she was not born in Fargo, ND but sunny CA.

Friday started with us heading to the port of call to board our cruise. We were having a good time enjoying the sunshine and discovering the ship. Little did we know that as soon as the ship left the port we would all feel every movement. Mom was so sick she missed dinner! So Grandma, Savannah, and I went without her. Leave it to Grandma to tell the waiters that it was our birthday... they made us both get up with all the waiters and dance to "Get Low" by Lil Jon in front of everyone. Most would know by now that we really didn't dance but more were laughing with bright, red faces. At least one of our table members got up towards the end of the song and showed us how to get low... I'm glad some people like being the center of attention. Thanks, Grandma! It was an awesome birthday.

Mom got some medicine to help with her sea sickness and she felt much better the next day. The day was spent exploring the cruise ship and enjoying each others company. On Sunday we had a port of call in Ensendada, Mexico. We decided to spend our time at the flea market and blow hole of Ensenada. The forty minute bus ride out there was humbling to say the least. I am baffled by how people live and the extent of poverty. The flea market was overwhelming. I think having white skin preempted sellers to maul us about buying their products. It was truly beautiful out there, though. Ensenada means "a bay surrounded by hills" in Spanish. I was amazed at the under utilization of the land surrounding the water. The culture difference astounds me. Once back on the cruise, we were heading to the sunning area on the forward of the ship and Savannah fell half-way down the stairs. It seemed strange at the time but later we realized that it was an Earthquake!

The trip was awesome. We would have had fun together no matter where we had gone. Whether it was about the sewage smell in our room, Mom's dress that was way too big, the squishy worms, scratching noises on our door, or the cruise comedian, we were laughing. I can't remember the last time I laughed so much. The women in my life are my best friends and I am so glad we decided to go on this trip together. I love you guys.

♥ Raquel

Currently Reading: "Graceling" by Kristin Cashore
Listening to: "I Keep on Loving You" by Reba McEntire

What is so exciting about watching arrogant multi-millionaires play with their balls?

The title of my blog is a direct quote from the real Dr. Patch Adams who I had the pleasure of meeting yesterday. He is the definition of a true humanitarian. I was very excited when I heard Dr. Hunter "Patch" Adams was going to speak at our school. I wasn't sure what to expect but he did not disappoint. This man has devoted his life to the pursuit of spreading happiness throughout the world one patient at a time. The movie is a loose interpretation of his book Gesundheit and from what he told us most of the story is true, but the time line is off a bit. He even does his "clowning" six times a year throughout the World.

His views on life are extreme but his message is clear, you can control how you want to live your life. If you want to be happy, you have to make a conscious decision to do it. When a student asked Dr. Adams how he stays happy while going through difficult times in his life he stated that no matter what he is going through, it is nothing compared to what others in our world endure daily and he remains thankful for everything in his life. I admit I am an optimist, but not to that extreme. Dr. Adams was mentioning that he could not comprehend why the most vital contributors to the future success of our country, teachers, are also the most underpaid profession around. Coming from a family of teachers I couldn't have agreed with him more. He was appalled by the fact that the most watched television program each year is the Superbowl, hence the comment. I guess Dr. Adams not only made me think about my future in medicine but how I go about my personal life as well. Some things that stuck:

"Unless you have fun in everything you do, you are not living."

"The joy of medicine is the intimacy of it."

"We have a new health care reform bill, yet no where in the bill does is say anything about health care or reform."


Overall, I am very happy I had the opportunity to meet such an incredible man. I am only sorry that I forgot my camera :(. Oh well, can't change it now.

Last weekend Matthew also came down for a visit which was a lot of fun. We ended up getting about nine inches of snow and made the trek through the storm to Lawrence to watch the KU vs. Northern Iowa game. It was a lot of fun but wow the Jayhawk fans are passionate! It was quite the upset. Thanks for coming to visit Matthew!

I am heading out to San Diego and a cruise with Grandma, Savannah, and Mom on Wed! I am very excited for some warm weather and a girls weekend! We have been talking about doing a trip like this for several years and finally got it planned.

I am almost done with my 2nd internal medicine rotation and after that go on to do two months of family medicine; this year has just flown by! I am getting nervous about applying to residency and starting my 4th year soon. I am still on track to do pathology but you never know, I may still change my mind.

I am also looking forward to doing my rural rotation in Alexandria, MN for the month of July! It was officially confirmed this week. Hopefully I don't make too much a fool of myself.

Hope everyone has a great weekend,
♥ Raquel

Joey's Jawas

Spring has sprung again in Kansas City and I could not be more thrilled! I would definitely not say this winter has been bad by any means in comparison to a winter in MN but it has been longer and colder than the past two. Ryan and I have spent our weekend doing the spring cleaning in our apartment and getting odds and ends done we have been putting off a while.

Last weekend we were able to go up to Minneapolis to participate in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation walk at the Mall of America with my little brother Joey and the rest of our family. Our team was named "Joey's Jawas" (Star Wars reference for those who don't know). I didn't realize the event would be so inspiring and stir up so many emotions. After the one hour walk around the mall, the 18,000 participants congregated in the atrium for the celebrationof raising 1.9 million dollars for Type I diabetes research. When they did a shout out to the mom's of kids with Type I diabetes Joey looked at my mom and patted her on the back before he gave her a hug. My mom and I both had tears in our eyes. It has not been an easy year for Joey and for him to reach out like that was neat to see. I can't imagine having to do the things he does every day especially at his age, I am so proud of his courage. Joey, you inspire us all! I am very happy we made the trek. It was also Peyton's birthday so we got to spend the night at the Waterpark for America as well, that place was packed!

Peyton and her friends were "arguing" the whole weekend over who is better for Bella, Jacob vs. Edward, and I found it very funny. As I was watching them I couldn't help but wonder what happened to that zest and goofiness I also had in middle school? As adulthood rears it's head, it's like we are supposed to conform more and more to societal rules. Maybe we change because of our increased responsibility, maybe it's because everyone else changes, or maybe it's just a part of life. All I know is it was refreshing to see their enthusiasm for life and the careless way they carry themselves. I believe that person is still there in all of us, we just have to find it.

As busy of weekend as it was, we were fortunate to not only spend a night at Savannah's awesome apartment but see some friends we have not seen in a while. Life gets busy and Ryan and I have reflected on how sad it is we don't see some of our closest friends anymore, and we don't even have any kids! Seriously though, thank you to all our friends who met up with us. Even if it was for a few hours, it is always nice to see all of you.

Ryan and Matthew with baby Lily!

I have started my second Internal Medicine rotation this month at an outpatient clinic. My experiences working in clinics until now have been sub invigorating. However, this one has been a lot of fun so far. I think my experience is different now because the doctor I am working under let's me have an active role seeing his patients and loves to teach. I am taking this month to hone in on my OMT and prescribing skills. One thing I really appreciate on this rotation is my preceptor's passion for health and advocating for his patients. He encourages every single one of his patients to exercise daily and eat a more healthy diet. In accordance with this, I have begun the 12-week healthy heart plan he encourages his patient's to do and that he and all of his partners follow. I encourage you to start this journey with me as well! The entire program can be found at Go Red For Women. I will keep you updated on how it goes.

Love ♥,

Raquel

P.S. Just because it's for women does not mean men cannot participate!

the crazies

I have been working in a psychiatric ward for two weeks now. All I can say is it has been one crazy ride, no pun intended. I am currently working with a physician who specializes in geriatric (elderly) psychiatry and so far I am loving it. It is not a field I thought I would enjoy but there is something special about geriatric patients. They have the most amazing stories and are genuinely appreciative of everything you do for them, even if all you do is listen. Maybe I have not lived long enough yet but I feel my generation has grown up in a world where everything has been given to us. They speak of times of war, depression, long-term distance relationships, sickness, and poverty. Maybe when I reflect on my life as an eighty-five year old, I will realize that what we have endured is similar to that of our elders.

I also enjoy the variety of psychiatry. I have accompanied my doctor for nursing home visits, to the courthouse where she testified on a patient's behalf, and inpatient care. My doctor awed me when she was on the stand with the eloquence she presented herself with and the compassion she emulated for her patients. It is truly admirable. As much as I like it, I have had a difficult time reconciling the fact that regardless of a patient's actions, you must still treat them with utmost respect because they have a disease. I have been sworn at, had an entire jug of water thrown on me, and talked about dolls with their heads spinning and through it all I have to keep smiling. Psychiatry has definitely moved up my list of specialties I would consider doing, though pathology is still the front runner.

Ryan and I ventured up to Minnesota last weekend to watch my brother Mitchell play basketball. It was a very nice weekend.

Happy Valentine's Day! Ryan and I decided to get brunch this morning then we headed to Independence, MO, the hometown of former President Truman. We visited the Presidential library dedicated in his honor. Again, this did not disappoint. The history and background information is so neat to see.

Thanks for reading, until next time.
♥ Raquel

Currently Reading: The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry
Listening To: History in the Making by Darius Rucker

So lucky...

So I know I have not blogged much recently. I have fallen into the swing of 3rd year rotations and it is no longer new but progressive. Does that make any sense? I feel more comfortable every day with what I'm doing. It's a strange transition from not having any idea what's going on to competence in the management and care of a patient. My head is no longer blank but full of ideas. I guess that is what is supposed to happen. I still have not decided on a specialty, but am leaning towards pathology. It's a long story I will save for another day. My next rotation is psychology at the veteran's hospital in Kansas City. I'm very nervous for this rotation as I do feel like I am jumping in deep water for this one. All I've heard is how great the experience is so I'm keeping an open mind.

In other news, Ryan is changing positions at Hallmark... again. He is transferring to the corporate offices in downtown Kansas City instead of Topeka. From what I understand his job will be somewhat similar to what he was doing in Topeka but will have a heavier emphasis on the engineering side of production. I am so excited and proud of him! Ryan, you deserve it, don't ever think otherwise. He will not be starting his new position for a few weeks as they need him to help make the transition smooth.

Ryan also surprised me one night I was at the hospital late (taking out an appendix) with my build-a-bear from Kacie dressed in a new outfit, surgical scrubs (I'm on my 2nd surgery rotation). I could not stop laughing. I have the best husband. I brought Buford (the bear) to the clinic the next day and my preceptor told me my husband must be whipped :) I told him I couldn't have asked for anyone better. Until next time...


Love ♥,
Raquel

Currently Reading: Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
Listening to: American Honey by Lady Antebellum (new album came out today!!)