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At last… the first day of head/neck anatomy lab! My group spent most of the two hours exploring a skull while the lab directors/TAs went around removing the brains from our cadavers, so they can be preserved till next block. We discussed the bony structures, protuberances, foramina, and other landmarks of the skull while relating them to where cranial nerves and major vessels pass. We also examined the unique structures of cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebra. As some of my peers have predicted, I really am eating this stuff up!

Major’s Bookstore is having a liquidation sale since they’re closing down. I was there yesterday to purchase my immunology book and noticed how all the inventory had been brought to the front (including a full skeleton and a skull replica). I reluctantly asked the cashier if the skull was for sale, and she quoted me a $10 price on the spot (in other words… an absolute steal). Should have asked how much she would sell the full skeleton for. Now my only dilemma is what to name it!

Today was also an epic fail for me. I could see myself following incorrect thought processes. My rationalizations were all backwards. If everyone went right, I went left (and was wrong for doing so). I couldn’t even tell a freakin’ apple apart from a pear! Everyone has off days, but to be this unfocused this early in the block is dangerous territory.

We were polled yesterday about how we learn best (visual, auditory, or active) and to what extent we focus on details. To my surprise, only a very small fraction of people admitted to being auditory learners. I’ve always learned better this way. It’s the fundamental reason why I can’t work in groups. Learning by listening tends to be faster, more integrated, and more relevant (highlighting the important points) whereas learning in groups tends to be more inefficient. Consequently, lectures which are considered boring by my peers are still the best option for me.

I just hope tomorrow is a better day.

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As a third year medical student at Baylor College of Medicine, my posts are intended to educate others and share my experiences from this incredible journey without violating patient privacy at all costs. These blurbs are not to serve as a replacement for recommendations provided by licensed physicians under any circumstance.