Wow! So I admit I am not good at staying updated with this blog :)
Where I last left off I was in the middle of the Basic Officer's Course at Fort Sam Houston- I truly enjoyed my 6 weeks of training down in San Antonio, and met a wide variety of fellow Army doctors, dentists, and veterinarians. The BOLC course for medical professionals is very easy for the most part- mainly an introduction to those who have no previous experience in the military, and most students are direct commissions. I can't say the same for other BOLC courses in the army- my peers from college have significantly longer and more difficult trainings, but I guess it is understood we will mainly be treating patients. Regardless, it is still important medical professionals learn these soldiering skills as well! I was in a mixed platoon of current med, vet, and dental students, and being one of the only dental students in the platoon I quickly was nicknamed the molar mechanic... After the 3 weeks of classroom we went out to Camp Bullis for 3 weeks of field training (hotter than than blazes out there...we were in a constant state of sweat). In the field we did a lot of basic soldiering skills (M16, 9mm, assorted weapons skills, CBRNE (chemical warfare training), land navigation, etc.) and also medical specific training. I have to say that experiencing the gas chamber a second time wasn't the most fun (won't be the last time I know for sure), but you definitely learn to trust your equipment! The most interesting part for me was learning how a field hospital is run, and about the roles of care on the battlefield (essentially getting patient basic life support care on battlefield and evacuated to higher roles of care/ hospital type settings). I am still in touch with my battle buddies from the course, even though we all live far away.
 |
| 7th Platoon BOLC class 14-145 |
 |
| Another hot day in TX |
 |
| My sister was nice enough to escort me to in-processing :) The Army's PA school is located in that building behind us. |
 |
| Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio TX |
 |
| BOLC graduation! July 2014 |
 |
| Range day! Heat was such that we were permitted to roll our ACU top sleeves and pants |
 |
| On the road again |
 |
| Embrace the suck! |
 |
| Hanging out at during a break for field hospital training day in Role II |
 |
| Mass casualty simulation training |
I am now into the spring semester of the D2 year- this year is truly flying by. It's been extremely fast paced 'fly by the seat of your pants' year (a month in October is called "Black October" because of how difficult it is in the 2nd year), but I'm enjoying getting to work with my hands and actually be learning more dentistry things, like making dentures, crowns and prosthetic restorations, and prepping and restoring teeth. I had my very first operative patient last fall where I restored a small cavity! I don't know that I can say that the 2nd year of school is harder than 1st year, but it is definitely busier and you have less time to get everything done. The course load is very heavy, but all you can do is take one day at a time and just do the best you can.
My school has D2 students take the part I National Dental Board Exam over our Christmas break--I will admit that beforehand coming off of the very difficult fall semester it felt like I would never see light again. Study, study, study...and study some more. It is essentially a 400 question (they give you 8 hours to take it) comprehensive science exam testing all that you've learned so far in dental school: anatomy, biochemistry, microbiology, dental morphology, pathology... honestly the most difficult test I've ever taken. Luckily, I got word a few weeks ago that I passed the exam- such a huge relief! Grateful to have jumped through yet another hoop to be that much closer to the DDS degree.
It's crazy to believe I've been in school for nearly 2 years- will be transitioning in the clinic in June and will have my own patients...very scary but exciting too. Taking things day at a time and enjoying the journey :)
 |
| "Stick 'n squirt"- the day we learned to give injections! |
