These past couple of weeks have been pretty laid back in the surgical pathology gross room with a lot of biopsies, placentas, and skin specimens. We have gotten a few bigger cases here and there, such as a breast, colon, or hysterectomy, but just enough to keep things interesting. I can't complain about having a little bit of a break after my last two rotations, so I am enjoying while I have it. However, as of last week, Thomas Memorial has picked up specimens from another local hospital to gross, so the volume has been slightly higher. Due to that, there has been a higher volume of skin ellipses and shaves as well as additional GI biopsies. It has been nice to have a higher volume of skin specimens because I do enjoy grossing them and learning about skin pathology. Every person has their "favorite specimen" and I suppose I could say mine are skin ellipses.
As for things outside of clinical rotations, we only have two more tests remaining, which will be the end of October and the beginning of December. They will be the same format as before, with 100 multiple choice questions that will be comprised of information we have learned over the past two years in PA school. This aspect makes it a little more difficult to study since there isn't a definitive set of information or objectives, however, that is how our boards will be set up so it will be good in preparation for that. The only difference between our last two exams is that we must make an 85 (which is the lowest B on our grading scale) or above in order to pass and graduate. That puts a LOT of pressure on us, but it will only make sure we are well prepared to take and pass the board certification exam and succeed as we begin our careers. All in all, it is nice to know we have all made it this far and only have a few more weeks before we have finally completed our degree.
In case you weren't aware, the Mountaineers are currently UNDEFEATED in football so far this year and are ranked 12th in the NCAA!! It has been fun to watch such a talented team this year and I'm excited to see how far this season will go! Go Mountaineers!!
