The first week of approximately 416 before I graduate is behind me. I learned what a suppurative exudate is (composed of neutrophils and dead cells, basically pus) and how to use Bayesian probability to calculate the risk of an individual carrying a disease gene. Some lectures on DNA structure and transcription were review. But overall it was an exciting and interesting introduction to medicine. I was especially inspired by a patient with the Huntington's disease gene who talked to our class in the middle of the week.
The first sequence, which lasts three weeks, is called Patients and Populations and consists of some genetics, pathology, and epidemiology. With one or two exceptions, the lecturers thus far have been engaging and funny and eager to answer questions. My classmates are friendly, smart, and easy to talk to. I think med school is going to be alright.
In recreational activities, I've joined fellow students on bike rides, runs, and games of frisbee. Last night I went to an MSTP student's house to watch Lagaan, a Bollywood favorite introduced to me by my high school social studies teacher. Tonight I went out to dinner and ice cream with the MSTP students in my year. This morning I went to a cooking class at Hollander's household items shop. This was a clutch find, as they have cooking classes twice a week for $15 a class. I learned how to make Provencal Sauteed Chicken, Potato Gratin with Garlic, Lemony Grilled Eggplant, and Poached Figs in Red Wine. The instructor is a French woman from Paris with her own catering business.
Ann Arbor continues to impress me as an all-around awesome place to live. There are parks and trails everywhere, amazing roads for cycling, tons of tasty restaurants, lots of places to get local produce and meat, and generally friendly smiling people. Life is good.
