Up for air

Hello! I am finally coming up for air. The past twelve weeks have been rigorous. Following Labor Day weekend began six weeks of musculoskeletal classes followed by six weeks of neuroanatomy classes. In the custom of the curriculum of my school we learned the basic sciences using those systems as the model. For instance, while studying the musculoskeletal system I learned the muscles, their actions and innervations, what makes a muscle contract, some of the pathologies that afflict the muscles and bones (bugs), how to diagnose and treatment options (drugs). Concurrently in one of my practical classes, Medical Skills, I learned how to perform physical exams of the shoulder, elbow, wrist, knee, hip, etc. In the other practical class, Osteopathic Manual Treatment, I learned some techniques and treatment for relieving certain physical conditions. At times it has been difficult to see the connections between the classes but the material is clearly intertwined. One disappointment was the loss of cadaveric dissection due to some ventilation problems. The anatomy faculty developed other tools for learning but I think everyone hopes that there will be a solution to the lab soon. The high temperatures of late summer are over and most days it ranges between 70 and 80 degrees. There is no physical sign of fall or winter approaching except for a few brisk nights and the lights that glitter on homes and cacti. Oh – and the ten day vacation for Thanksgiving (well deserved, I might add!). Steven has joined me here and we plan to have a few southwest adventures. Yesterday we hiked up Camelback Mountain and we plan to visit Tucson for a couple of days. I hope that everyone reading this is well. Send me a note or message when you have time. I am busy, but it is always nice to hear from friends.

Resident Scorpion Eater

View from my Kitchen window

Camelback Mountain View

Final Exam preparations