Hey everyone!

It has been a while since my last post and I feel like a lot has happened! Where to start?? How about the scary reality that in less than 2 weeks, I will take my final pre-clinical sequence exam - reproductive - and begin studying for Step 1 of the USMLE boards!?

While the first two days of the reproductive sequence has been quite interesting ("Candida.. and I don't mean the country to the north"), I feel guilty admitting it is the last thing on my mind! Yes, I still need to pass Reproductive (and complete my M2 Autopsy requirement) in order to start studying for Step 1, but I'm entirely distracted by the fact that I still haven't made my Step 1 study schedule! Am I completely unprepared already? I'm not sure, but I must tackle this big item on my pre-boards To-Do list as soon as possible! Other items on my list include stocking up on Trader Joe's meals (to keep me happy and fed), doing laundry (I need clean yoga pants AKA my study uniform), and finally cleaning up my apartment (with the hopes that it stays clean until boards time). A few of my friends will be going home to study, which I wish I could also do, but I think I'll be more focused studying in Ann Arbor. I have my exam currently scheduled for May 4th, which gives me about 5 1/2 weeks to master everything, and then I will be going home to Panama for a short break before we start M3 orientation. It is crazy to think that in just a few months I'll be walking onto the wards! I'll probably have to invest heavily in some new professional attire before then so I can really embrace the look and role of future doctor!

Apart from the excitement of boards and M3 year, the end of second year also signals the end of my reign as "La Presidenta" of the Latin American Native American Medical Association (LANAMA). We had an amazing year coordinating a variety of events including community service, medical spanish, mentorship, educational seminars, conferences, and admissions/recruitment. We already elected a great team of M1s that have a deep desire to contribute to the Latino and Native American communities, so I have faith that they will work hard to ensure the success of LANAMA! Any future M1s out there, look out for LANAMA at second look weekend and orientation! They are awesome!