16 June 2010

DNA mnemonics

The purine bases are adenine and guanine. I remember this by "Pure as Silver (Ag)."

Hydrogen bonding is the strongest between G & C because they have three hydrogen bonds (whereas the A-T or A-U bonds have only two H-bonds). I remember this by "G and C rhymes with three, A, T, U rhymes with two."

14 June 2010

My USMLE To Do List

I'm starting to get serious about this whole USMLE thing. I've got my books, I've gotten halfway through year 2 med, and now it's time to get to work!

Things I need to do:

1. Register
I really really really want to put this off! Reason A - it's a PAIN. Reason B - it will mean I have a deadline ... eep!

2. Find a micro text!
I really need to find a good, concise microbiology text. I suck at micro and it can eff off and die for all I care, BUT I know it's important and I know it will be tested. Ergo ... must find a micro text.

3. Stick to my study schedule
I am using a systems-based approach so that I can fit everything in with my med curriculum and just add the bits and pieces of extra USMLE stuff here and there ... time will tell if this is effective or not. I know a lot of people find it easier to compartmentalize Anatomy from Physiology from Embryology etc. but I prefer learning all of this in context.

And in the midst of all of this, I have to conquer the rest of year 2 med! AWESOME! *Sarcastic smile!*

Inspiration for my study journey arrived this weekend in "The Longest Mile", a poem in the novel The Year of the Flood by Margaret Atwood, courtesy of one of my dearest friends, AK. The last bit of the poem reads:

Take heart, oh dusty Travellers:
Though you may falter,
Though you be felled along the way,
You'll reach the Altar.

Race on, race on, though eyes grow dim,
And faint the Chorus;
God gives us Nature's green applause --
Such will restore us.

For in the effort is the Goal,
'Tis thus we're treasured:
He knows us by our Pilgrim Soul --
'Tis thus we're measured.


--KM <3

08 June 2010

~* Coming Soon! *~

As part of my ongoing quest for productive procrastination tools, I have decided to start a blog of my study journey through the USMLE. Unfortunately, I have another exam in like 6 hours so I kinda need to get going.

brb!

--KM <3