Friday, July 31, 2009

Fall Semester just 24 days away...

This is it. I have two more semester left and I would be finished with my prereq classes. This semester I am taking Org Chem 1, Medical Microbiology, and A&P 1. A full load, with a lot of memorization. But, I am ready. My goal is to finish this fall semester strong, 4.0 GPA for sure.
Although this is an important focus, I must not forget my family. Hopefully, this November for my 40th birthday, my husband and I could go on a cruise. I really need to do something big for my 40th......

Also, I am retaking the MCAT on Aug 21. So, between now and then I must master this exam. I found out today that the admissions board reads every application. I am so hopeful that I would be getting an interview this interview season. You all keep me in your prayers...

Moving to the next level....

Today was my last day in the research program. I have a huge sense of euphoria. I am so proud and happy to have accomplished such a huge task. Just over a year ago, I started my journey of becoming a doctor. I went in full force and sought out avenues to explore and get a better grasp on the field of medicine. Within this last year, I have: completed 7 prereq courses with a GPA 3.62, volunteered in a hospital, volunteered with Healthcare for the Homeless, provided one on one patient care, round with mentor, 3rd year med students and residents and over 370 hours of research work with a published abstract at my first choice medical school. I am so excited. To actually see my plans unfold before me is so rewarding and fulfilling.

My most enjoyable time this summer was rounding with my mentor. There I actually got to see first hand, how new doctors assess patients, diagnois and prescribe treatments. Some very interesting cases: a young 42 year old woman with ovarian cancer, young female with sickle cell anemia, 64 year old woman with inflamed colon, patients with autoimmune diseases, thyroid cancer, bipolar disorder, etc. No two patients were the same. I love that. It keeps you on your feet, uncovering the best treatments and what's best for the patient. Totally, cool....

Next, working in the laboratory was great. I was actually doing real research work. Expressing a gene, cloning a gene. Although some tasked seemed mundaned, at the end of the program the light was shinning brightly that this is research. What a fabuluous thing to have people dedicated to finding new and improved ways of keeping us all healthy.

Healthcare is making a huge transition from treating symptoms to preventing symptoms. That's what research is all about. The more we have knowledge of how our bodies work the better treatments we can provide. Especially, with technology we are able to uncover new diagnostics, better treatments by leaps and bounds. I definitely want to be apart of the research world.....

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Im so excited....

Okay, tomorrow is my last day in the UT Houston Medical School Summer Research Program. I am so thankful and grateful to have had this experience. As I looked around the room at the other participants, I realized that I am in a league all by myself. I would say the average of my peers is about 20 years old. Wow!!! This truly was a gift from GOD. Thank you Jesus.....The door has been open for me to walk through gracefully. My family and I made a huge sacrifice this summer by me attending this summer program. Our finances were slim, but we made it through. God always sees us through. Now, as I receive my certificate of particaption tomorrow, I truly have something to be proud of. I'm proud that I did not let the nay sayers stop my dream. What they saw as impossible, GOD said it is possible. All things are possible to them that believe. I believe....

Now, as I walk around the halls, interview season for 2010 has begun. My stomach gets excited. Everytime I pass the admission office, I want to run in there and scream, "Please take a look at my application carefully and send me an offer to interview. I know I will make you proud. Just say yes. All I need is one seat in the 2010 class. That's all, just one." Today , they posted at the front door the second round of interviewees, about 40 applicants. My heart pounds vigorously as I read the names and the schools they are from. The majority of the applicants were from Rice University, UT Austin, Texas A & M, one from Yale.....WOW, I thought to myself. Iam in an elite league of the cream of the crop. I have some nervous thinking I can compete with them. Well, nervous I definitely have. I know with my whole heart that none of them have the passion about life that I have, the strong will to succeed more than I. I know I am a competitive applicant. All I need is for one or two members of the admissions committee to see my worth, my potential, my infinite possibilities, and extend to me an offer to interview and I will put my best foot forward and trust in God to do the rest. The favor of God has always rested on my life. Now, in a big way, I am waiting to see His Favor, again. Not only am I looking for an invitation to interview. Im looking for an offer to attend and be apart of the entering class of 2010. That is my HOPE.....

Deep down inside I know my application is second to none, when it comes to life experience. I have overcome a lot of challenges and have dilligently applied myself to my goals. My heart bleeds charity. My inner strength is strong and I know given the opportunity I will excell. I will put in 120% or more to the cause. This is something I've been waiting for all my life. Im finally at the door. Im finally walking in it. It is most exciting....