Reflecting in paradise

People find it strange when I tell them that I was looking forward to coming back to Saba... I really started to built my life here, calling it my home (away from home) and getting back into my school, study, eat, run, sleep routine. I've settled here and I love the experience... it's my paradise.

Since being back I've had my mind set on some school specific goals. My mom sent me an email a few weeks ago about reflecting on the past year and moving forward. It's a list of things from David Allen, the founder of "GTD: getting things done". An organization which talks about ways in managing your life the way you want to. He has some great ideas if you feel in reflective/goal setting mood. Anyways, I wanted to share his questions for the new year with you....

• What would you like to be your biggest triumph in 2012?
• graduate from the basic science program at Saba feeling that I have tried my best and feeling satisfied with my efforts for this part of my medical school journey.
• What advice would you like to give yourself in 2012?
• "when you think you've reached your maximum potential, you haven't. Keep pushing."
• What is the major effort you are planning to improve your financial results in 2012?
• hahaha. Try to stay as much out of my loan as possible. Student living is a pretty big priority
• What would you be most happy about completing in 2012?
• well I think this one goes along with the biggest triumph but I also would be ecstatic to finish a half marathon (one of the goals I've set for myself - will be running in October if all goes well!)
• What major indulgence are you willing to experience in 2012?
• traveling. Traveling is my addicting fascination. I love immersing myself into a different culture and experiencing different ways of life. I think it's an essential opportunity to learn about interacting with people and opening up to understanding the world. (I know this is a vague answer but I am thinking of doing a post after exams about traveling and what it really means to me -- I've been thinking about it quite a bit lately)
• What would you most like to change about yourself in 2012?
• become more aware of my surroundings and less clumsy in day to day tasks - I think they go hand in hand haha. I think I will keep the more personal ones to myself :)
• What are you looking forward to learning in 2012?
• integrating all my science knowledge with clinical diagnosis. I'm loving the application side of medicine!
• What do you think your biggest risk will be in 2012?
• hmmm. I think I will substitute risk with challenge. Soooo that will definitely constitute of taking the USMLE Step 1 test which will determine the rest of my life. Not scary at all, right? 
• What about your work are you most committed to changing and improving in 2012?
• more efficient study habits. I'm definitely getting the hang of "smart studying" but there is still a lot of work to be done.
• What is one as yet undeveloped talent you are willing to explore in 2012?
• I love the sound of an acoustic guitar but I don't come from a musical family so as a kid I grew up with sports and physical activity rather than music. I've given up on singing (trust me that's a good thing!) but maybe playing the guitar will be a thing I can try?
• What brings you the most joy and how are you going to do or have more of that in 2012?
• pursuing my dream...
• Who or what, other than yourself, are you most committed to loving and serving in 2012?
• 2012 will be about being selfish. Yes, I know this sounds like the 'wrong' thing to say but for those of you who know me will probably agree that it is a good thing. I've always been the type of person to go out of my way to help someone out - even if it interfered with some of my plans - so this year I am dedicating myself to myself. I need to focus on my goals... this one is going to be tough.
• What one word would you like to have as your theme in 2012?
• Passion. (strength and motivation with a pinch of zeal.)

Your turn to start thinking.

Think with your heart

I've been working on a more reflective post but until I wrap my head around how I want to phrase it I thought I'd share this interesting art work.

Take it as is. Intriguingly ugly-beautiful is the way I can think of describing it. Tristan des Limbes is an artist from Paris, France.

see for yourself

I wonder what the message really is...

I owe you - Responding to comments

First off, I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who has kept up/ discovered my blog. I have received so many comments awesome comments! So I am dedicating a post to YOU!
Here goes my attempt to responding to those who wrote to me... please acknowledge that the best way to get specific answers about Saba is to call their office in the states.

"Hi! I love your blog! I was wondering if by starting in January and if one is able to schedule to schedule rotations back to back if they would be able to make the match in March 3 years from when the started and essentially graduate in 3.5 years, instead of having to wait for the next year's match? I know Saba now has the 8 week Research Module and I was wondering when one would complete that, at Saba or the US, before or during or after studying and taking Step 1, and does it significantly delay when one can start rotations and prevent them from making the match and graduating in 3.5 years? I'm trying to choose which school and would appreicate any advice. Thanks!"

From my understanding, starting in January 2012 would mean that you would finish basic science in August 2013 (assuming everything goes as planed). Usually people take ~6-8weeks to study for step 1. The research paper is to be completed before starting clinicals - we have been told that they will not place you in a clinical if you have not completed the research module. Assuming you work on it until December 2013, the best case scenario would be to start clinicals in January. IF you do back to back placements (which would honestly be unrealistic because you want to have some kind of say on which hospital to go + moving from place to place) you would be able to finish by the end of 2015 and match to the July 2016.... I think. From what I have heard from upper semesters, I wouldn't recommend doing the clinicals back to back because you need time to settle in the new placement and you want to be a little picky with hospitals or location to get the best possible experience.

Peter & others..."why saba? as compared to other caribbean schools."

My reasons for choosing Saba were quite varied so I am just going to list them.

• small classes; better prof to student ratio.
• it is known to have many Canadian students (~70%) so my colleagues would be going through the same obstacles as I would be when we get to clinicals and possibly applying back to Canada.
• the island is small (I know many people would not consider this an advantage, but there are no distractions and its really safe) 
• if you are a nature junkie this island is paradise!
•  I had a really good friend attend here and heard about the school from him. Also having someone you know is nice to have at the beginning to help you get acquainted with the island
• they have a 98% pass rate on Step 1 AND a great record of getting higher than the average 220 score (I think the recorded average of the step 1 from Saba students is around 227)
• lower tuition (probably one of my top reasons) + it is OSAP approved for those of you in Ontario
• the application turnover/response is fairly quick if you had a last minute decision to apply
• although the attrition rate is high, once you make it through the basic sciences you are WELL prepared for the Step and clinicals
• Most canadian doctors I have spoken to have heard of Saba and have said good things about the students they met from there. (Saba also has the most Canadian placements out of all the other Caribbean medical schools)
• the smaller classes also make it easier to bond with your colleagues as well as upper semesters -- makes for great moral & academic support.
• it is accredited in all of the US (the other ones I know that have this is Ross and St. Georges)

Comparing Saba to other schools is really what you, as an individual, need to do. What is your life style? How is your ability to adjust to a small island life versus going to St. Georges where you have 200+ people in your class? The atmosphere on Saba is that of a small community. Everyone gets to know you pretty fast and you always run into your professors outside of class - gives you a great chance to get to know them and for them to get to know you as a social person rather than a student. Also, having such a small community allows for community development projects to be implemented fairly easily. Just last semester we started a program called 'Saba Girls Run' where we incorporate fitness with small interactive lectures on nutrition, self esteem and sexual education for the local teenager girls. A great opportunity to keep involved in community health.

"would you be able to give some advice on maintaining a long distance relationship?"

I'm not sure how to approach this one... I think that long distance relationships are never easy. Good communication, strong foundations, understanding, flexibility, caring and compromises are definitely key. I know quite a few of my good friends who have been able to keep a relationship while here on Saba. Long distance definitely accentuates a relationships' weaknesses and as long you and your partner are willing to put in the effort, you will not have a problem. At the same time, I have to say that compromises from their end will be more than from your end. Their understanding is important because your time will be taken up with studying - but as long as they know you came down here to achieve your goal (to study, to do well, to become a doctor) it will be fine! I know many significant others who have come down and visited for a week or so at a time and they probably understood our way of life down here much better. So, all in all, it is hard but doable! Hope this helps a little.
PS. Skype will become your best friend.

Vanessa said...
I was wondering if you could answer some questions:
Are there enough students who get accepted and complete their BS while earning their MD? (pre-requisites met, average MCAT, average GPA)
Is it possible and a good idea to bring your pet w/ you to the island? (dachsund)
Thank you

I have not heard of anyone completing their BS while studying at Saba. I personally wouldn't recommend this as you have enough work here as it is. I know of one person who did not complete their undergraduate degree and came straight here. Other than that I'm pretty sure most people have their Bachelor degree or more. As for the pet, there are a couple of students who have brought them. With that said, most are here with their spouses who can help take care of them. You need to consider that you are at school from 8-3 everyday and unless you live within 5min of the school it will be hard to go home at lunch and take them out (if it is a dog). Cats are probably easier. Also take into account the hot climate here and that it would limit your housing options -- you will not be able to stay in the dorms in first semester (this can be accommodated if you talk to administration but you will lose that bonding experience with the rest of your classmates). My opinion? they are probably better at home. I love my dog but I wouldn't bring it here because I know I will not be able to take care of it as it deserves.

well I think that is everyone! If I missed your question please leave a comment on this post and I will reply back, promise :)