White Coat

I've officially been a medical student for 2 days now. Initial impressions: We're going to have a lot of work to do. It's not bad yet, but it will get "worse" quickly. There's more to do than there could ever be time for, especially with the city tempting me with all it has to offer.

Well, that's not so bad. Our first classes have been an introduction to and/or review of cellular structures. I'm not a huge fan of cells -- I just don't find them interesting. I know I could gain a lot of potential enemies from that statement, but least I'm being honest! At any rate, I certainly realize that it's entirely necessary to understand the basics before we can get into more interesting stuff like systems and diseases, so I won't complain, at least not too much. Our first set of courses is comprised of histology (the study of microscopic structures), molecular and cellular foundations of medicine (basically genetics, biochemistry, etc.), and introduction to clinical medicine (learning how to take patient histories and things like that). We'll begin anatomy in October, once we've finished with histology.

Last night was our official induction into medical school: We had our white coat ceremony. This meant that we were all gathered into Robbins Auditorium with family and friends (including Andrew and Mom), and after speeches were given, Einstein alumni cloaked us in our brand new white coats, the symbol of the doctors we will become. Our coats are awesome; they have the Einstein patch, our embroidered names, and a lapel pin that says "Humanism in Medicine," something that is really important at Einstein and, in my opinion, in medicine as a whole.

White coat status: Received.

(Side note: I just took a break to go to an Italian bakery up the street with my friend Joanne. A few of us are making dinner together tonight, and Joanne volunteered to bring some dessert. Being a huge fan of all things Italian, I imposed my presence on her as she investigated the options. We are now in possession of 2 iced mochas, 4 chocolate cannoli, a giant slice of tiramisu, and an overflowing quart of cappuccino gelato.)

After the ceremony, there was a "cocktail reception" which was actually a giant tent filled with catered goodies. I had sushi, dumplings, and rice noodles, along with really fudgy brownies and wine. Einstein definitely treats its medical students (and their families) well. Here's to 4 years of excellence!

In other news, this past weekend was yet another chance to venture into Manhattan. As Andrew and I were walking from Rockefeller Center to his hotel, we happened to come suddenly upon St. Patrick's Cathedral. Its majestic spires of stone looked slightly out of place among the glass and steel of the nearby skyscrapers, but it was more beautiful for that. Inside, the large space was full of tourists and the familiar smell of incense, not unlike many of the churches I saw in Italy. I have this unreasonable desire to go to Mass at every church in New York City. I know there's next to no chance that I would ever be able to accomplish this, but it would certainly be an incredible experience. We'll see...

Slightly out of place, but ever the more awesome for that fact.