Alyssa's Page
Biographical information -
Name: Alyssa H. Giang
Year at OU-COM: MS I
Curricular Track: CPC
Spouse/partner (if applicable): Patrick A. Tran
Children (if applicable) No Children
Hometown: San Antonio, TX
Undergraduate Institution: St. Mary’s University
Graduate Institution (if applicable) N/A
Favorite Quote:
"Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail". - Ralph Waldo Emerson
"Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens." - Jimi Hendrix
Hobbies or Interests:
I enjoy oil painting during my spare time. I paint a variety of styles, including impressionistic, abstract, contemporary and realistic art. Presently, I am particularly interested in studying Georgia O’Keefe’s style of painting; however, I am always in complete awe of Monet’s works.
Favorite thing to do in Athens:
I enjoy walking along the bike path on cool, clear mornings. The entire region is absolutely beautiful and extremely inspiring for a painter.
Area of medicine you plan to practice: I am interested in family practice and obstetrics and gynecology. However, my interests will probably change as I complete my rotations.
Tuesday, March 2, 2004
6:30 am
Another cold winter morning…I woke up to a brisk morning, but ready to the long day. Tuesdays are usually quite long, beginning at 8:10 am and ending at 5:00pm. I took a quick shower and gathered my books and stethoscope for the day’s classes.
8:10 – 9:00 am
Dr. Chen (geneticist) taught a one-hour lecture on The Principles of Genetic Inheritance. He reviewed Mendelian Genetics and quickly continued with the genetics of Cystic Fibrosis. It was an interesting lecture, even though half the class trickled in late. By this time of year. most students are able to discern the importance between an extra 10 minutes of sleep or attending the first part of class.
9:10—10:00 am
Dr. Howell (physiologist) gave a one-hour lecture on Pulmonary Blood Flow. Physiology has always been a tough subject to master, but Dr. Howell truly tries to simplify things as much as possible. His lecture was filled with large charts and graphics, which help elucidate concepts. For example, did you know that blood vessels in the lungs actually constrict in areas where perfusion is low? This prevents “wasting” of oxygenated-blood.
10:00—12:00 pm
After the morning’s classes, we had a two-hour gross anatomy lab. We dissected the posterior and superior mediastinum. My lab group identified the location of the major distribution arteries arising from the aorta and major veins in the thorax. Often times, two hours is not enough time for in depth study so my colleagues and I return to the lab on the weekends.
12:00—1:00 pm
Lunch hour is usually catch-up time. Many students grab a quick lunch and spend the rest of the hour catching up with reading or completing CBL (case-based learning) discussion questions. I fall into this group… J
1:10—3:00pm
Dr. Clay (geriatrician) and his colleagues (also D.O.’s) taught the class how to perform a pulmonary system exam. After going through normal and pathological breath sounds, we had the opportunity to practice listening to each other’s breath sounds.
3:10—5:00
The later part of my afternoon was spent in CBL. Our two cases this week involved dyspnea (aka shortness of breath). After reviewing the provided SOAP notes, my group came up with a list of pertinent signs and symptoms. We also devised a list of differential diagnoses to consider. We then ordered some lab tests and went home to let the cases marinade in our heads.
5:20—6:00 pm
I went home to take a quick shower and grab a quick microwave dinner. I then returned to the school to study.
6:15—12:00 am
I read up on cystic fibrosis and pulmonary blood flow. I also studied Netter’s Anatomy atlas for an hour. Afterwards, I sat down with Pulmonary Physiology Medicine and had two hour reading fest. I never thought I’d ever read so much, but in med school…it’s just about mandatory.
12:15—12:30am
After preparing for bed, I spent a few minutes on the phone with my fiancé. This is always my favorite part of the day. I never thought I’d look so forward to a good night’s sleep!
Saturday, March 8, 2004
7:00-12:00 pm
I decided to sleep in a little this morning
J
After grabbing breakfast and coffee at the local McDonald’s I drove to the
school to claim my usual study room. I usually begin the morning going
through the week’s 100 objectives. This task takes me just about the whole
day because I supplement my colleagues’ objective responses with my own
class notes. I also add extra information gathered from my readings.
Although this is quite time consuming, it pays off when it’s time to study
for exams because all the information I need to study is in a couple stacks
of paper.
12:00—1:00pm
I met up with my comrade for a short lunch.
1:30—3:30pm
Three colleagues and I went into the gross anatomy lab to review the mediastinum, heart and lungs. We put together a mock practical and went around the room identifying structures. It was a well spent afternoon! We each left feeling more confident about the upcoming practical exam.
4:00-6:00pm
I continued going through my objectives, trying to come up with pneumonic devices to help with learning the voluminous amounts of information.
7:00—10:00pm
After working hard, my comrade and I saw a movie at the nearby theater. It’s nice to reward oneself, every now and then. It’s the only way I can keep sane!
10:30—12:00am
After checking my email, I took a shower and prepared for bed….I spoke to Patrick for a half hour before bed, of course.
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