At 7:30 this morning I was sitting at my kitchen table, having a coffee and eating a bowl of cereal. At 9:30, two hours later, I was holding a human lung. What a remarkable day!!
As you’ve already guessed, we had our first session with the cadavers this morning. The experience was incredible – it truly brings the material to life when you see it within the body. I learned so many new things, and corrected many of my false expectations:
- The lungs actually extend above the ribs and clavicle into the neck region. The consequence of this is that you can risk puncturing a lung from a neck injury.
- The heart is big and the left lung is small (compared to how I imagined them). The left side accommodates the heart, meaning that there’s a large chunk of the left lung “missing”.
- The thoracic cavity is tightly packed – everything fits in just right like a jigsaw puzzle.
- Anatomy varies from person to person: some people have 13 pairs of ribs (12 is “normal”)
- You can’t know everything. Not even the anatomists do. It’s about knowing enough to treat patients effectively and communicate about the body.
Well, there’s a sampling. I’m really looking forward to spending many hours in the anatomy lab this term!!
Today had many firsts. Over lunch, I bought life insurance and disability insurance. That sounds tremendous, but the life insurance was free (provided by the Canadian Medical Association) and the disability came at a trivial cost. Still, it makes me feel old and responsible. Or, at least, like I should be responsible now, but mostly I’m just pretending.
This afternoon we had a fantastic session titled “Pearls of Wisdom”. Quite a number of doctors from the community came in to offer us advice and tips on surviving the next four years. I never anticipated how much medical school might change me. It seems to be a transforming experience, and I now realize that I may emerge a different person than I am now. It’s good to be conscious of that, since then I can control the direction in which I will be changing.
Finally Friday, the first week of medical school is completed! It’s been hectic at times, and I’ll need this weekend to get myself organized, established, and “on top” of things.
AHHHH lungs! aren’t they amazing looking? You had your chance to hold some human organs in your hands. How do you feel?
And I can so relate with item #4 as I’m missing Palmaris Longus from my right forearm/hand (remember? double oddity)
Wait till you get to study hands… it’s unreal!
So excited for you!
Comment by Diana — September 6, 2008 @ 8:54 am
D’s comment reminds me of that question I had about the right side lower rib growing back, and how that worked. Apparently, the periosteum membrane which surrounded the rib taken out needs to be kept intact in order for the new rib to have nutrients and space to grow. Who knew? Your first week sounds amazing, we miss you here but I’m so happy you’re where you are now!! I hope you find time to settle in and catch your breath.
Comment by Cassie — September 6, 2008 @ 4:16 pm
Wow…. Cassie
!! Did you just say periosteum? I knew you were a nerd, but not in biology 
! Fantastic! Well, now that you’ve answered your own question, that’s one less reason for me to be here. I think I’ll stick it out though. Ya, I miss you guys too! How are you enjoying your house together?
Comment by Jason Booy — September 6, 2008 @ 5:08 pm
I found myself wondering how you’re doing, and then I remembered that you have this thing. Having nothing better to do, I read a lot of it. Anyway, I’m glad to hear you’re enjoying school so far.
Let me know if/when you plan to be in Waterloo.
p.s. I survived (and passed) 2B Biochemistry!
Comment by Sandra — September 6, 2008 @ 5:54 pm
Hey Sandra
!! Yay, I’m impressed: glad you survived those brutally long labs! How is your new job going? Do you like it? Well, I’m glad you found this site. I miss you guys, and want to keep in touch somehow!
Comment by Jason Booy — September 6, 2008 @ 6:10 pm