From August 31, 2011

Well I just got home from what was officially one of the proudest but scariest days of my life. Today was my first day of PA school where I sat in a desk in the freezing cold air conditioning and listened to my future professors tell me how difficult my life was about to become with an un-set class schedule that could change at any moment and more than 100 tests in my first year. They made sure to tell us that there are psychiatrists at our beck and call for free specifically for our program.

As we walked up to have our white lab coats presented to us the professor speaking reminded us of what the coats represent: that we are now healers, people that are looked up to and needed.

Then we stood there and took an oath that read:

-I pledge to give my whole effort toward the study and practice of medicine
-I will place the patient's needs before my own
-I will endeavor to relieve suffering
-I will seek new knowledge diligently and will use it only to help others
-I will adapt my behavior and attitudes to those consonant with the practice of medicine.
-I will acknowledge my mistakes and seek to learn from them
-I will respect all my faculty members, fellow students, preceptors and patients as individuals, without regard to gener, race, national origin, sexual orientation or religion
-I will assist other students in meeting their professional obligations; I will accept their help in meeting my own
-I will care for all who are in need, without regard to those issues that divide us
-I will seek to improve my community
-I will maintain my own well-being so that I can help others
-I therefore commit myself to a life that will bring honor to the Physician Assistant profession: a life of service, selflessness, integrity and humility.

Before it all ended our professor stood in front of the room and thanked all the family and friends for "sacrificing us." Since we will not be seeing you all much or in touch as much as usual. She thanked everyone for their support financially and emotionally. There was no promise of our health or life in the end, just simply a "Good luck class of 2013, you will be released in November of 2013 a little bit older, and G-d willing, much wiser."

So I just thought I would share this special day with you all as 38 other students and I signed our lives away. I love and miss you all and please do not take it personally if I don't keep in touch well. And please NO DEATHS, WEDDINGS or BIRTHS for the next few years- I want to be there.
Love you all,
Britt