Time is trucking along and my first year of residency is over half done. I finished my 3rd clinical rotation in oncology and started my first PICU rotation on Monday. I don't have a particular interest in oncology, but I really enjoyed the rotation. My preceptor was a really good teacher, and at the end I was really comfortable with the team I was working with so I was able to more of an asset to them. So far the PICU has been challenging, but it always takes me a week or so to get acclimated to a new rotation. I am finishing up my lung transplant rotation, which is a longitudinal rotation that I have been doing since October. I've enjoyed getting to know a few of the patients, and one of the patients I met with a couple of times who was waiting for a lung transplant got her new lungs! When I walked in her room for the 2nd time after her transplant she said- "Rachel!" when she saw me. That was exciting. I am going to be doing bone marrow transplant clinic after lung transplant is over with the hopes of increasing my knowledge of transplant medications and considerations.
When I'm not at work, I'm still attending my Bible study which I enjoy. The people in it are great. Last weekend I was able to take a trip to Washington, DC and stay with my mom's cousin, Marcia. She moved there after she got her PhD in microbiology and has lived there for over 30 years. We visited a few Smithsonian's, toured and had lunch at the Kennedy Center, and visited the National Portrait Gallery. One of my favorite things was the First Lady exhibit with many of the first lady's dresses from their husband's inaugural balls. I hope to be able to attend an event in the Kennedy Center someday. I love the history, political importance, and culture of DC and hope to make multiple trips there!
Exciting things coming up: I turn 25 in less than a month and my sister is coming to visit me at the end of March! I just need to figure out the best way to celebrate of quarter of a century of life- we'll see what happens!
