Its still winter. It’s not raining today, but the snow melting from the roof of our house and the overcast skies make it seem rainy anyway. I’m taking a rest and gratitude day. Since January we’ve studied five weeks of Infectious Disease and Medical Microbiology, five weeks of Cardiovascular Disease, and are entering the fourth week of our five-week Pulmonary block. We will finish up our first year with five weeks of FERGU (Fluids, Electrolytes, Renal and Genitourinary), followed by exams. The learning curve is steep and although I feel like I don’t know much yet, every day has been full of learning and when I look back, I begin to see some progress. Words and concepts that I used to stop to translate are gradually becoming primary for me.
Last night was the 10th anniversary of the Bob Ewert Memorial dinner in Prince George, and the first year medical students were sponsored to attend the event. Canadian Astronaut, Commander Chris Hadfield was the guest speaker. His speech to an audience of over a thousand people was everything we hoped it would be. I keep pinching myself to see if this incredible place of learning and opportunity is real. Last night, Col Hadfield’s words brought to light for me the fact that not only is it real, it is my privilege and responsibility to embrace it and do good by it. This morning I feel a new resolve to strive for excellence in addition to competence.
Sadly, my pictures didn’t turn out well, but you can follow this Canadian hero on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Cmdr_Hadfield
