Thursday, October 29, 2009

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!

Friday, October 23, 2009

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."

Thursday, October 08, 2009

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.

Tuesday, October 06, 2009

How Science Publishing Works

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

Thursday, October 01, 2009

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).