Ventures in Vet School: March 2017

I've been a terrible blogger lately, but I haven't been completely absent in the internet-world. I have so much to reflect on. Where to begin?

Well second quarter of second year was by FAR the most difficult quarter thus far in school. I don't think I have ever been more exhausted in my entire life. I am so thankful to have survived, and third quarter is turning out to be much less stressful (but it's only week 3, so things could change quickly!).

I can't really explain why the winter quarter was so difficult. I had pharmacology, virology, practice of veterinary medicine, surgery, pathology, and diagnostic imaging. I enjoyed all of the classes, but by the time finals came around, I was more than happy to move on from them!

This quarter I am once again taking surgery and practice of veterinary medicine, but have clinical pathology, small animal medicine and surgery (known as SAMS to us students), parasitology, and toxicology. My first toxicology exam went exceedingly well, and I have a wonderful professor whom I adore teaching this course. I am really enjoying courses so far.

I spayed an adorable bischonpoo today in surgery, and had a SAMS exam. I had a little bit of difficulty getting into the material for SAMS, so I did not feel as prepared as I normally do for exams. I am hoping to get back on the motivation train soon!

One thing that never ceases to amaze me is how comfortable I am getting with surgery. I can't believe that I have performed so many surgeries, and assisted or done anesthesia for the rest. Every week we have had a fun, adorable patient (with the exception of a very sassy feline last week). I'm feeling more and more confident with surgery, and I still have so much to learn here.

Another exciting thing that has happened is that Midwestern has started a chapter of the OTS fraternity. I am thrilled to be part of this group of amazing doctors, and I've even been elected Webmaster for all social media accounts, so I will update you all when those are set up! Our first charity event, PupStrut will be taking place in April, and we are hoping for an amazing turnout!

I started going to the gym over spring break, and I have to admit, it does help with fatigue throughout the day. I mostly lift weights, and I was shocked to see how much muscle mass I had lost since I was last active in the gym. While I sometimes feel guilty for taking a couple hours from my day that I could be studying, I think that this time helps me physically, and mentally in school.

My beautiful baby Sonja has had some trouble the last few months. I discovered a mass on her side last year, and it has gotten to the point where it breaks open and bleeds every few weeks. The soft tissue surgeons at school recommended we remove it as soon as possible, because they believe the mass is a hemangioma due to UV light. Needless to day, my sun-loving greyhound will no longer be soaking up the rays on the regular. Her surgery is scheduled for Monday, and I am quite nervous. Plus side, she is going to have a dental cleaning while she is under, so hopefully she will have minty fresh breath (and hopefully mama will be a good vet student and brush her teeth more regularly). This week she will be helping with our ophthalmology lab, so stay tuned on Instagram (venturesinvetschool) and Twitter (venturesincvm) for photos from that!