We started to dissect on the new cadaver today. However, ten minutes into the dissection, both James and I completely lost motivation on our side of the body. We missed Prince dearly. In fact, we missed him so much that we decided to return to him and work on him instead, despite the smell. Prince will always be our cadaver. He cannot be replaced. We are attached to him now. He has earned a special place in our hearts.

Tonight was my first time at the Bmore Rescue Mission free clinic, where we see homeless patients. I saw two. First a man, then a woman. I feel sorry for the man because he was the first patient that I have ever done a full Px and taken a full Hx and used all the usual equipments on. What makes it worse is that I have not even been taught how to do any of the above. Needless to say, I was extremely unprepared and didn't know what goes where. It took me about 10 minutes to take his blood pressure and the pressure cuff must have made him so uncomfortable because he began to hyperventilate. Or maybe he just really got fed up with me and was hyperventilating out of frustration and annoyance. Heh. So by the end of this appointment, I was fumbling to get everything sorted out, and thinking in my head: gee, I really suck at this doctor thing.

Then the second patient, another homeless woman living in the shelter. She had a number of complaints. I spent a long time talking to her and listening to her story. Did my second Px and Hx. Presented her to the attending and got her meds and was finally done one hour later (yes I really take my time). When everything was finished, and before she left, she said to me, "the next time I come, can I still have you as my doctor?" ...... But I had no skills... All I did was to try to care and listen and be warm. And she appreicated it.

During orientation, they told us that the best teachers we can ever have and ask for are our patients. I am beginning to see the great truth in that statement. Patients are great. I love medicine.

To end on a musical note: I finally discovered the band "Death Cab for Cutie" and I am so happy I found them. I cannot believe I have been deprived of them for all this time. Going to rest and relax and read and listen to music. :)

Love you all.