Dex's Blog

Well, another tri has come and gone. I can't believe my 9th trimester is already coming to an end. I have to say it was a pretty eventful tri. Clinic is a great experience and I'm amazed at how much I still continue to learn. I hope some of my stories of triumphs and failures were helpful and maybe a little entertaining. 

Some of the 8th and 9th Trimester interns.

Finals week is a stressful time everyone. It's important to continue to prepare for your tests, and be confident that you know your material. When you know that you have your material down, it takes the anxiety down to a manageable level. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, I promise. There are only two weeks of exams, then a nice break to regroup.

A sunset picture from the boat Friday night.

If you have a chance during the break, reach out to a local DC to see if you can shadow them. I know you probably want to be as far away from anything chiro after finals, but shadowing doctors is one of the best professional moves you can make as a student. I would try to shadow at least two doctors during each break to create a relationship with future colleagues and try to see what works and what doesn't in the real world. It's only a day off your break and it's extremely worth it.

Sunday night's Rays game.

I hope everyone has a killer break. I had an awesome weekend, fishing Friday night (caught a 22 inch Snook, and a 40 lb. drum, no big deal), went to the WaZoo beer and food festival at the zoo on Saturday, and capped off the weekend at a Rays game on Sunday. There is always something to do down here in Florida, and with your break coming up, take advantage and recharge for another trimester. Thanks for reading; I'll be back in a few weeks.

Catch ya on the flip side,
Dex

Hello all, and welcome back! I hope everyone is refreshed and his or her breaks were as great and carefree as mine.

Personally, I had a great two weeks off. I'm sure Lombard has its share of activities, but there's nothing like spending the day on the beach, then looking out on Tampa Bay as the sun's setting with a cold one (or two). I suppose the scenery and plethora of things to do here comes with the territory. The one downside of this seemingly perfect paradise is having to get back to the grind after a two-week tease. (The above photo is the view from aunt's dock that I frequented over the break.) 

I did take care of some business during my break by shadowing a great DC in Tampa. Shadowing doctors in your area, and especially in the area where you're planning on practicing, is invaluable to your soon-to-be professional career. Our education here at National is insurmountable in my opinion, but real-world experience has no equal.

I spent a day in the office of Dr. Carl Conforti over the break and not only affirmed my own knowledge, but I learned a lot about creating personal relationships with patients and some of the behind the scenes work that goes along with having your own practice. It was only a few half days out of my break and it paid off greatly.

My seventh trimester here at National is beginning and I can already tell I will not be at a loss for things to do. This is my last trimester before heading into Student Clinic, and it's time to get on my "doctor face." As I'm writing this, I'm in shirt and tie, with my white coat occupying the back of the seat beside me. Today is our first day being recorded with a simulated patient, and needless to say I'm pretty stoked. This is what I've been working towards for as long as I can remember--not being filmed in a room with a stranger--but being a doctor. I'm curious as to how I'm going to do. Stay tuned for next week and I'll let know how it goes.

Me, Margo, and Guy getting ready to meet our first recorded standardized patients.

Finally, I'd like to wish everyone taking national boards this upcoming weekend the best of luck! I have only taken part one, and though it was challenging, our professors have a done a great job preparing us, and I made it through just fine, as I'm sure you will all do as well.

It's going to be a great trimester. Good luck to everyone, work hard, and I'll catch ya on the flip side….

Dex