First term: No Rest For The Wicked (Part 1 of 2)

It is difficult to encapsulate my first term as a medical student. But I’ll try.

We covered so much in our first term I hardly know where to begin. So I’ll tell you about some of the core features to set the scene. Even though this year is pre clinical we are expected to interact with patients from the start. For me this term was about adapting which I had to do in so many ways….

PBL
First things first, the most important part of Problem Based Learning (PBL) is the food. PBL snacks are probably the highlight of most people’s week. We all take it in turns to provide the snacks for the session and it’s extraordinary what some people make. Home made éclairs were a highlight for me (I didn’t make them but managed to pack a few away). Much bonding takes place over the food….

Secondary to the feasting is the learning. Your ‘PBL Experience’ is highly dependent on how your group dynamics work and what the relationship with your tutor is like. I really enjoyed the group I had for my first term but I know there are others who weren’t as happy. Learning to navigate your way through the politics is an important learning curve. I’m still finding out so much about myself. I’m pleased that I can say when I don’t understand something. And inevitably there is someone in the group who can explain it to me. Once I’ve grasped the concept it’s time to celebrate. With coffee and a snack.

Dissection
A large part of this year is the anatomy. Sadly, there isn’t time to actually dissect a cadaver but the little time we get is invaluable. Going into the Dissection Room (DR) for the first time was extremely difficult for me. Apart from the overwhelming smell from the formalin (I instinctively breathe through my mouth as soon as I get a whiff of it) I struggled being in a room populated mainly by dead people. Our introduction was handled beautifully. We were given a very sensitive lecture a few days before our visit where we were reminded of our duties and the privileges that have been bestowed on us by the people who’ve donated their bodies and by their families who are still waiting for a funeral to finally put their loved one to rest. Some families wait for nearly 3 years to do this. And then a few days later they brought us to the DR for us to acclimatise. I found it very emotional. I didn’t want to touch the cadaver. And I couldn’t help but look at their face. Some people fainted (not me!). I felt queasy after. It’s said that people fall into 2 categories when it comes to anatomy sessions; those who are starving hungry after and those whose stomachs turn at the thought of eating. I clearly fall into the latter category.

But here’s the shocking part. By the end of the term I’d acclimatised. I still can’t stop breathing through my mouth. Nor can I stop being amazed at how beautiful the human body is. I still instinctively look at their face (and I hope I’ll never loose that respect). But I no longer get as upset as I did at the beginning. I appreciate what an essential part of our learning it is (no text book or animation can truly make you understand how it all fits together) and how honoured we are that these people donated their bodies for us to learn. I’m starting to focus on the learning. I now touch the bodies, hold organs in my hands. And dare I say this, I actually enjoy it.