Jun
30
definitely a tool
Filed Under gadgets, medicine, school | Leave a Comment
While at school yesterday, one of my classmates showed me a new piece of technology . . . yes, it was a gadget. However, this gadget is different than many gadgets as it can actually be justified for me in my future profession. Call it a tool, if you will. Let’s start with a handy little program that I’ve been told over and over is absolutely essential when practicing medicine. It is a program called Epocrates. This little program fits on a PDA and provides drug information, drug interaction information, and if you get the subscription it has a clinical consult section. From what I understand, it is an incredibly powerful program which aids the physician in covering all the bases. Next, there is the fact that physicians carry all kinds of “tools” with them as they are going about their workday. Stethoscope, reflex hammer, cell phone, and of course (to carry Epocrates) a PDA in addition to many other items.
To cut down on the weight and clutter of all these items . . . it would be ideal to combine as many of them as possible. The phone and PDA have been combined for a while . . . first with the palm and the add-on phone adapter . . . then, more effectively by the Palm Treo. Now, I believe the best combination yet . . . the HTC Touch. On their website they tout, “The world’s first touch phone.” The press release on HTC’s website stated, “The HTC Touchâ„¢ is now available [June 5, 2007] in the United Kingdom and will be released later this month in Asia [June 12, 2007] and throughout Europe. The North and Latin American version of the HTC Touchâ„¢ will be available in the second half of 2007.” Since yesterday was the widely anticipated Iphone release . . . I guess they beat them. I’d have to say that the Iphone is a watered-down version of the Touch. Plus it has Windows Mobile® 6 Professional . . . so you can add products like Epocrates and anything else your heart desires. The features are rich and the interface is the most usable I’ve ever seen. I’m not an expert on gadgets . . . but I do love them, and this one impresses the socks off me! It’s certainly on my “must get before I start clinical rotations” wish list.
My friend got his on St. Maarten for ~$600. I found one online at 1ShopMobile.com for $489. That’ll save you a little chunk of change.
Jun
19
healthy body
Filed Under happiness, life, school, thoughts, trials | Leave a Comment
Wow! What a day. I had another round of exams today. It wasn’t pretty, but I’m getting through. I’m currently taking Pathology, Pharmacology, and Physical Diagnosis. Pathology and Pharmacology are both very difficult classes due to the shear volume of material I’m expected to internalize within a three week period of time, (the length of our blocks). Physical Diagnosis is a bit easier for me as it’s a little more hands on. It adds another mode of learning for me that I feel comes a bit easier than gleaning all my knowledge from a book. The classes have been very interesting. I’ve learned a lot, but have struggled at times with the tremendous amount of tiny details, (but I guess that’s why I grow in knowledge). The big picture has become more and more clear as my time in basic sciences has progressed. The human body is truly an amazing thing. I marvel at the way it is able to, when functioning normally, maintain our temperature, pH, and all the other inter-environmental factors in line as we go throughout our daily lives . . . not giving two thoughts to our breathing . . . or our heart beating, etc. Truly spectacular! It really makes me grateful to be healthy.
Jun
11
misc hello
Filed Under emily, hannah, happiness, thoughts, weather | Leave a Comment
Another beautiful day in the Caribbean! Over the past several weeks, I’ve been saying that to myself at least once a day while looking out over the ocean from our patio. The weather has become a bit warmer during the day, but it usually cools down as the sun ducks behind Mt. Scenery. The clouds are starting to produce a bit of lightning and thunder. The sky, ocean, and view are just breathtaking! I still find it hard to believe I live in the Caribbean. I’ve certainly become accustomed to this simple, slow-paced lifestyle in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. It will be hard to leave.
This semester has certainly taken its toll on me so far . . . and I’m only five weeks into it. I’m completely overwhelmed by two of my classes . . . Pathology and Pharmacology. The good thing is that Emily has dedicated herself to helping me learn the endless list of drugs, their applications, side effects, and all the other minutia required by the curriculum. I’ve really enjoyed having her help me study. It reminds me of when we worked at our wedding gown store together. I love spending time with my wife! Anyway, it’s really been helping me remember the drugs as I have someone to which I can explain the mechanisms etc. Studying with her has also freed up a bit of my time as my studying has become more efficient.
Hannah is growing faster than ever! She’s about 10.5 months old. She’s got two teeth visible on the bottom, and two on the top that have recently broken the surface. They’re not quite visible without close inspection. She’s not yet walking . . . but she’s getting close. She pulls herself up on anything she crawls up to . . . the couch, chairs, the wall, and even our sliding glass door. (That’s one of my favorites!) When she pulls herself up to the chairs around the table, she likes to yank on them and move them around. She doesn’t move them very far, but she gets the most triumphant look on her face . . . kinda like, “Look Dad, I’ve just moved the house!” She’s added so much joy and depth to our lives. I can’t imagine not having her in our family.
Well, that’s about all the free time I have today. From the Caribbean . . . smile!