March 4, 2009

Hi everyone! Glad you’re back…

Now that March is upon us, there are a little over three months of school left as an OMS I. I can’t believe how fast time is flying! We are knee deep in respiratory block right now and I can’t help but count the days until Spring Break. I am very much enjoying all the learning I’m doing each and every day in school, but the breaks are such a blessing! Since January, my life has been going full speed ahead, CV block was a real challenge. I really pushed myself during that block to learn as much as I could and have already found myself applying it, especially in my CCE’s. While in the classroom, it’s easy to lose sight of the big picture and actually figuring out how to synthesize the information from the patient into a coherent and accurate diagnosis. CCE’s give you the opportunity to do just this. I have had the opportunity to see many patients with my mentors, all the while being tested on my critical thinking and integration skills when considering each patient. During the patient interviews, I found myself sitting there listening to the chief complaints with a million things running through my head…“Ok, what’s the pathophysiological process at work here?” “This drug isn’t working, what would be the next option for treatment?” “How does diet affect metabolism of this drug?” I have had to read X-rays and EKGs on the spot!! I thought to myself, it’s a good thing I spent so much time on learning and reading these diagnostic tests! It was so rewarding to put the foundational principles that I have studied thus far in medical school into practice.

In addition to clinical experiences, I had the privilege of sitting in on the Ohio State Medical Board (OSMB) meetings in Columbus. As a student at OUCOM, we have the advantage of observing a full afternoon of hearings regarding many different actions the OSMB takes with its licensed health care professionals. The cases were varied but the vast majority involved substance abuse. As I sat there, I couldn’t help but think if how I’d feel if I was in their shoes. How unfortunate to think that one simple slip up could cost you your entire career. Something that you have worked so hard for, especially through the chaos and stress of becoming a physician, is now in jeopardy because of a poor decision you made. Although OUCOM does a fantastic job of stressing how important professionalism is as a medical student, the OSMB experience provided real life examples of how important professionalism is in all that you do.

In addition to finishing up the last couple months of school, I’m trying to figure out plans for the summer. As a first year medical student, we are fortunate to have a couple months off school to recuperate and start fresh 2nd year. I am diligently trying to set up some clinical experiences for the summer and iron out all my plans…will have to update in the future!
 

September 20, 2008

There was once this girl born and raised in Toledo, OH. When she was five years old, her mom entered her in the Little Miss America Pageant. As a competitor, she was asked what she wants to be when she grows up. “A doctor,” she says. Twenty years later, one would never believe she’s on her path to achieving her lifelong dream. You guessed it, that’s me.

My name is Sarah Coffman and I’m currently a first year medical student at OUCOM. My educational profile includes attending Miami University of Ohio, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Microbiology and Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, graduating with my master’s degree in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology. After graduation, I worked at the University of Connecticut in a microbiology lab while applying to medical school. I received acceptance at OUCOM and could not have been happier. While I did interview at other schools, I felt nothing compared to what OUCOM had to offer. The integrative curriculum, clinical and community experiences, technological resources and helpful faculty and staff all contributed to my decision that this was the school for me. In addition, I was quite excited to be closer to my network of love and support—my family and friends.

I am in the CPC curriculum and things are going great so far. Though I’ve only officially been a first year for just two months, I already feel very much set in the medical mindset. I find that learning becomes more exciting and interesting each day. I’ve already had my first Clinical and Community Experience (CCE) and I couldn’t have been luckier. Maybe it’s a coincidence, but I was paired with a pediatrician. This is a field I’ve always been interested in. Although I was really nervous to have my first CCE so early in the year, it turned out to be a fantastic experience. I actually used the knowledge from anatomy immersion to assist with diagnosing-- even this early in my career!! Wow, what a way to see the benefits of all the hard work up to this point. I found this quote just about sums it up ‘til now: “He who would learn to fly one day must first learn to stand and walk and run and climb and dance; one cannot fly into flying.” ~Friedrich Nietzsche

I look forward to keep you all up-to-date on my medical school experiences each month. There is much more to come, so make sure to check back for new and exciting updates!! :o)