cupkatespace: Background Reading

Yesterday I was looking for a piece of paper I was sure I had. I emptied two drawers, and the bottom shelf of a bookcase that was full of stuff from my last 2 and a 1/2 years of medical school, and covered about 1/4 my floor with stuff but didn't find it. Despite that, I've improved the state of that corner of my room - I can now see floor that I hadn't seen for some time (even if it got worse before getting better). I also found heaps of bits of paper from things like the Global Health Conference, and other Amnesty International newsletters etc that are all good but I often don't get around to reading! I've enjoyed(ish) reading through some of them - although certainly some are not good news, I feel I should know the truth about the current issues facing our world.

Despite setting out to 'study' I am only just getting my desk clear enough to begin that - however 'health' comes in many forms, so I can consider much of what I've been looking at related to my future medical career!! I was looking at the Make Poverty History page, and the upcoming challenge to set a new World Record for the 'Stand Up' campaign, as well as at the DVD clips on the Micah Challenge website and thought this clip has some pretty startling facts - risk of death in childbirth in Northern America 1/3500, compared to Africa 1/16! Yikes.

In other news, I have a pretty new car to drive (somewhat stark contrast to world poverty, but it is fuel efficient so I can spend less on getting around and be safe...) My med rotation is going well - I've done a couple of early ward rounds, met a few consultants and been lightly grilled. I'm soon handing over my role as part of the IMPACT group at uni though I'll stay involved to some degree no doubt, and I accidentally became one of the local reps for the international medical group IFMSA, so I'll be helping co-ordinate some exchanges next year.

I also attended Med Ball last weekend - 'gangsters and dames' theme. It was an enjoyable night, with some making the most of the included alcohol to a greater degree than others!! It was lovely to see everyone dressed up for the occasion. Tim wore my cousins very yellow suit - which went down well at the event (suitable to theme despite being very loud), although got some interesting looks around the rest of the casino!