Brownie Recipe - without cocoa powder
If you don't like anatomy so much, here's what you need...
Anatomy isn't my favourite topic. I came to that realisation quite early on in semester 1. It was only at the end of semester 2 (right before the OSCE's) that I finally found a good combination of resources to use. Having never used diagrams and pictures to learn before, I was surprised to find that these things actually helped me learn the anatomy content. I know everyone learns differently so what works for me might not necessarily work for others but I've found the following things really helpful in overcoming my dislike for anatomy:
Netter's Anatomy Colouring Book (Click here to buy Netter's Anatomy Colouring Book)
This colouring book is great for revising anatomy because it's engaging and fun. Initially, I was only using it to colour things in when I couldn't bear to read another word in an anatomy textbook. However, closer to the exams, I found it really helpful to learn the origins, insertions, arterial supply, innervation etc. of muscles because these things are summarised in tables. Also, it helped with learning bony landmarks. I'll write more about how I used this book to make notes when I do a post on my note taking.
Netter's Anatomy Flashcards (Click here to buy Netter's Anatomy Flashcards)
I chose these flashcards over the Gray's Anatomy ones and I have no regrets. I wasn't fond of the Gray's Anatomy textbook so I knew that I probably wouldn't like the flashcards either. These are great to take into my anatomy sessions to help identify structures and answer questions.
Netter's Anatomy Colouring Book (Click here to buy Netter's Anatomy Colouring Book)
This colouring book is great for revising anatomy because it's engaging and fun. Initially, I was only using it to colour things in when I couldn't bear to read another word in an anatomy textbook. However, closer to the exams, I found it really helpful to learn the origins, insertions, arterial supply, innervation etc. of muscles because these things are summarised in tables. Also, it helped with learning bony landmarks. I'll write more about how I used this book to make notes when I do a post on my note taking.
Netter's Anatomy Flashcards (Click here to buy Netter's Anatomy Flashcards)
I chose these flashcards over the Gray's Anatomy ones and I have no regrets. I wasn't fond of the Gray's Anatomy textbook so I knew that I probably wouldn't like the flashcards either. These are great to take into my anatomy sessions to help identify structures and answer questions.
Human Anatomy - Colour Atlas and Textbook (Click here to buy this textbook)
This book contains pictures of prosections which is really helpful when preparing for the OSCE's. I was panicking before the OSCE's because I couldn't identify anything on the prosections. It saved me from having to imagine structures and prosections I'd seen very early on in the year because I had these pictures right in front of me.
This website is amazing! It explains everything clearly and concisely so it's great to use when making notes. You can also get a Teach Me Anatomy app which is just as good! Both the website and app contain clinical relevance boxes which link the anatomy content to clinical practice. There's also multiple choice questions to help test your knowledge.
When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi
When Breath Becomes Air was written by Paul Kalanithi - a training neurosurgeon who was diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer. He died in March 2015 and the book was completed by his wife, Lucy Kalanithi. Published posthumously, it was the number 1 bestseller of The New York Times and The Sunday Times. I have read numerous books and whenever someone asks me what my favourite book is, this is the one I always name. I've been a fan of true stories - reading things such as A Child Called It and Belonging - since my early teenage years. These true stories all hold different meanings for me. Out of all of these books, When Breath Becomes Air has undoubtedly had the most significant impact on me. I read it shortly before starting medical school after receiving my A level results. The lessons I learnt from the words of Paul Kalanithi will always stay with me.
This story shows the vulnerability of doctors. It shows that at the end of the day, doctors are humans and like everyone else on this earth, face disease and death. There is a swapping of roles as Paul Kalanithi, a doctor, becomes a patient. He reflects on the numerous patients he's operated on and the impact he had on those patients. More importantly, he writes about his experience as a patient, having to make important decisions about his treatment, career and personal life. This book made me question the invincibility that people often associate with doctors. Their knowledge and experience isn't a barrier against disease. They aren't able to hide from disease and death but when it does come, it seems that much more unbelievable. This book focuses on the inevitability of death but more importantly, it focuses on life and the purpose of living.
It seems that however much I try to praise this book, I can't do it justice. I cannot find the words to explain how meaningful this book is. The lessons it holds and the questions it makes you ask yourself are invaluable. As a medical student, it made me think about the doctor I wanted to be. It made me think about my purpose as a future doctor but also as a human being. Paul Kalanithi has touched many people with his words as an incredible neurosurgeon and an incredible human being.
Click here to buy When Breath Becomes Air
When Breath Becomes Air was written by Paul Kalanithi - a training neurosurgeon who was diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer. He died in March 2015 and the book was completed by his wife, Lucy Kalanithi. Published posthumously, it was the number 1 bestseller of The New York Times and The Sunday Times. I have read numerous books and whenever someone asks me what my favourite book is, this is the one I always name. I've been a fan of true stories - reading things such as A Child Called It and Belonging - since my early teenage years. These true stories all hold different meanings for me. Out of all of these books, When Breath Becomes Air has undoubtedly had the most significant impact on me. I read it shortly before starting medical school after receiving my A level results. The lessons I learnt from the words of Paul Kalanithi will always stay with me.
This story shows the vulnerability of doctors. It shows that at the end of the day, doctors are humans and like everyone else on this earth, face disease and death. There is a swapping of roles as Paul Kalanithi, a doctor, becomes a patient. He reflects on the numerous patients he's operated on and the impact he had on those patients. More importantly, he writes about his experience as a patient, having to make important decisions about his treatment, career and personal life. This book made me question the invincibility that people often associate with doctors. Their knowledge and experience isn't a barrier against disease. They aren't able to hide from disease and death but when it does come, it seems that much more unbelievable. This book focuses on the inevitability of death but more importantly, it focuses on life and the purpose of living.
Click here to buy When Breath Becomes Air
You've probably been directed here from one of my social media accounts so I just wanted to say hi! I've started this blog to write about my experiences at medical school. I've just finished my first year at UoM and I can't wait to start my second year. I'll be writing about what I love and what I don't love so much about medical school. I'll also be posting about other things that interest me. I'm hoping that other medic's can relate to what I post and people thinking about applying to medicine can see what's in store for them.
Love,
Robab x