Phew. Seems like I am constantly on the edge, but I keep passing, so I guess I'm doing something right. I even got honors in a couple classes, including the one in which I was shaking so hard that it was really tough to draw blood. Phew. Now I'm officially an ND3. I am still on the 4 year track, slated to graduate in 2011 with a lot of clinical experience already under my belt. I can't relax yet. I'm studying biochemistry today, in preparation for the Basic Science Boards. August 5. I'll get to relax after that.

I will be taking the first ever case-based NPLEX exam for ND's. What this means is that instead of having five sections (pathology, biochemistry, anatomy, physiology, microbiology) it will have many cases each with 5 questions relating to the case. This makes it more interesting to me. I am studying biochemistry by looking up metabolic dysfunctions and understanding their chemical pathogenesis.
( biochemistry nerdiness: mucopolysacchariosis nutshell )

STUDY GUIDE FOR FINAL EXAM – BOT MED II SPRING 2008
(To be reviewed in class, week 11, 8 am)
( notes from the top of my head and Craig's )

Family: Labiatae (MINT family)
( notes )

Passiflora = Passion Flower, looks passionate to me
grows on a vine
species: incarnata, edulis (pictured), coerulea
family: Passifloraceae
( notes )

Be prepared to perform grade IV - V manipulations from this list:
1) prone rib elevation
2) prone rib depression
3) upper thoracic rotation or extension (bedside move)
4) upper rib posterior to anterior manipulation prone (bedside move)
5) supine flexion ("anteriority" move)
6) alternative positioning supine flexion ("anteriority")
7) supine rotation
8) supine rib posterior to anterior manipulation
( we're learning to manipulate spines and ribs from chiropractor Agresta )