The end of the year

Well 2010 was a full and enjoyable year, but not without its ups and downs.
Possibly the worst part of the year came in February and March. I had an unexpected dance with some high risk blood from a patient at work. Not the best thing I've ever done and I had to go on a post-exposure regime for a month. Sick as a dog doesn't even come close to how shit I felt.

Thankfully it was only 30 days of tablet induced doom and then it was just worrying for 3-6 months to see if I'd contracted anything.

Aside from that I spent a fantastic academic year and passed everything without any resits - the first time that's happened at medical school. It set me up to go on elective well.

And speaking of elective, I had a fabulous time staying with the wonderful Laura while in London working at the BMJ. I had the opportunity to go out observing with Tom Reynolds/Brian Kellett on an ambulance night shift just before he left to return to nursing. I also had a rather cringeworthy experience sleeping on Laura's sofa while she and Mr Kellett got back together. There's a lot to be said for actually having walls...

After London I mooched up to Liverpool for another month to work in A&E for the second part of my elective. One word - fantastic. Great city, great placement, great experience. It made my decision for me about my career and now I'm truly hellbent on emergency medicine for the rest of my life.

Coming back from elective I had a slightly rough time and became ill. I'm not going to go into it too much but I got admitted to my own hospital twice for a while. It's been ongoing since but I'm not going to whinge.

Since then fifth year has taken up most of my time and has been really challenging.
Aside from that, I haven't done a great deal!

So with that, I wish you a happy and prosperous new year and here's hoping that this coming year I pass my finals and qualify as a doctor.

It seems such a long time ago that I started this blog when I was still doing my BSc...

Sometimes it's for the best

Well this year's Christmas was indeed different. More than I had realised it would be if I'm honest. A bit bittersweet: lovely day with the man and his dog at the expense of a family celebration.
But I enjoyed the day a hell of a lot and did loads of cooking.
Thanks for all the advice regarding cooking guys. The Christmas cake and dinner were pretty good for a first attempt

THE DIGITAL STORY OF NATIVITY - ( or Christmas 2.0 )

Merry Christmas guys!

Let Christmas Begin!

Exams are done, semester is finished and now it's time to relax and knit (lots).
I'm breaking from tradition this year and having Christmas with my boyfriend and away from my parents. It's not necessarily what was planned, but sometimes these things have to be done.
This means that we get to keep the dog with us and have a nice chilled out celebration without arguments (of which there are normally many).
This does, however mean that I have to learn to make a Christmas dinner and a Christmas cake...
...any tips anyone??

Woohoo!

The cards were in my favour at midnight last night. I am one of the 7073 students who was granted a training place, and in my first choice deanery too.

My thoughts are with the 184 students who have not initially been granted a job. There are at least two of my friends who fall into that category.

To work or not to work, that is the question?

In 15 minutes time it will be the 8th December 2010. This is the day that the deaneries go live for final year medical students.

I may well know very soon if I have an immediate post for next year. And it could well be anywhere...

Scared much??