Christmas break with the Ho Ho Ho Family

This Christmas break, I'll be spending time with Benji's family in Macon, GA and traveling to Puerto Rico with Benji.  So far, we've visited Camp Leah, spent a lot of quality time with the Ho family and had brunch with friends Chen Chen and Ken.  It's a great break so far.  Wish it could be like this every day. 

End of one of the best jobs

Today was my last day at Dr. M's clinic, and I must say that I already miss it.

16 months ago, I started my search for any opportunity that would allow me to gain more healthcare experience. I applied to the local hospitals countless times and to several private practices around town, but could not land a position anywhere.  I had minimal experience, and four more months before I began my application process for PA schools.  Then one day my prayers were answered when I e-mailed Dr. M's clinic this:

Good day L.C.,

 

My name is Irene Gung, and I received your information from the American Academy of Physician Assistant's website.  Unfortunately, I am not a Physician Assistant at this time, but I am aspiring a career in this field.  Currently, I am a post-baccalaureate Biology student at Valdosta State University, and I am eagerly searching for an opportunity for more exposure in the healthcare setting. 

 

So far, I've shadowed P.A. S at the Moody Air Force Base and after my first day, I knew this is exactly what I want to do.  I find the field exciting, challenging and educational.  My favorite part about this field is that I know I'll be learning more and more from patient to patient. 

 

I've already completed my HIPA certification, shadowed a P.A. and now I am looking for more opportunities to learn about a clinic.  I am not searching for a particular position, just anything that would allow me to gain knowledge of the industry.  If you would keep my name and contact information on hand for future opportunities, I would greatly appreciate it.  Additionally, if you have any advice you could give me, I would love it. 

 

Thank you very much for your time and consideration.  Below is my contact information.

The following days, I was able to meet the staff at the clinic and Dr. M.  Little did I know how much I would be learning there in one year.  In one year, I learned how to properly do venipunctures, lab tests, injections, triage and even pulmonary rehabilitation exercises.  I gained proficiency in pulmonary diseases such as COPD, asthma, and RLDs; sleep disorders such as sleep apnea and acute diseases through their primary care patients.  The best part of my job was that I was allowed to considerably give my direct care and attention to Dr. M's patients. I would listen to why they are in the clinic today; many of whom reported shortness of breath, excessive coughing, or just their routine visit, and I would transcribe them. Towards the end of my career there, I could pretty much predict their diagnosis and plan before Dr. M saw the patient.  It was rewarding every single day I worked there, and I'd come home so satisfied with my decision to become a PA.

So, I decided to end my career there early so that I could help my parents retire from their businesses before I start PA school in August.  I've asked a friend who I met in one of the healthcare professional organizations at VSU if she would be interested in a position at Dr. M's clinic in order to gain experience before she applies to PA school.  She is so super excited about it and I'm thrilled she will be having an opportunity to gain so much experience.  I created an introduction manual for her that I hope will hopefully help make her initial period at the clinic as smooth as possible.

I am already sad knowing that I will not be working at the clinic any longer, but I am forever grateful for the experiences that I will be able to carry on in my medical career.

Procrastination

This week was dedicated to time to study for my last final exams in my undergraduate career.  I laid off all responsibilities in the office at the hotel, with my family and the family dog, my room and my diet.  I'm left with a pile of paper work in the office, missed reminders for my Mom's birthday today, a messy room with nothing in my refrigerator and skin with Seborrheic dermatitis.

This calls for less procrastination and better time management :)

Wigglesworthia and the Tsetse Fly

This afternoon, I'll be giving a brief presentation on the endosymbiotic relationship between the bacteria, Wigglesworthia glossinidia and the Tsetse fly. Funny how initially they were living part, but they've found a way to live together and help each other. The bacteria helps the fly reproduce and give nutrients to its offspring, digest bloodmeals, prolong its life, and in return, the fly provides a safe environment for the bacteria.

Life is amazing!