Overwhelmed (and disorganised)

This week has been difficult. It was my first week back at home, being a single mom, since my husband went back to work in the big city. I have to tell you that Princess was fantastic. We usually fight a lot in the morning,  both of us being the opposite of early birds. So mornings in my house is usually a constant fight to get to school on time. But not this week. She was up as soon as her alarm went off, with a great attitude. (it may have help that it is Her alarm that her grandmother bought for her, and that it is pink :-) )

You know how it works... The less time you have, the more you have to do. On Tuesday evening, I had to be in school until 6, while being at the Princess' first dance lesson and at the parent-teacher meeting. There was also another get-together with the colleagues at school. Four places to be at the same time... And that was only Tuesday, it was like that all week.

I suppose being in med school is like a job. I believe you should invest about 45 to 50 hours a week in it. I hear you say, well, that is not that difficult. And I would be incline to agree. 

So, why I am feeling overwelmed? Good question! I am used to being very busy, having lots of projects, so what's the difference? 

I think part of it is the organization. I moved to this new house the week before starting school, so there is still a lot to be done, and there is a lot of unopened boxes. Painting is not done yet, so looking at my living room is very depressing. All the closets are too full and I don't know where to find my clothes (I lost 25 minutes just looking for a pair of shoes). I need time to organize my things, time I don't have because when I am not studying, I am making dinner or driving Princess around or meeting her teacher.

Part of it is also adaptation to med school and the case-based approach. I need to define the boundaries, what needs to be done and what is going too far. In my case, I can't spend too much time on a subject if it is not essential. Time is not a luxury I have right now.

I was anxious to see how it would go with my colleagues. For now, they are very supportive. One of them said to me that I was in the most difficult situation, because they only have to think of themselves, while I have to have a normal schedule for Princess, with real food at normal hours. They are a fun group and I would like to spend more time with them, to get to know them better. I'll make it happen at some point.

Because, I am sure I'll get back on my feet. Things can only get better. But for now, I think I have won the right to an hour of tv!

The first week

After a full week done, I am now a "real" medical student... As in everything, some parts were easier than I thought it would be, and some were a little more difficult. 

The classes.

I realized that a problem-based approach is not necessarily similar in different schools. I used the case-based approach during my MBA; I was expecting something similar... and I was a little unsettled. This approach is very different from my previous experiences. I am not comfortable with it yet, but I am quite sure I will become the expert by the end of this year. I like the way we discuss the case in small group, it is interesting and very motivating to learn from the others. The group dynamic is also interesting to see. 

As a student, I have experienced many types of teaching or learning methods. During my bachelor degree, most of my classes were given by professors lecturing to a big class. Then, I had Journal Club type discussions while doing my Master's degree. I did a short program in the pedagogy of higher education where we did some experiential learning. And I used a case-based approach during my MBA.

As a trainer in the corporate world, I also tried to use different approaches. An adult learner in the workforce does not appreciate lecturing, and this is not an efficient way for him or her to learn either. Therefore, we try to make the learner active in the process. Having been on this side, I know how it is difficult to develop great learning experiences where you control what is learned.

Therefore, I believe I can really appreciate this new approach they are offering us. It is new for me, but not for them since the program has been in place for more than 25 years. They also have a great continuous improvement system in place. After a week, my experience has been very positive... 

Let see if I feel the same way at the end of the year...