Quick Update

Currently home in Los Angeles preparing for Step 2 CS (the exam that is offered in only a handful of U.S. cities, costs $1500 to register, and uses actors as patients).

Currently recovering from a flu-like illness, ironically not contracted while in the hospital.

Currently excited about Halloween!

essential = unknown

"Essential mixed cryoglobulinemia: A condition in which cryoglobulin proteins which are a mixture of various antibody types form for unknown (essential) reasons."
http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=14265


Ironic and somehow apt -- how we use the word "essential" to mean "unknown."

flashback

from some written thoughts during the first year of medical school (2/2007):

"I guess what I'm trying to say is that there are a lot of things in my life that still make me happy. I am grateful to be at UCSF, and to have a lot of people in my life whom I respect, admire, and love. Being in medical school has changed my life for the better, I feel everyday like I have a purpose in life, the mysteries and quests and the prospect of making a real difference in the world."

Now that I am a fourth-year student, it's funny that I still feel that way.

How Science Publishing Works

From SMBC, "Saturday Morning Breakfast Cereal" by Zach Weiner, shown under fair use.

By the No.

My deep-body radiation dose for the month of August during my IR rotation: 350 mrem.
(range 50-800 mrem according to the radiation safety officer).