Hey everyone,
Last week I worked like a busy bee on my research manuscript. The writing continues again starting Monday. Womp womp. I’ve come to the realization that I dislike research for several reasons. Firstly, I am a horrid writer. The thoughts come together in my head, but they do. not. translate onto my paper.
Truth time: I scored in the 9th percentile on the writing portion of the MCAT. As in 91% of people who took the MCAT scored higher than me on the writing section. And…I have told people that English is my second language. Yikes. I know.
The second reason I’m not a huge fan of doing research is that it takes so long to produce a final product. And even when you do write an abstract and a manuscript, you then have to wait to see if that abstract gets accepted at a conference and for the manuscript to be published in a journal. And the chance of being accepted to the conference I want and being published in my first choice journal is not as high as I would like (considering all the blood, sweat, and tears going into my project!)
In case you’re wondering, this is what my research has looked like as of late.
But, the fact that I don’t love research is actually great since I am going to be a clinician anyways!
One of my interests in medicine is women’s health. My research project for the summer is actually in the Ob/Gyn department, and I am potentially interested in pursuing that specialty. Although I am doubtful that I’m cut out for the surgery lifestyle. Anyways, on Tuesday I shadowed a reproductive endocrinologist. A reproductive endocrinologist is a doctor who goes through the traditional 4-year Ob/Gyn residency then completes a 3-year fellowship in reproductive endocrinology. Reproductive endocrinologists address hormonal issues relating to reproduction and infertility.
Outfit I wore shadowing: Top- Loft Outlet, Skirt- Kismet (A boutique I live by)
Add on the white coat, and I’m good to go! 😉
I saw some pretty cool cases while shadowing. One couple was considering IVF, but struggling with how it goes against their religion. I have trouble with the whole medicine conflicting with religion thing. I just can’t fathom letting my religion get in the way of something as serious/amazing/life-changing/life-defining as having a child. But, that is an entire post of it’s own. I also saw a couple come in with their baby who had been successfully born via IVF, and that was pretty amazing. It would be such a fulfilling career to help people who struggle with infertility become pregnant. If I do decide on Ob/Gyn, I could definitely see myself going into reproductive endocrinology.
Tuesday night, Dan and I grilled steaks and asparagus. We had some cornbread and pesto pasta salad as well. After living together for 2.5 weeks, we managed to cook 1 meal together. Dan and I are on different work/eating schedules. He usually doesn’t get home from work until 7pm. And, I am usually pretty hungry for dinner by 5pm. So, we usually do our own thing for dinner. But, it’s nice to plan 1 or 2 meals to make together during the week. This week we are grilling shrimp! I will just have to eat an afternoon snack to hold me over.
And Dan even volunteered to do the dishes Tuesday night! How’d I get so lucky!?
It’s bed time now, but there’s a lot I want to tell you about my weekend, and also my (possible) return to running, so I’ll update soon!
XOXO,
Jamie
That Doctor Girl 