Hi, everyone! I'm happy to be back at school and getting into
the swing of things! The break was welcome as I was able to do some
manual work with my hands rather than sit in a desk all day and at
a table studying all evening. Well, let me share how the break went
and a bit about our first week back in classes.
During the summer break, I completed a lot of work for the
Naturopathic Student Gathering at NUHS in November of this year.
The Naturopathic Student Gathering is an annual national conference
for the students of the seven naturopathic medical schools of North
America. At the Gathering, the Elder Docs of our profession come to
speak to the students about the philosophy and history of
naturopathic medicine and how to keep that vision alive for
succeeding generations.
I built some structures for the Gathering from branches of trees
that were felled during storms as well as driftwood from streams
and ponds. These structures (which I will share photos of in future
posts) are built without any nails, or other man-made materials.
While I had never attempted anything like this before, the process
of creating an object that is useful, structurally sound and
symbolic of the Student Gathering turned into a bit of a journey of
self-discovery in patience, perseverance and flexibility...or much
like the process of getting through medical school, he he! Once the
Gathering is closer and we have everything set up for the
conference, I'll share a little bit more about the structures as
our team is keeping some things under wraps for the Opening and
Closing Ceremonies of the conference.
(L-R) Dr. Kelly Baltazar
(Naturopathic Chief Clinician), Dr. Jenna Boazzo (Naturopathic
Clinician)
Intern Michelle Ennsman, Intern Christine Schoenek, Intern
Joseph Vazquez, Intern Tim Ammons
When I returned to school last week, I entered clinic as an
Observer for the first time! As Observers, the 7th trimester
Interns shadow the more senior Interns during patient visits,
morning preview, and evening review. We help with the day-to-day
tasks, as well. Primarily, our job is to observe, listen, practice
charting in the proper manner, and help when and where
asked.
On our first day, my lab section, which also consists of
Christine Schoenek, Michelle Ennsman and Joseph Vazquez, had our
orientation session with Dr. Kelly Baltazar, Naturopathic Chief of
Clinics and Dr. Jenna Boazzo, Naturopathic Clinician. I could the
see joy and excitement from our clinicians who were truly happy to
see new Interns, wet behind the ears, join the ranks of the Interns
already under their tutelage. I didn't think I would ever be as
excited about something as I was upon entering clinic adorned with
my white lab coat and taking the first step to help others heal.
This was the reason for being here at this stage of my life in the
first place! So, why so excited?
I'll tell you why! Sitting with our Chief Naturopathic Clinician
on our first day in clinic going over the mundane details of dress
code, paperwork, responsibilities of confidentiality with our
patients, and the order of paperwork, drove the point home that we
"are here." We have made it after two years of grueling science
courses, hours upon hours of study, research and practice. As I sat
in the orientation, I had to keep reminding myself that this was
simply a milestone on the path that I had chosen. The true
challenge lies ahead through working other human beings who have
come to us for a solution to their illnesses. We have the safety
net of working in a teaching clinic with experienced clinicians to
guide us through proper case taking, information gathering,
diagnosing and helping those who visit the clinic have the best
outcome possible from each visit. Now is the time to take advantage
of the experience that surrounds us, the knowledge and wisdom from
our clinicians, and each moment that grants us the opportunity to
grow as future doctors.