The Return to Mountaineer Country

Another rotation has ended and I've jumped right into the next. I am a week into my sixth rotation at Ruby Memorial Hospital at WVU and needless to say, it was quite an eventful week.  I've been through autopsy and surgical pathology rotations for six months now and this rotation has by far been the busiest. I expected a higher workload and I've come to like the change of pace because it keeps me on my toes and makes the time go by much faster. For the first week, I was able to gross a few breast specimens that ranged from benign fibroadenomas to invasive ductal carcinomas, thyroids, partial colon resections for tumor, and a lot of skin specimens. This rotation has had a large variety of specimens, which I have welcomed with open arms because I would like to see as much as I can before I dive into the workforce after graduation. Up to this point, I haven't had the opportunity to do a large amount of specimens that originate from the head and neck and thoracic regions, so I'm hopeful that I will get some of that experience while on this rotation.

Aside from grossing, we also had our sixth test of the year this week that covered the urinary system, male genital tract, female genital tract, breast, and endocrine system. It was the same format as all of the other tests, with 100 multiple choice questions. As usual, it required a lot of preparation time and studying, which was difficult with the transition between rotations.  However, I made it happen with early mornings and late nights to get everything accomplished. It will be such a relief once I don't have to worry about studying and tests anymore, but that day will come soon enough.

With the year flying by, I have also started applying to a few PA positions that have caught eye and was honored to have my first phone interview last week (yes, it was quite a busy week all around). It was the first phone interview that I've ever been a part of it and I was quite nervous going in.  I wasn't sure how to prepare so I just made a list of general questions that I felt could possibly be asked during the interview and made notes in response to that. I also made a list of questions that I wanted to ask them about the position and the facilities, so I could learn more about what would be expected of me if I was to get offered the job. Overall, I thought the interview went well and I hope to hear something soon on whether or not I will have the opportunity to go in for an in-person interview.