The Wait is Over...I'm Back!

Long time, no see! Whew...a LOT has happened since the last time I saw you guys.

To start, I am thrilled to share that I got into medical school and am officially in my second year already, which feels surreal! The transition to medical school was quite hectic, filled with a whirlwind of experiences that shaped my journey in ways I never anticipated. My first year was particularly intense, as so many things happened that I found myself completely consumed by the demands of studying that the only thing I had energy for was sleep. The rigorous coursework, combined with the pressure of exams, and the adjustment to a new environment, left little room for anything else in my life. I often joke about it being "traumaticccc," but in all seriousness, it was a significant period of growth and learning...albeit a challenging one. Now that I have successfully passed M1, which includes T1 and T2, and I am currently navigating through M2 T4 (it’s honestly still crazy to say that I’m here), I feel a renewed sense of energy and purpose. This transition into my second year has provided me with a clearer perspective on what it means to be a medical student. I wanted to take this opportunity to get back on here and talk to you all about this intricate process, the various stigmas I have encountered along the way, and hopefully spark some important conversations that can benefit not just myself, but others who are on a similar path. In my first year, I faced numerous challenges that many medical students can relate to, such as the feeling of isolation, the pressure to perform at a high level, and the constant comparison to peers. It’s so easy to feel overwhelmed and question your abilities. The stigma surrounding mental health in the medical field is particularly daunting; there is often an unspoken expectation to maintain a façade of perfection and resilience, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy and stress. By sharing my experiences, I hope to shed light on these issues and encourage open discussions about the importance of mental well-being in this demanding field. As I continue through M2, I am eager to explore these topics more deeply and connect with others who have similar experiences. It’s crucial to create a supportive community where we can share our struggles, triumphs, and everything in between. Through this platform, I aim to foster dialogue that not only addresses the stigmas we face but also highlights the importance of self-care, camaraderie, and understanding in our journey to becoming compassionate and competent healthcare professionals.

I ultimately decided to attend a medical school in the Caribbean! This choice was not made lightly, as it involved moving a staggering 3,500 miles away from home, leaving behind the familiar comforts of my family and friends, and embarking on a new chapter of my life in a completely different country. The decision was both exhilarating and terrifying, as I was stepping into the unknown, far from my roots in Arizona. This was my first experience living in a place other than my home state (and country), and it marked the beginning of a profound journey of personal growth and self-discovery. The initial days were filled with a mix of excitement and anxiety, as I navigated the challenges of being completely alone in a foreign environment. Early in my first term, I quickly realized the critical importance of mental health in this new and demanding setting. The intensity of medical school, combined with the stress of adapting to a new culture, and the pressure to fit in, pushed me to prioritize my well-being. I made the decision to seek out professional help and began attending therapy sessions, which provided me with the tools to manage my emotions and cope with the pressures of my studies, my own personal ailments, and ultimately prioritize me for once. I also became very intentional with my time, learning to listen closely to my body and mind to understand what I truly needed. This included recognizing when to study hard and when to take a break, as well as establishing firm boundaries to protect my personal space and mental peace. As I progressed into my second term, I was fortunate enough to discover a strong support system on this beautiful island. The friendships I forged became a lifeline, providing me with encouragement and camaraderie that significantly enhanced my experience here. These connections have been invaluable, as they have helped me navigate the ups and downs of medical school, reminding me that I am not alone in this journey. Reflecting on my first year, I can confidently say that it was a transformative period filled with challenges that pushed me to grow in ways I never anticipated. As I began my second year in June, I was met with a plethora of changes and adjustments in many areas, that I am currently working on and through. Each day presents new opportunities to refine my study habits, enhance my time management skills, and deepen my understanding of the curriculum...while also prioritizing my relationships, taking care of my mental and physical health, and just enjoying life. I am committed to continuing this journey of growth, embracing the lessons that come my way, and remaining open to the experiences that lie ahead. My time in the Caribbean so far has not only shaped my academic pursuits, but has also profoundly impacted my personal development, teaching me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of community.

As you know from entering my cutesy, pink little blog, I am pursuing a career in forensic pathology! It’s an exciting and challenging journey that I’m thrilled to share with you. Prior to starting medical school, I was aware that there was limited knowledge and understanding of the field of pathology in general, but even more so when it comes to forensic pathology. This particular branch of medicine has been surrounded by a veil of mystery and misunderstanding. It seems that this stigma has only increased over time, and forensic pathology has almost become a taboo subject in many circles. This growing misconception weighs heavily on my mind, and it’s one of the primary reasons I felt compelled to return to this page, revamp it a bit, and start opening up dialogues surrounding forensic pathology. I believe it’s essential to shed light on the beauty it holds, the profound impact it has on society, and the truths behind the specialty, truths that often get overshadowed by sensationalized portrayals in media. Forensic pathology is not just about examining bodies; it’s about seeking justice for those who can no longer speak for themselves. It involves meticulous work and collaboration with law enforcement. Moreover, the work of forensic pathologists can have a ripple effect, influencing public health policies, improving safety regulations, and even contributing to advancements in medical science. It’s a field that combines science with ethics, compassion, and a commitment to uncovering the truth, which I find incredibly inspiring. As I embark on this journey, I hope to create a space where we can discuss the realities of forensic pathology, dispel common myths, and highlight the dedication and expertise required to excel in this field. I want to celebrate this field and those who work tirelessly behind the scenes and emphasize the importance of their contributions to society.

I am so excited to be back and start creating content again after this hiatus! The excitement to start sharing my journey again and opening up these conversations has been building up! I am also hopeful to include video content as well, which I believe will allow for a more dynamic and engaging way to connect with you all. To stay updated, make sure you follow me on my socials linked on this page! Your support means the world to me, and I am eager to share this journey with you.

This was a very brief-ish recap of the past year-ish, and I hope you enjoyed this quick read. In the coming weeks and months, I plan to provide much more in-depth information about my medical school journey thus far. This will include sharing my personal experiences, the challenges I've faced, and the lessons I've learned along the way. Additionally, I want to address the stereotypes and stigmas that I have encountered and overheard simply because I am attending a medical school in the Caribbean. These perceptions can often be misleading, and I believe it’s important to shed light on the realities of my experience to foster a better understanding of the diverse paths that aspiring medical professionals can take.

Moreover, I am excited to open up conversations surrounding forensic pathology, a field that fascinates me deeply. I plan to discuss various aspects of this specialty, including its significance in the medical field, the types of cases forensic pathologists typically work on, and the skills required to excel in this area. I hope to provide insights that will not only educate but also spark interest in this intriguing branch of medicine.

Of course, I also intend to sprinkle in some light-hearted and fun content along the way! Life as a medical student can be intense and demanding, but it’s essential to find moments of joy and humor amidst the hard work. I look forward to sharing some of my favorite moments and perhaps a few amusing anecdotes that highlight the lighter side of my journey. Thank you for joining me on this adventure, and I can’t wait to share more with you soon!

What do you want to hear about next?

• My in-depth M1 journey (whew)
• Thoughts and breaking stigmas on Caribbean medical schools!
• Information and opening dialogue on forensic pathology
• Other (please feel free to email about your request!)

Pretty post-exam view :')