Laura

How do you manage to stay balanced and healthy in spite of the busy med school schedule?

I have learned to treat medical school as my job. I put in my full day of work, but I make myself put it down at certain points in the day. Things like dinner and “The Office” cannot involve studying. This helps me compartmentalize the various aspects of my life. I don’t think about how much studying I have while I’m in a movie or at church or on a run. In terms of staying physically healthy, I recognize that exercise encompasses much more than a hard run – even a 20 minute walk is good! Also, Trader Joe’s makes eating healthier much more reasonable. Grocery shopping is fun again!!!

What’s the most important piece of advice you would give to an incoming MS1?

Remember that you start as an MS1, not an MS3 or MS4. There’s a reason for the order. You are not expected to be an MS3 right now. You will have your chance when you are well prepared.

What is your favorite artery, organ, or nerve; and why?

Can it be a muscle? Assuming it is valid, my favorite is the Gracilis muscle. In anatomy lab I had visions of naming one of my future daughters Gracilis. One of my classmates told me that she had a slight gag reflex to this name because it made her think of dirty old men. I was hoping she could babysit someday, thus I can’t name my daughter Gracilis. It’s still my favorite though. Maybe it’s a good name for my next rabbit?

If you had a theme song that played every time you entered a room, what would it be?

“Eye of the Tiger”. It would make me feel victorious even if all I had done that day was get dressed.

If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Kraft macaroni and cheese spirals. They go best with fish sticks.

Give us your favorite first year “one-liner”.

“Umami is Japanese for yummy” It’s only good with Rustioni’s accent.