its about time

I made it. I finally made it to exactly where I want to be. Incredible how things can sometimes just fall so gracefully into place, you almost forget all the stress and effort it took to get there. Its such a high. Hopefully I can continue to remind myself of my unbelievable good fortune over the next two years, even when my eyes are bloodshot from lack of sleep, my hand shaking from caffeine overload, and my brain feels like its about to herniate through my foramen magnum due to too much cramming for anatomy exams. Nope, I won't take it back. This is exactly what I wanted and still want.

I'm now situated near a new ocean, a new coast, and a new (and for the first time varied) climate. At the end of July, I moved out to Washington, DC to begin grad school at The George Washington University (yes the 'The' is part of the name) and eventually obtain my masters in Physician Assistant studies. With my PA-C or certification, I will legally be able to practice medicine under the supervision of a physician. Eventually, I will be able to see my own patients, prescribe medications, order lab tests, and diagnose and treat patients. Pretty awesome I'd say.

Just a few weeks ago, we got our first set of white coats. A day later, I donned my white coat and interviewed my first patient (granted they were patient actors, but they were VERY convincing). In just a few weeks, I will know all the components of performing a physical exam. In just a few months, I will be expected to go on rotations with third year medical students. Its all happening faster than I can keep up with it, but its exciting nonetheless.

I have another goal while I'm here and its a goal I try to accomplish any time I go to a new place. I am determined to see as much of this city as is humanly possible. Who knows how long I'll be in DC, so just like in LA, I plan to immerse myself in the culture and history as often as I can, considering of course the obligations dictated by my tuition dollars. Luckily, books are portable, so perhaps one day I'll get to tell you how I was studying in the Library of Congress and taking a study break by the Washington Monument when I ran into Obama walking his dog outside his house (the big white one) on Pennsylvania Ave, and how he asked me for advice on how to fix our healthcare system. Hey, it could happen.

Stay tuned...