Of Meandering Thoughts on Medical School

In the most fitting atmosphere of a buffet, where you can get up at anytime in the midst of your discussion to forage at the foodies area, I had a stimulating conversation with a doctor at South Carolina. My mother’s birthday celebration was postponed to Friday since our carpenter’s mother’s birthday was the following day – and yes, we are very good friends with our carpenter (you would be too if they’ve been at your house everyday for 7 or 8 months!) They had a rather large family, and the Doctor had to switch tables to start the conversation that was specifically planned for the both of us. My sweet, overprotective mother had qualms of whether or not I would put this connection to good use, and has overlooked the possibility that I may have had this conversation with a dozen other doctors in the past. Without delay a stream of questions were answered. To how many school did you apply? How long have you been a doctor? What is your specialty? Why did you want to become a doctor? How did you pay off your tuition? I covered every aspect of a speculating pre-med student. I think the question that did it for me was “What do you think of complementary medicine?”

Hearing his response, it felt like he had encountered this question so many times in an interview and rehearsed a careful answer that satisfied the hungry soul. “As much as this culture would like to learn about alternative medicine in the scientific manner, it’s either they believe in it or not. It’s like prayer even though there are positive studies that we’ve been forming.” Even though old traditional Chinese medicine holds strong in their own medical system. Even though sensitives can figure out our meridian channels.

After chatter, his family left. He rose up, pointing down at me to say, “Good luck.” I said, “Thanks,” and went back to my food of buttered up muscles, BBQ ribs, and the fried shrimp I was studying to see how to imitate. I had absorbed all the information like I had done to plenty other physicians – even my own. Entrance standards are way easier than they were 5 years ago, but that doesn’t mean it’s smooth sailing. How did Rocky & Lyn do it? I’ve made my final decision: I’m going to apply to medical school.

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Besides the more worthy topic to put online, I’m back on campus. My spring break is officially over, and I bring myself back to the stress-inducing reality. I’m studying and journaling under the overhead lamp and the desk lamp I brought back because I fear the chinchilla will eat through the wire again. The extra light is especially helpful because my roommate has been in bed ill. During my break, my mom and I went to IKEA where I got my desk lamp and a fancy duvet cover:

*sigh* Time to study glycolysis. I hope Maria comes back earlier so I can go to her apartment.

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