ABOUT

I often get asked why I started this blog. The main reason was to track my progress throughout my journey to medicine, as well as keep myself motivated. I realize that there are many others embarking on this wonderful journey who can relate with me.  There are many things  I am interested in outside of medicine, such as my faith and love for Jesus that define who I am. In addition, this blog is to shed light on all the other stuff that make up my life. I hope to motivate you regardless of the path you're currently on, as well as remind you to live, laugh, and love through it all.

❤

NOTE TO SELF #3

Keep working towards your goal. 

NOTE TO SELF #2

Do not give up, you've already gotten this far. 

WHAT IS A MEDICAL SCRIBE ?

What is a Medical Scribe? I get that question a lot, mostly by patients who are startled by my presence as I walk into the examination room with the physician. Medical Scribes, believe it or not, have become a growing profession in the medical field; allowing undergraduate students and hopeful medical school applicants like myself, to gain exposure while working alongside licensed providers. The main goal: increasing the efficiency of physician-patient interactions as well as "provide accurate and complete medico-legal documentation for medical providers " according to ScribeAmerica, one of many companies that provide medical scribe services for healthcare providers. Each company trains medical scribes to utilize an Electronic Medical Record (EMR) to document patient visits, which includes but is not limited to the history of present illness and reason for the visit. In addition, all medical staff and scribes must comply with a set of governmental criteria for each patient known as Meaningful Use, which includes the chief complaint, vital signs, height, weight, BMI, and smoking status. This information must be included in each patients chart, so double check with staff to make sure everything is in order. It is important to understand that as a scribe you are only responsible for documentation and observation of tasks. You are not allowed at any moment to take vital signs or touch the patient, that is the job of physicians, nurses, and medical assistants. 

During my gap year, I currently work as a part-time Urology Scribe at a private practice. After my application was reviewed, I was informed of my duties through lectures provided by the company including medical terminology, description of illnesses, case studies, and proper documentation for billing purposes.  After passing a final exam, I moved on to floor training where I was introduced to my assigned Urologist, his partners, and the rest of the medical staff. I'm not going to lie, the first month was difficult! In addition to the scribe duties mentioned, I also serve as the physician's translator. If you are bilingual (speaking English & Spanish)  make sure that you understand Spanish medical terminology! You do not want to disrupt the flow of the practice. To be honest, there were a few terms I didn't know how to translate so I would review a new set of terms each day before going to work, and I have improved significantly! 

You can become a scribe in your desired department such as the Emergency Room, Pediatrics, etc, as long as there is a physician in need of a scribe. Scribes are beneficial for the practice because they allow the physician to focus on the medical decision-making process.  The best part is creating relationships with the medical staff. There is so much to learn from them, it's like getting paid to shadow! 

So if you are interested in becoming a medical scribe, here is a list of companies that are hiring! Click on the company you are interested in below!

ScribeAmerica

Proscribes

Elite Medical Scribes 

American Scribes 

PhysAssist Scribes 

CEP America 

DIFFERENT ROUTES, SAME DESTINATION.

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"Stop crying, take a shower, pray, and study one more time". Words of wisdom from my boyfriend during video chat today. Why was he telling me this? I had a mental breakdown when studying for the MCAT. Well actually, I was doing a full length (FL) practice test that I had purchased from the AAMC and I felt like I couldn't understand some of the CHEM/PHYS passages. So I broke down and cried. A lot.  Honestly the MCAT is so exhausting. There are days when I'm scoring so well on practice passages and then there are days that are not so peachy. But hey, it's part of the learning process right? In the midst of tears, snot, and a series of hyperventilations later I began to rant. I ranted on and on, about how I wasn't good enough to get into medical school, and compared myself to other premeds and non-traditional premeds on social media, and those I knew personally. I created this idea in my head that I was least likely to get a seat at ANY medical school. However, I was reminded that I am my own person, and as such my journey will be different from others! I'm not the only one who wants to go to medical school and become a doctor! A whole bunch people want the same dream! Yet, we must  remember that although our destinations are the same, our routes are different. Who cares if *insert premed here* is doing groundbreaking research at a prestigious facility. Make sure you set yourself apart in a unique way! Others' experiences don't define you. Go out there and make your own. Study for whatever exam you're studying for at your own pace, and in a way that helps you understand the information. I've had to learn a lot of this the hard way. Assess your strengths and weaknesses and strive to be better than you were yesterday. Each day there is room for improvement. So grab some tissue, wipe your eyes, and blow your nose. Tomorrow is a new day. 

NOTE TO SELF #1

 Take a deep breath, it isn't the end of the world.  

EACH NEW DAY IS A BATTLE

Ok so here I am. Sharing with all of you my excitement and fear of retaking the MCAT. For those of you who do not know, MCAT stands for Medical College Admissions Test and it determines whether you become the doctor your parents always wanted you to marry. Well... not exactly. Hearing the word MCAT usually frightens most pre-meds and non- traditional premeds trying to achieve their dream of becoming a physician. As of 2015, the exam has gotten a little makeover which now includes three extra subjects: Sociology, Psychology, and Biochemistry in addition to the previous subjects such as General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biology, Physics, and a Critical Reasoning section (CARS).  I won't talk too much about the specifics, just check out aamc.org for more info. Right now I'm going to be sharing with you all why I am giving the MCAT a second chance. The first time I sat for the exam was April of 2016 and I was a month away from graduation. I was trying to do so many things at once while also finding time to study. During my last semester of undergrad I was swamped by my responsibilities as a science tutor, volunteering at a local hospital, and being president of a club. On top of that there personal issues at home really made everything harder to balance. So how in the world was I able to find time to study for the MCAT?!  I received my scores a month later, and the results were so terrifying my chances of going to medical school were slim to none. Looking back a year later, I should have listened to my professors who begged me not to take the exam until after graduation. I knew I wasn't prepared yet I still took the exam anyway. The MCAT is not to be taken lightly, it is a very dense and time consuming exam and as such you need to prepare for it accordingly.  Ever since my MCAT I have been doing my best to study. now I am able to evaluate my strengths and weaknesses and understand the material at hand, but honestly it's not all sunshine and daises. There are some days where I feel like giving up. But I won't. I must keep working hard to get to where I want to be, and push out all the negativity in my head. Each new day brings its new battles but if you work hard enough, I assure you,you will see improvements on your practice exams. Strive to be better than you were yesterday. Your only competition is yourself.

Meme motivation!