Life in medical school

Hey, everyone! Sorry for my absence. Too much going on past few weeks. Now in the middle of prepping for a GI exam and realized how much I abandoned this blog! I have more interesting diseases/conditions to post, but lack of time is getting to me. For now, just thought I'd stop by and throw in a little medical school humor. I admit, the above sketches show what it's like in med school, at least most of the time...

What I learned in med school 6: Diving reflex

Baby holding breath under water

Man experiencing cold water shock

Hey guys! I learned something very interesting today called the diving reflex. Basically, exposure to cold water around your nose and facial region triggers apnea (cessation of breathing) and bradycardia (slow heart rate). This is a reflex meant to protect us from aspiration of water during the initial stages of drowning. During this time, most of the blood flow is diverted to the brain, heart, and lungs until we resume breathing again.
This phenomenon is what makes babies hold their breaths and open their eyes when they are submerged in water. These babies above look like they know what they're doing under water but I'm sorry to say that it's a natural protective reflex! But they still look cute either way. Ciao until next time.

Pictures courtesy of: enquetemaken.be and Reuters

What I learned in med school 5: One bronchus is more vertical

Up until today, I had thought that if I accidentally inhaled or chocked on a small pea or a loose tooth, it would go down my trachea and by chance, it would either end up lodged in my left or right bronchus- with 50-50 chance of its final destination.

Well I was wrong! It turns out, as the left and right bronchi branch into the lungs from the trachea, one is more vertical than the other, and therefore would be the more likely one to receive these unwanted objects... would you like to guess which one?

Hope you had the right answer - The right bronchus descends more vertically and the left bronchus has a more horizontal structure- which means, if you inhale something by accident, it would go down your trachea and have a much greater chance of going straight down into the right bronchi rather than taking that horizontal turn to the left! Gravity is on it's side on its way to the right.

picture courtesy of: healthhype.com

What I learned in med school 4: A pink flower can save your life

This flower is called digitalis. It's pretty, colorful, looks feminine, and it may save your life if you have heart failure and various other heart conditions. This pretty little thing is used to prepare a drug called digoxin. This medication increases the calcium concentration inside your heart cells (myocytes). Increasing the calcium in your myocytes leads to a greater force of contraction. This can be beneficial in situations where the heart can not produce enough force to pump blood to the rest of your body. And we all know the dangers of not getting enough blood supply to our body, which is also known as ischemia - it leads to tissue death. This can be life threatening.

So my conclusion, for a hurting or failing heart, in reality or figuratively speaking, pink flowers can literally and metaphorically make things feel better.

Picture courtesy of landscapia.info

What I learned in med school 3: Split brain syndrome

In split brain syndrome, a callosotomy is performed. In the previous post, I discussed the corpus callosum and how it is the bridge between our two hemispheres. This is a great thing because our two brains can communicate and work together. But in patients with epilepsy, it could be a bad thing because it facilitates the spread of the seizures from one hemisphere to the other. The callosotomy, which is a last resort procedure, interrupts or reduces these spreads of brain activity and therefore, the symptoms of the seizures.

Even though split brain patients are able to lead normal lives, the side effects of this procedure are very interesting because you essentially have two brains not talking to each other or partially ignoring each other. Sometimes, patients speak out loud what they want to communicate to the other side of the brain. Patients are unable to use just the right eye and read something because the speech center is located in the left hemisphere. These are just a couple of examples but each patient is unique and may manifest different side effects.

Picture courtesy of psych.ndsu.nodak.edu

What I learned in med school 2: Our two brain hemispheres

So I touched on this topic a little on the previous post but I thought I'd expand on it. Our two lovely brain hemispheres are like twins with completely different personalities - this is commonly known as lateralization of brain function. Much research has been done to localize certain behaviors or actions in our brains so I'm not making this up, I promise.

So before I start distinguishing between the two hemis, I want to introduce you to the corpus callosum. It is basically a collection of axons which connect the two different sides of the brain. That's why we can function smoothly and in coordination - because the two sides are in constant communication with each other. If the corpus callosum is dissected, people will have what is called "split-brain" syndrome (I'll post on that next time).

So your left side/hemisphere is the mathematician, statistician, lawyer, linguist, etc. It deals with reasoning, logic, critical thinking, and numbers. Furthermore, it houses Broca's and Wernicke's areas which are our language centers. Wernicke's area is where we interpret and understand what people are saying to us, what we are reading etc. Basically any language input has to go through the wernicke's area for us to understand it. On the other hand, Broca's area is our motor or output center for language. Our language production, whether it be in the form of speech, writing, sign language etc is processed by the Broca's area.

The right side of your Brain is the musician, the artist, the chef, the photographer etc. It houses our imaginative, creative, and expressive side. Colors, images, recognizing faces, intuition, etc are governed by the right side of the brain. I like thinking of our right hemisphere as our wild side because your interpretation of the abstract world or understanding of art can not be defined by formulas or equations.

So there you have it folks. I hope this post was not too long. Believe me, this is as brief as I could be! But I'll leave you with one question: Which one of your hemispheres is dominant?

Picture courtesy of Mercedes

What I learned in med school 1: We breath one nostril at a time

So guess what guys? We breath one nostril at a time. Take a minute now to close one nostril and breath through the other and vice-versa. You will notice how one side is much more open than the other. So our body incredibly has a 3-4 hour cycle of switching between the two nostrils. Our tissues on either side will swell up periodically and allow the other side to be the main breather.

It is really interesting because research has shown that depending on which side you are breathing, your brain activity differs as well. Breathing through the right nostril will make the left side of the brain more active. The left side of the brains is the more logical, analytic, calculative, reasoning side. And breathing through the left nostril will make the right side of your brain more active. The right side of your brain is the more creative and imaginative side.

So I learned this a couple of weeks ago and found it so interesting and wanted to share.

And it's kind of crazy because I've also found about about people who purposely block one nostril depending on what side of the brain they want to get more active. I wouldn't recommend that. I think our body knows when to use what side and it will probably facilitate the use of either side when you need it. Well, at least I hope it does.

Ciao till later!

Picture courtesy of yogitobye.com

M.I.A

So.... I disappeared off the face of this earth once I started school. It was a tide that swept me away. I really didn't expect medical school to be this difficult. Well, difficult may not be an adequate term but the amount of information we are required to absorb in such a short time is impossible. To truly grasp a context or understand the true meaning of something takes some time and hard work. But the field we are in does not allow us that "luxury." It is very rigorous and tiring.

Don't get me wrong. I am absolutely grateful to be given this opportunity and to be pursuing my life long dream. And in the moments I feel overwhelmed and absolutely exhausted with a pile of work still left, I remind myself of why I chose medicine in the first place.

Anyway, I've been thinking of how I can keep up with this blog. I really want to post regularly with fresh and informative information and something about my life here. So I will try to incorporate my education to these posts.

While in school, there have been some diseases and conditions that have really shocked me or that I found so interesting. Or even functions of our body that we are not aware of. So from now on, I will be posting a series of information titled: What I learned in medical school. I hope whoever is reading out there will find this info helpful!

White Coat Ceremony

The white coat ceremony is a day of celebration. Friends and family members travel from all over to see you cloaked by your educators and colleagues and welcomed into a noble profession. It is also a day of recognition as you finally realize you have achieved your dream of entering a medical school and are well on your way to becoming a physician.

After the greetings, speeches, and all other spiel, you finally get to raise your right hand and say the Hippocratic oath. Reciting those words to me was like transitioning from one side to another; it was a rite of passage that burdens you with responsibility and accountability for others. It is a time to promise a commitment to your patients.

Many criticize this ceremony as one which instills a wrong sense of entitlement in students. I completely disagree. I, personally, felt like I was being accepted into the field of medicine; I didn't feel at all like I had by some magical power also received the gift of knowledge or experience... that comes gradually, hopefully within the four years of med school and the following years during residency.

Overall, it is an emotional day. You really get to acknowledge your success of entering medical school and those who love you join you in your celebration.

But, please, don't be disillusioned! The hard work waits outside for you once you come back from your jolly celebrations. Now that you have entered medical school, you have to work your way out of it.

First Day of Medical School

First day of medical school for me was unforgettable. Looking back, I remember how the opening ceremony went, how excited I was. I was dressed in jeans and a tank top, while most of my classmates where sporting their suits and sun dresses. I felt the energy radiating from my class mates as everyone rushed into the lecture hall, trying desperately to populate the first few rows. It was crowded and loud.

The professor walks in and starts lecturing. The class was hanging to his each and every word. People's hands were flying in the air every few minutes with questions. During our break, people swarmed the professor like bees to honey, asking him pressing questions.

After class ended, we were given our first team based assignment. That's when people started panicking...

I remember the panic in my head as well as I read the assignment and was literally not able to comprehend the question.... not because it was in a different language but because it felt like it was in a different language. It was a Biochem question. Having taken my last Chemistry class over three years, ago, I was in no shape to answer the question presented to us.

Looking around, I saw fellow students challenged just like I was. We spent hours trying to figure out one question.

I went home that night, called my sister and told her how I might not be ready for this. I felt like I didn't know anything. I was having my doubts just one day into medical school. She calmed me down and told me that I would get used to it and hopefully, it would get better with time.

And I did get used to it just like everyone else. It's been almost two months and the classes are no longer as full as they used to be, with people opting to study at home or the library. The front rows are not as dense, and the hands are not flying up with the frequency and energy they used to have. And the professors don't have to worry about being claustrophobic while in the center of a circle composed of eager medical students.

The dust seems to have settled after the stampede.

I guess what I'm trying to portray is the sense of panic people go through the first few days of medical school. It can be very intimidating being among students who are smart and focused. It's natural to feel hyper and motivated those first few days. It's also natural to feel overwhelmed, too.

But guess what? Whatever you are feeling, you will calm down. You will get used to it all once you develop your rhythm and find what works for you. Don't do something because others are doing it. Do it because you believe you will either benefit from it or that it will better your learning. And make sure you find your stress relief! Whether it is rewarding yourself with an episode of Basketball Wives after hours of continuous study or joining a restorative yoga class down the block, just find something that will take your mind off of school work for a little bit.

A new beginning

Hi, everyone!

Hope this message finds you well. I have been trying to find a way to continue this blog while not traveling. The past year has been a crazy one. So much change, so many challenges and new beginnings.

As most of my friends and family members know, my life long dream has always been to become a doctor. My whole life, I have wanted a career which would make a difference in other people's lives, a career with a lasting impact on this world and one I would be proud of as I look back at the end of my life.

Becoming a physician is a journey which involves so much hard work, dedication, compassion, and patience. I can say for sure that I have exhibited all these traits as I took on this challenge and started my courses as an undergraduate a few years back.

Last year, before my trip to Ethiopia, I finally reached the point when I was ready to apply to medical school and started my AMCAS application in May of 2010. I was verified in July and well on my way to competing with approximately 42,000 brilliant students for 18,000 spots.

On March 2nd, about nine months later, I found out I was accepted to my top choice medical school, close to home. It was one of the happiest days of my life.

So I started my first year about a month and a half ago and my life has completely changed. I want to use this site to document my experiences in medical school as well as to share them with others. I would also like to help out others who are making their journey to medical school and answer any questions they may have about this whole process.

My passion for travelling is still a big part of my life. I will try my best to travel abroad and nation-wide on medical mission trips during my medical school years and I plan on document those trips as well.

I will try to post consistently and frequently but as many of you know, the vigorous medical school schedule may not permit that. But I promise to try my best.

I hope you enjoy my posts and join me as I realize my biggest goal ever!

Ezana Stone

Every inch of the Ezana Stone is inscribed
Lovely inscriptions in three different languages
Posing next to the amazing Ezana Stone


Would you believe it if you were a farmer and you accidentally stumbled upon an archeological artifact buried under the land you were farming on? Well, that is exactly what happened to a couple of humble farmers in Axum about a couple of decades ago. The came across the Ezana Stone which is a significant story telling piece, outlining Ezana's conversion to Christianity and his triumph over neighboring offenders... this piece of stone is inscribed in three languages: Greek, Sabaean, and Ge'ez. It's crazy how much information this piece of marble has on it. It's pretty captivating, actually.

Journey to Axum

Walking to the plane at Lalibela Airport

Axum from the sky

Axum Yohannes IV Airport
Sculpture honoring Yohanes IV at the airport

Next stop on our trip was Axum. Here are a few pictures from Lalibela Airport, while flying, and then arriving at Axum Airport

Lalibela Epilogue - Would you dare?

The side view
Its goes on forever
Both sides are scary!
Church under the bridge


So I raved about Lalibela the other day. I loved everything about it! However, one thing about Lalibela that will forever stay in my mind is the "road to heaven" bridge-like thing made out of stone... supposedly, there is a legend in town saying that whoever has the courage to go up this narrow stone will go to heaven in the afterlife - it serves as a pathway from this life to life in heaven. It's quite scary looking at it because it is long and the depth of the fall may as well be life-threatening (and the day we went it had rained making the bridge extra, extra scary because it looked slippery like no other!).... but being in this town is so inspiring that I wouldn't be surprised if people actually get the courage to do it from time to time; and our guide said it does happen from time to time. Brace yourselves.

Lalibela Part III - Bet Giyorgis

Bet Giyorgis at a distance... approaching it
Top View
Beautiful view from the top
Side view
From inside the pit/hole of the church
The entrance
Stairs to the door
Narrow road leading to the bottom of the church
Walking on the slippery road
Happy to be here!

When people say Lalibela, most of us picture the Church of St. George as being "Lalibela" when in fact every stone hewn church it is surrounded by is part of the Lalibela holy town/city. Anyway, this place is so beautiful, magical, and just awesome. It's also scary because the church is pretty deep inside the ground and made if stone making any form of recovery after a fall from above pretty impossible. Regardless, I loved this place the most from all others I have visited thus far in Ethiopia. The only thing to beware of is the fact that the stones get really slippery after it rains... and as luck would have it, the day we toured, there was a down pour of torrential rain which had us soaked to the bones and slipping left and right.

Lalibela Part II

Huts for local residents
Look how big the stones are

Beautiful crosses on the walls
Hole in the wall... looks like the mouth of the wall
More beautiful designs
Dangerous, slippery, stone
Steep, narrow, slipper roads around the churches


More pictures of Lalibela. Beautiful stone work as well as huts. Not really much to say as the pictures speak better than I do... absolutely beautiful!

Lalibela Part I

Fertility pool for women. People come from all over to be baptized in this pool
High stone walls are very typical of all the churches in Lalibela
More stone walls around the churches
Crosses on the outside walls of the church to let light inside
Entrance into one of the churches and more crosses to let light in.
Tunnels taking people from one of the churches to another
View from inside the church
The first pillar of the church... cannot be unwrapped
People praying inside the church
More people praying inside the church
Priest going being the curtains inside the church


Hope you all had a great weekend. I'm enjoying my last days in Ethiopia. Getting last minute things done and trying to finish up my project... I have more pics; this time from Lalibela, which was my all time favorite place in Ethiopia that I have visited so far. There is so much culture and tradition that you can see. And I took a whole lot of pictures and so I'm forced to break it up to different parts in order to share as much as I saw... So here goes. Enjoy!