MedEx Day 18

Today was presentation day, and I started off feeling a bit nervous. I have always been a little uneasy speaking in front of others, almost like I'm worried I'll the say the wrong things. However, since I recently took a public speaking class, and I had practiced with my notecards a couple times beforehand, I feel as though I should be prepared, and that I just need to take a deep breath. Since our group was first, we immediately shook off our nerves and prepared to speak. When my time came to discuss the second reason why minors should be allowed to have gender affirming care (positive effects on mental health), I felt as though I felt more comfortable once I started talking. I was proud of myself for not giving into my anxieties and just trying my best. I even answered some questions within the Q and A section, which I was proud for also pushing myself to not be afraid to speak in front of others and respond. I also was extremely proud of my group as well as prepared well and we seemed to work together well to present the best possible arguments. Overall, it was a great learning experience for teamwork and for forcing me to get out of my shell! After our presentation, we were able to hear from group two on Ozempic and whether or not it should be covered by the FDA. They had VERY good arguments and kept me enthralled the whole time. I really enjoyed their ideas for a solution such as providing food banks in food deserts so obese patients can have access to fresh produce to help maintain a healthy lifestyle after taking a GLP-1 medication. I had never truly thought about this issue, but I can definitely see how complicated and important it is. Overall, I truly enjoyed the first round of collaboration projects, and I can't wait to hear tomorrows!

After lunch, we were able to meet with some of the rising M2s and get a tour of the medical school! To be honest, I felt as though I enjoyed the tour this time more than in Tier One. I'm not sure why, but I can definitely see the appeal of attending this medical school! The study rooms were extremely nice, and their lounges, lecture halls, and facilities were state of the art! I also enjoyed learning study tips from our M2 tour guide Emily such as using Anki and utilizing the whiteboards! What was special though was being able to go into the cadaver lab and see real cadavers for the first time. I wasn't sure how I was going to react, but surprisingly I wasn't as bothered as I thought I would be. It is of course a little eerie, but I honestly just felt appreciative that someone was kind enough to offer their bodies to science as models for learning. I was honestly just fascinated looking at REAL organs and body features such as the lungs and the heart, and I wanted to learn more! After the medical school tour, we came back to the nursing building, and started on the intern panel. This was a bit more lighthearted than the medical school tour as we were able to ask fun questions to the interns, as well as tips for classes. I had always thought that I HAD to do research in college in order to get into medical school, but I realized through this panel that it isn't required, but rather doing something you're passionate about! However, I am still highly interested in participating in it!

After the intern panel, we heard from Ms. Becca on developing our "why" for medicine. I wasn't expecting this presentation to be as inspiring and profound as it was. I had somewhat thought about my why before, but her presentation really allowed me to lay out the specific portions of this why, which was extremely helpful. What was most touching, however, was her why. I had no idea that she experienced a parent undergoing treatment for cancer too, like me, and that she had heard and seen worrisome and sickening actions by healthcare providers in the field. Even more so, I had no idea that she herself had been a patient. I had so much respect for her and her reasoning for going into healthcare, and I definitely learned from her discussion that there NEEDS to be more empathy and care within healthcare.

At the end of the day, we had a meditation at Unity Park, which was much needed and extremely relaxing. I almost fell asleep! I also learned very helpful breathing exercises for when I have trouble falling asleep because of my anxiety, or I am about to take an exam. In order to take care of others, it is imperative that you take care of yourself first.