Greener Pastures...

Experiences come and go these days with such speed.  We must take ahold of every moment and extrapolate as much from the experience to get the most of what is given to us in this education.  Some complain the program is too hard and some feel it lacks depth.  Regardless of the viewpoint, we are given enough information to be competent doctors.  It is up to each of us to sink the information deep into our brains and perhaps, take it to another level.  The process of going to school merely presents experiences that allow us to program things into our heads.  We have to choose whether the information stays in there for the long haul, or passes by.  

I think the system is set up for us to merely pass tests - at least presently, anyway.  How do we get more from the program and pass each test with good grades?  I would guess the majority of the students, including myself, are trying their best to retain the information in it's entirety.  In so doing, they overdue it with studying and end up getting near average grades from going into exams mentally drained.  Some students study the day before an exam and get straight A's.  I tried this approach and it didn't work.  It stressed me out, big time!  I guess when it comes down to it, we have to get through school one way or another and when it comes time to actually treat patients there will be an abundance of information at our fingertips to help us along.  Being able to regurgitate information readily for an exam is a lot different than getting patients' good results.  I know that the education we are getting is top notch.  When comparing to other programs such as physical therapy, I think we get much more depth.

Today I visited Pacific University in Hillsboro.  I met with an admissions counselor to discuss the details of the doctor of physical therapy program.  The trip was mainly to see what the grass looks like on the other side and to compare our program to theirs.  The visit was essential to help me gain a complete understanding of what PT actually is.  I left feeling as if I chose the right path and that the hard work is worth it.  As many of you know, I have been on the fence for many years as to whether chiropractic is the right career choice.  I now believe it is 100% the right choice.  

The education we get as DC's is very similar to an MD or DO.  This is why we must force ourselves to understand the information at the level of our future competition.  The body is extremely complex and it takes time to master the processes and structures enough to help others.  When looking back, I am appalled at myself for working with clients and patients without the knowledge I should have had to be completely competent.  I never hurt anyone but my quality was so much lower than what it should have been.  After this program is complete and the DC degree is hanging on my wall, I know my quality will be at the professional level and my patient care will be stellar.  

As to looking for greener pastures to roam in, I assure you those days are over!  

Thanks for reading