Makeup, Lattes, and Medicine

Now that you have some idea of what you want to write about (see Tip #8 for more specifics of picking topics), it is time to focus on what to expect from the drafting process. If you saw Tip #8, write a couple of drafts each with your outlines at least and then really focus on one of them. You can always return to the other drafts later if you need.

There is a lot of work you can do leading up to writing your personal statement. One of my biggest mistakes was starting in April on my personal statement. Along those same lines, I also started with the experiences I wanted to mention and worked backwards to construct my statement. I wouldn't suggest this either.

Here are some steps you should do before constructing your first draft of your personal statement.

1.  Look up about 10-12 interview question pertaining to why you want to be a doctor and your goals. Here are some examples from Princeton review. These will help you narrow down your topic and exactly what motivates you to apply. The more detailed the better.
2.  Go through all of your answers and write what made you come to these conclusions. 
3. Pick the main reason you want to go into medicine and flesh out every opinion, thought, and story that lead you to this reason. This also includes points that made you continue to be premed as well after you discovered this reason.
4.  Narrow down what is most important from that list to your interest in being a physician. Find stories from your life that demonstrate these points.
5. Now that you have an idea of what you want to get across, decide the style you would like to write your personal statement in. Is it best to do it in chronological order? Do you have a central theme to your list of important experiences that needs to be in a certain order?
6. Make an outline of exactly what you want your first draft to look like.
7. Now go through steps 3 through 6 again with another reason from your answers in 2 until you have several outlines you can work with.
8. Leave your work for awhile to give yourself time to think and add to what you have done.

I have had many people ask what I use in my first 2 years of medical school. To be honest, looking back, my strategy at the beginning is completely different than what it is now.  I am writing this post as more of a reflection of what I wish I had at the beginning of the year and things that I was so thankful that I had. Now, I had clinic once a week during second year of medical school, which is sometimes referenced below.

1. Mac Book
I write all my notes in Word now so a MacBook was essential for me. I will be writing another post on how I stayed organized and wrote my notes so fear not. Not only did I use my MacBook for writing notes, but I also used it to take my exams. My school uses Examplify for all of our exams, which is easier to use on a laptop in my opinion. I prefer Apple products, but any laptop will do.

2. Ipad with Apple Pencil
This was a later purchase for me, but I found I was so much better about reviewing my notes and studying once I got it. I purchased my IPad Pro when I was in the middle of anatomy, and I was so thankful! I am a visual learner so it was easier to draw on my notes in color and see photos with it. I utilize Notability on my Ipad to keep me organized, and Excel to keep track of what I review. If you are a visual learner, I highly recommend.

3. A Good Pair of Headphones
I was so thankful to have a good pair of headphones. I could drone out friends but still study together. I could also study at more coffee shops this way.

4. Professional Clothes with Deep Pockets
There are so many occasions where you need to be dressed professionally. Clinic, standardized patient interviews, patient presentations, etc. are all events you need professional clothes for. I would recommend going and finding several outfits that will work. Also, you actually don't wear your white coat too often. That being said, as a woman, the small little pockets that often come in women's clothes aren't enough. You need to carry your notebook, phone, stethoscope, a snack, etc and you don't want a bag to get in the way. Pieces with pockets are a plus.

5. Medical Equipment
I wrote a post about medical equipment not too long ago. You can check it out here. Definitely get a stethoscope, a reflex hammer, and a pen light. You will definitely need a stethoscope for clinic, but it is good to have the other two just in case.

6. A Notebook and Pens
A small notebook that you can tear pages out of is a must. I use a Muji one that is great. The reason I say one that you can tear pages out of is that after awhile, you will be taking down patient info for presentations and writing notes. Once you are done with using the info, you need to shred the pages as it has personal information on them (don't forget about HIPPA). Also, have at least 2-3 pens on you. I have lost many a pen because a senior physician/resident/intern has borrowed mine and taken it. You looked prepared and ready if you give then your pen to use, but at the same time, it is easy to lose them that way.

Oops! I took a 3 year long break. My bad guys, but I promise it was worth it. I just wrapped up my 3rd year of medical school in May, and now, I feel like I have gained so much valuable information to help you guys make decisions. This whole post is about medical equipment, which for my school, was a huge stressor for the incoming classes as you don't really know what you need and what you don't. Let's break it down.
Once you have been accepted and as orientation approaches, your school will most likely send you a huge list of equipment for upcoming courses, like your interviewing and physical exam courses, to use on standardized patients and the like. Some of it is not surprising, but other pieces of equipment can be confusing in terms of what exact model and type to buy. Now, I am basing most of this post on my school's list, so your school might have more or less things for you to buy. Below I describe the options that were given so if you have similar options, you know what you are looking at. Then, I will break down what I actually used and recommend you get, what I used but should be optional, and what is not useful to get.

WHAT MY OPTIONS WERE

List of things I was required to buy:

• Stethoscope
• Ophthalmoscope/Otoscope (also called a diagnostic set) 
• Reflex hammer
• Tuning fork (128 and 512 Hertz)
• Pocket penlight

Interview day can be really nerve racking. My first interview was in August, and I spent so much time prepping for it.  Here are some tips to get you through the interview season.

1. How to Prep Your Answers
Google questions (all types including ethical dilemmas) and make a huge spreadsheet of them. I think I went through at least 200 unique questions. Go through each question and write your responses. I would try to keep your questions to ~2 minutes. During the interview, you will probably talk more so you don't want to talk for too long. Once you have all your answers, let someone else read them and critique them. After you have finished editing, practice asking and answering these questions with yourself with and without looking at the answers you have written. You don't want to be too well rehearsed, but you don't want to fumble answering questions. Now, get someone else to do practice interviews with you. I skyped with my parents 5-10 times before my first interview to practice, and I let them pick questions to ask so I didn't know ahead of time. I think it prepared me well for many of the interviews.
***See PDF for sample questions and sample mock interview*****
2. Do Your Research on the School
Memorize as much as you can about the school you are interviewing at. Know your stuff in terms of if they have special programs that would be a great fit for you, unique opportunities they offer their students, etc. When you know more, you can ask more intelligent questions about the school and make a better impression. Always have prepared why you want to attend that specific school. It will be asked, and you better have a good answer. I would say 2-3 pages of notes per school is a good range for information. Also, do your research on how interview day is set up in terms of schedule, how many interviews, and the style of interview. You might have to go to blogs for this info.
3. Do Your Research on the Healthcare System
You will be going into healthcare so learn as much as you can about the current system and form detailed opinions on where you want it to go. You never know when they want you to give your opinion on something. Also, look up state specific legislation especially when going to interview at a state school. I was asked a few times my opinions on the ACA and other aspects of healthcare.
4. Prepare Questions For Your Interviewer
Have at least 3 ready for each interview. Use your research to come up with specific questions and ones that sound genuine.
5. Look at other applicants
Who the school brings in for interviews is really telling and can help you describe what makes you unique. Usually, there is plenty of time in between info sessions, tours, and the interviews to talk to other applicants. For example, look if all the other applicants are in state or took gap years because then you might want to make sure in your interview you incorporate why you want to attend a school in this state or why you did/did not take a gap year
6. Professional Wear
Suits are the way to go. I got a pant suit and a pretty flowery blouse. I wouldn't listen to the "no pattern" rule some websites spout, but be tasteful with it. I bought my suit from Macy's and loafers for shoes because you will do a bit of walking on tours and things. Bring a padfolio with you in case you need to take notes. Wear a watch because your phone should be off throughout interview day. I also brough business cards and a resume, but I never needed them.
7. Make yourself stand out
Find something cool you do, and if given the opportunity, talk about it. No one likes a boring interview. I sculpt a little on the side and brought photos of my work. I also brought photos of the research project I was working on. Interviewers loved seeing my photos.
8. Thank You Letters
Right after your interview, write some notes about what you talked about. On your way home, get some thank you cards or email thank yous to your interviewers. It is nice to do, and some schools note if you have sent them. Mine were brief and were specific to why I liked the school and enjoyed some of the topics of conversation. Don't try to sell yourself in them. Your interviewer most likely already filled out your evaluation so it would be pointless and off putting. I also know some friends that sent thank yous to the dean of admission. Those thank yous should be longer and more directed to why you like the school, what you enjoyed during interview day, and why you are a great fit.

Now, here are some tips for planning the trips itself.
1. Host vs No Host
Many of the schools have hosts that you can say with during your interview. Now, some pros to hosts is that you can ask them questions and get insight to what the school is really like, but for me, I found that I didn't get a good night sleep, and I was more anxious. I opted to stay in a hotel most of the time rather than with a host.
2. Essentials
Invest in a handheld steamer so if there is any wrinkles you can fix it.
Bring Advil and any other medication with you. I definitely needed to get Advil during the interview day due to headaches.
Wet wipes, stain removers, etc are great because you never know what will happen. One tour made us walk through mud, and I needed wipes to remove all the gross mud from my shoes.
Don't check your bag if you have anything for interview day in it, especially your suit. You don't want something happening to it.
3. Plan Your Transportation Ahead of Time and Check for Service
Now, most likely, not all of your interviews will be in major cities. Plan your transportation ahead of time, whether that be Supershuttle or another service, because you might not have cell service for an Uber or Lift. Heck, you might not have service at all to check on your ride. I almost got stranded in Iowa when I didn't have service and had to ask the lady in the admission office to use her phone.
4. Check with the school for luggage storage
Some schools let you store luggage at interview day, which is so helpful if you need to check out of hotels early. Make sure to ask if they don't tell you.
5. Find some good food in the area
Interview day lunch is usually sandwiches or cold so plan a good dinner for yourself because you deserve it after a long interview day.
6. Save money
Sign up for a Southwest account (or whatever airline you need to use) to earn points for free flights. I also used Ebates when buying hotel rooms to get cash back.

I would say during an average week, no matter how busy I am, I try to squeeze in, at least, a couple of episodes of TV a week. I am a binge watcher by far, and at my best, I can finish a season in a day.  But because I watch so much, I am always on the hunt for new shows. That being said, I thought I would give you all my list of shows I recommend you watch. All are enjoyable, but there are definitely stand outs. Most of what I watch are dramas, crime, or action. It is very rare for me to find a comedy that I am into.

Now, without giving any spoilers away in my brief opinions, here is the list of 25 TV shows worth watching, in no particular order, with a link to the IMDB webpage so you can check out trailers/synopsis.

1. Game of Thrones- IMDB Storyline: "Nine noble families fight for control over the mythical lands of Westeros, while a forgotten race returns after being dormant for thousands of years." Link to IMDB
   I feel this is self explanatory. If you are not watching Game of Thrones already, you are missing out.
2. Gilmore Girls-  IMDB Storyline: "A dramedy centering around the relationship between a thirtysomething single mother and her teen daughter living in Stars Hollow, Connecticut." Link to IMDB
   Drama that doesn't feel disingenuous. I love the writing of this show and feel the story is realistic and entertaining. I still get in debates with my friends over this show and have watched it 3 times all the way through. Don't even get me started on my opinions of the revival Netflix did of this show.
3. Narcos -  IMDB Storyline: "A chronicled look at the criminal exploits of Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar, as well as the many other drug kingpins who plagued the country through the years." Link to IMDB
   Now there are a lot of subtitles, which can be a turn off to some, but because of my days watching anime, they don't bother me. I love the history element of the show and the narration. I can't wait till the next season.
4. Riverdale - IMDB Storyline: "A subversive take on Archie and his friends, exploring small town life, the darkness and weirdness bubbling beneath Riverdale's wholesome facade."Link to IMDB
    Some of the content I am a little wtf why was that necessary, but the actors did a FANTASTIC job brings the comic book characters to life, and I love the last few episodes of the season. I am about to watch the first season for the third time.
5. The Night Shift-  IMDB Storyline: "A group of doctors from the Army return to work the night shift at a hospital in San Antonio."Link to IMDB
   The continuity between seasons is an issue with this series, but I like the medicine aspect of the drama and the fact that has funny elements. You start to love the characters, and I look forward to watching it every week.
6. Stranger Things-  IMDB Storyline: "When a young boy disappears, his mother, a police chief, and his friends must confront terrifying forces in order to get him back." Link to IMDB
   This was my binge watch of last summer. Loved how unique the story was and the mystery involved. Definitely check out if you love suspense.
7. The 100-  IMDB Storyline:" Set 97 years after a nuclear war has destroyed civilization, when a spaceship housing humanity's lone survivors sends 100 juvenile delinquents back to Earth in hopes of possibly re-populating the planet." Link to IMDB
   So much action in this series and so much happens in a season. I like the fact that there is the element of survival to this series. Every season has a new thing to look out for.
8. GLOW - IMDB Storyline: "A look at the personal and professional lives of a group of women who perform for a wrestling organization in Los Angeles."Link to IMDB
   This is freaking hilarious. It is rare for me to watch a TV show that makes me laugh out loud. Netflix hit it out of the park with this one in terms of story and cast. Can't wait for the next season. 
9. Westworld - IMDB Storyline: "Set at the intersection of the near future and the reimagined past, explore a world in which every human appetite, no matter how noble or depraved, can be indulged without consequence."  Link to IMDB
   Now, this series has a slow start, but be patient and pay attention. The ending of the season sure makes up for it. 
10. Shameless- IMDB Storyline: "An alcoholic man lives in a perpetual stupor while his six children with whom he lives cope as best they can."  Link to IMDB
    I love this series because, just as you think things are getting better, the drama hits once again for the Gallaghers, and you are sucked back into watching. 
11. Orange is the New Black- IMDB Storyline: "Convicted of a decade old crime of transporting drug money to an ex-girlfriend, normally law abiding Piper Chapman is sentenced to a year and a half behind bars to face the reality of how life changing prison can really be." Link to IMDB
    Part of my love for this show stems from the exceptional female cast. They do a great job showing diversity in characters and acting. Every season I binge watch, and I think this is the best way to watch this show.
12. Sense8- IMDB Storyline:" A group of people around the world are suddenly linked mentally, and must find a way to survive being hunted by those who see them as a threat to the world's order." Link to IMDB
    This show is beautiful to watch. The cinematography is fantastic. I also like the fact that Netflix brought new types of characters to the table compared to most TV shows. Now, the first season's plot is a little weak, but you grow to love the characters.
13. Breaking Bad- IMDB Storyline: "A high school chemistry teacher diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer turns to manufacturing and selling methamphetamine in order to secure his family's future." Link to IMDB
    Again, such a unique plotline. The end was a little predictable, but I enjoyed the evolution of the characters over time.
14. Criminal Minds- IMDB Storyline: " The cases of the FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU), an elite group of profilers who analyze the nation's most dangerous serial killers and individual heinous crimes in an effort to anticipate their next moves before they strike again." Link to IMDB
    This is a tried and true show that, no matter what, you can always rewatch episodes and still enjoy. Although the content can be twisted and make you worry about leaving your house, it is always my go-to when I am stumped on what to watch. I am proud to say I have seen every episode so far of the 12 seasons.
15. Call the Midwife- IMDB Storyline: "Chronicles the lives of a group of midwives living in East London in the late 1950s to early 1960s." Link to IMDB
    I love the period dramas that the UK has been making, and this is one of my favorites. It is refreshing to see the relationship between the characters and differences between time periods in terms of medicine, even if it is fiction.
16. Sherlock- IMDB Storyline: "A modern update finds the famous sleuth and his doctor partner solving crime in 21st century London." Link to IMDB
    Sherlock episodes are long, like movie long, which is why there are only 3 episodes a season. The seasons take forever to come out as well, but you will be thoroughly invested in the show trying to figure out who committed the crime and what is going through Sherlock's head.
17. United States of Tara- IMDB Storyline: " A woman struggles to find a balance between her dissociative identity disorder and raising a dysfunctional family."  Link to IMDB
    It has been way too long since I watched this show, probably since I was in high school. I like the fact that it is different, and I think the actress that plays Tara does a great job.
18. 13 Reasons Why- IMDB Storyline: "Follows teenager Clay Jensen, in his quest to uncover the story behind his classmate and crush, Hannah, and her decision to end her life." Link to IMDB
    Now, there is a lot of controversy surrounding this show whether they went too far. I think the actors did a great job, and the story is intense. There were some scenes that I couldn't watch because they were so intense, but I think that the message is important. Definitely worth watching.
19. The Handmaid's Tale-  IMDB Storyline: "Set in a dystopian future, a woman is forced to live as a concubine under a fundamentalist theocratic dictatorship." Link to IMDB
    Boy, is this show intense, and I think people can see parallels with where Trump's America is going. There are also so many details to this show that make it so much better than expected. The costumes and visuals are great, and I can't wait till season 2.
20. Suits- IMDB Storyline: " On the run from a drug deal gone bad, Mike Ross, a brilliant college-dropout, finds himself a job working with Harvey Specter, one of New York City's best lawyers." Link to IMDB
    Suits has been out for awhile, and as the series goes on, some story line elements get a little tiresome, but the characters always make it worth watching. This is the show I put on if I am doing something else at the same time and just need something to watch. For that reason, I always return for the next season.
21. Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.- IMDB Storyline: " The missions of the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division." Link to IMDB
    I am so disappointed in IMDB's description of this show. If you don't know what the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement, and Logistics Division is, it is an organization in the Marvel universe (Universe of the Avengers, Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, etc) that helps individuals with special powers and keeps the world safe from evil forces. I think it would be hard to watch if you haven't seen any Marvel movies, but if you have, I think its worth checking out.
22. Downton Abbey- IMDB Storyline: "A chronicle of the lives of the British aristocratic Crawley family and their servants in the early 20th Century." Link to IMDB
    This shows wit is above and beyond. The dialogue is excellent, and the plot moves quickly. I never thought I would say a show is elegantly written and produced, but this one is.
23. Reign- IMDB Storyline: " Mary, Queen of Scots, faces political and sexual intrigue in the treacherous world of the French court." Link to IMDB
    To be honest, I only watched Reign because I needed something to watch to substitute for Game of Thrones while I waited for the new season. I was quite pleased with this show and loved how strong of a character Mary turned into. I definitely binged most of this series.
24. Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra (Two shows you need to watch together)- IMDB Storyline for Avatar: The Last Airbender: "In a war-torn world of elemental magic, a young boy reawakens to undertake a dangerous mystic quest to fulfill his destiny as the Avatar, and bring peace to the world." Link to IMDB
    IMDB Storyline for The Legend of Korra: "Avatar Korra fights to keep Republic City safe from the evil forces of both the physical and spiritual worlds." Link to IMDB
    Yes, these are technically kids' shows. I would say that they are kid friendly, but the story line is more enjoyable for adults because some of the plot lines and concepts are geared more towards teens and older. Avatar: The Last Airbender is excellent, and the writers put  so much work in making Aang (the Avatar) and other characters become strong, wise, respectable people that I continue to watch it for the character growth and story. Also, as an fyi, don't watch the M. Night Shyamalan's Avatar: The Last Airbender. It's terrible, and brings shame to this whole series.
    Now, Korra is the sequel to Avatar: The Last Airbender and is set a generation afterwards. Korra, in the beginning, is bratty, but again, they incorporated great character growth, and she gains so much wisdom. Also, the end to the series is revolutionary in terms of kids' TV.
25. Dear White People- IMDB Storyline:"  At a predominantly white Ivy League college, a diverse group of students navigate various forms of racial and other types of discrimination." Link to IMDB
    I think Netflix did a good job with this one, especially for this topic as so much of the time the point is skewed to misrepresent the issue. The cast is strong and the scenes look amazing. Definitely looking forward to season 2.