Thursday, April 18, 2013

Spring Quarter '13

Well, in the middle of spring quarter now, and busy as ever.  I've finished my clinical rotations for the spring quarter already, and they were great.  I really like the fact that we get to work with our professors in a clinical setting, in addition to seeing them in the classroom.  It really helps me integrate the class material.

My classes this quarter aren't quite like the last two quarters, which is making it a bit more challenging.  For the first two quarters we had 3 classes that basically followed along with each other.  Now, our classes are a little bit more separated, but of course they are all tied to PT. This quarter, we have to take Ortho: Upper Extermity, Pathophysiology, Physical Agents, Neuroscience, and Motor Learning.  I'm really enjoying all of it.  The only thing is, I wish I knew what field I wanted to go into after graduation.  We'll see what happens though.  That's it for now.

Still here, still studying...

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Midterms Winter 2013

Winter midterms are upon us here at Drexel, and wow!  For the next 4 weeks I have 2 assignments or tests due every week.  This is crazy!

Last week, most of our classes were canceled as our professors were at Combined Sections Meeting (CSM).  CSM is a meeting of APTA where all the sections are invited.  There are education programs as well as networking opportunities throughout the week.  More information can be found at the  Combined Sections Meeting (CSM) part of the APTA's website. (Hopefully next year I'll be able to go) Unfortunately, that meant that this week, we have to make up for those classes we didn't have last week.  It's hard to believe we are already in the 4th week of the quarter.  Finals will be upon us in no time.

On a very exciting note, I've decided to apply for on of my clinical rotations in Italy.  This is planned for Fall 2014, which seems like a long way away, but given as fast as the first two quarters have gone, I'm sure it will be here in no time at all.  I'll provide more information about later.  Right now I've gotten the OK from my clinical advisor here at Drexel to apply to the program, and I'm waiting on one more piece of information before I send in my application.

Other than that, not much has been happening.  Its just been class and studying for me, and that's what I see in my near future...

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Fall year 1 DONE!!!

Well, first quarter is done! I'm very excited to say the first quarter is under my belt now. It's definitely a relief, and I have a feeling I won't be as stressed in the upcoming quarters. I'm sure there will be times when I will be, but overall, knowing that I passed all my classes, got off to a good start, and that overall, everything will be ok is a huge advantage for the future quarters.

During finals, I was not nearly as stressed as I was during midterms. One thing I learned from midterms is that I need time with people outside of class. I need to socialize without friends other than my girlfriend. Now, that being said, I still spent 18 hours in the cadaver lab the week leading up to finals. I just used my free time to socialize, rather than just going up to my apartment and relaxing alone. Having people to talk with did wonders for me mentally.

Overall, next semester I am going to try and take more time for myself, without sacrificing my grades. It is going to be tough because we have 7 more hours of class per week than this semester, but I think it is going to be really important to take some time off to rejuvenate. I am going to try and start my reading for next quarter on the flights back ton east coast after my vacation in Northern California is over early next week. I want to get ahead if I can to make the the start of next quarter a bit smoother.

I'll try and update this blog again before school starts.

G

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Fall Midterms 2012

Well, Midterms are almost over now.  I've taken 2 out of the 3 I have to take this quarter.  We were originally supposed to have Kinesiology on Monday, and Anatomy today (Thursday).  Unfortunately, Drexel canceled classes Monday and Tuesday of this week. That meant that my tests were scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday respectively.  It didn't make for an easy week, or couple of days.  However, I shouldn't complain because me and my family all made it through Hurricane Sandy without any issues.  My thoughts are with those who will be trying to pick up the pieces in the days, weeks, and months.

Overall, I did not think the tests were too bad.  I know it did not get a perfect score, but I don't believe I am in danger of a failing grade.  However, that could change when I get the actual score back.  Anatomy was tough, but easier than I thought it was going to be.  The main thing I had to do during the test was sit back and think of what the answer was.  Both tests were tricky.  The professors wanted to make sure we knew the topic.  Both professors provided answers where one answer was one word off from being the correct answer.  Also, there were questions that two answers could be correct, but one was a better answer than the other.  I'll have to remember that for next time.

My last test is in PT Exam & Intervention.  I definitely have some studying to do for that test, but I think I should be alright with it.  Hopefully I'll be posting next week to update my progress.  For now, it  is time to prepare for tomorrow's classes.  Tomorrow night will be time to start studying again.

Monday, October 1, 2012

Fall Quarter Week 1

Week one is done!!!

It is hard to believe it, but I have finished my first full week of DPT school.  One thing is for sure, there is a lot of work.  Maybe its because I'm trying to make sure I keep ahead of the work and keep things planned out so I don't have to do anything last minute, but there is definitely a lot to do.  I have done all my assignments for this week, and am working on next weeks now as well as studying what we've gone over in class.  We will see how it goes.

One way I've surprised myself is, I didn't have a problem with the cadaver lab at all.  The worst part about it was the anticipation leading up to the first unveiling and then making the first cuts.  Every once and a while I'll get a whiff of something that will turn my stomach, but overall I am not having a problem with any of the dissections.  

Other classes are going well.  Kinesiology is fun because it deals with Physics so far.  I struggled a little bit the first few days with the terminology, but now that I am getting that down I am starting to understand the concepts.  

One of the things that is going to be key to my learning the material across all my classes and doing well on the tests is to integrate the material throughout the curriculum.  Really understanding the material is going to take some work, but I can already see how the classes all tie together and why the material is taught the way it is.  

I can't wait until I know even more about everything. It is all so interesting and I can't wait to get to a point where I can really apply it. 

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Counting down the days

Well, Monday is the day.  We had orientation for the DPT program yesterday, and it went well.  Everybody has been asking me what they said and wanting details... well, I guess all I can say is they were very honest with us about the amount of work and how quick the pace would be.  I know it will be an adjustment going from 16 week semesters to 10 week quarters, so I'm going to have to stay on top of everything.  I plan on being in the library or some room somewhere studying from day 1.  It is going to be a lot of work, and I know this.

The biggest piece of advice that I heard echoed from the Professors was to make sure we take some time for ourselves.  They said, if we don't, we may burnout.  It is a ton of work so we need some time to relax and unwind a bit.  I can tell already that this whole process is going to be extremely rewarding.

I was able to talk with one of the Pediatric Clinicians on staff.  She was very excited to hear that I was interested in Peds.  Right now it seems like that is what I'm going to want to go into,  but there is a long time till graduation and I have plenty of time to figure that out.  However, she did mention that if any of us know what we want to do when we get out, residencies are a way to go to start on the track of being a specialist.  I guess I will just have to wait and see what all happens.

Getting out of the city for a couple of days while I can.  A little fresh air before I start the daily grind of class, reading, and studying...

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Moved In

Well, I'm in Philly now.  I've moved into my new place Drexel's campus in Center City. It has been quite a day.  Somehow I fit all my stuff into a 10x10ish room.  Tomorrow I have my first orientation.  This one is the University orientation, so I'm not sure how long I'm going to stay.  I guess I'll just have to go and see how it goes.  I'll probably at least stay until lunch.  Tomorrow should be an interesting day.  I'm getting a visitor tomorrow evening...!