focus

Derm started really well today – pretty slow, but we were in at 8 and out around 3, with two hour-long breaks in between, and after the month I’ve had, a 6-hour work day really hits the spot. 

But it is far more academic than ICU is, which is to say that in addition to seeing patients we’ll have regular daily topics rounds, along with a written/multiple-choice test upon completion of the rotation (next Friday).  We are also to prepare a brief review of a journal article and present it later in the week at rounds. And so I have to study and research. Tonight. 

With ICU, you put in your 12-13 hours, and were done, on your own, for the next 11-12 hours. Sure I’d look something up if I saw something during the shift that I was unclear on, but I wasn’t expected to necessarily. But if I don’t study tonight, then I’ll look like an idiot tomorrow…and then I’ll get a crappier grade, etc., etc.

Except I can’t focus!!! I’m not used to this studying thing. I feel like breaking for the coffee shop, but I really should just buckle down and get it done here at home. Really if I put in a concentrated 2 hours (not asking a lot after a 6-hour day), I’d be fine. But God forbid I actually concentrate. Plus I already lost a few papers that had cases we were to review tonight – DUH! 

Ah well. Back in school.

Wish me luck.