First Thoughts on Medical School

So I started Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine in the first week of August. August is labeled as "Anatomy Immersion" meaning that the entire 120 person class attends gross anatomy lab 4 days/week 3 hr/day for the duration of the month. I enrolled in a gross anatomy course as an undergrad, but in that course everything was prosected (meaning dissected for us in advance) and we were not allowed to get our hands "dirty." Needless to say, our labs so far have involved us getting intimately acquainted with the workings of the musculo-skeletal system as well as our scalpels, hemostats, forceps, and scissors.

I could tell some of us were intimidated by the idea of actually dissecting a real human being. To tell the truth, I had a moment of doubt if I would be able to cut through and in to our cadaver. But the staff and my lab partners are absolutely wonderful. Within the first hour, we were already at ease and enjoying ourselves. I almost didn't want to leave. And now, I am our group's official bone saw "expert."

At the same time, while thinking about my current status and future, everything so far seems surreal yet expected. I have told myself since kindergarten that my ultimate goal was to become a physician. My entire life has been a long mental and academic preparation for a medical career. Now that I am finally here I can breathe a sigh of relief. For the first time I have reached a straightaway on that super winding road of life -- at least for the next four years (hopefully). I can't say that I am self aware or have realized my full potential yet, but everything for the time being makes sense -- even all the vasculature supplying the muscles.

I expected myself for the longest time to simply "get in" to medical school, but there were times, especially over the last two years, where I was unsure if I still wanted to pursue a career in medicine, or if I even had what it takes to get accepted into any medical school. But from the moment that scalpel made the first incision into our cadaver, I knew I truly do belong in medicine, and any self-doubt I had instantly vanished. That moment, and now knowing for certain that I am where I belong is what seems somewhat surreal. Yet for that realization, I am incredibly grateful.