My first semester as a first year physio student!
In my first semester, I was introduced to Pathophysiology, Research and Study Skills and the Anatomy of the Lower Quadrant. Overall, I loved the content of the subjects and found them very interesting. All the actual āphysio stuffā - maybe not Research and Study Skills so muchā¦ But, the two come hand in hand.Ā
In pathophysiology, the lesson was conducted under a Problem Based Learning approach. So we were given a patient trigger, which we had to identify key terms, questions we had, links and produce a mind map. From this, we put together some learning objectives to go away and practice some self study. I have to say; for me personally; meeting the group for the first time ever, and having to work in a group to do all of this, during COVID-19, was pretty tough. I suppose because you canāt really get to know anyone properly. It was sort of like a chair meeting, but everyone facing forward, 2 metres apart and not looking at each other. As you can imagine, it was quite stinted. However, as the weeks went on, it got easier. Ā
We completed a few weeks on Cardiorespiratory, MSK and Neurology. It was a nice little introduction to be honest, as Iām not sure what I would like to specialise in yet! I think I was most interested in Neurology, although, when I started the course I actually thought I would be most interested in MSK. Weāll see anyway, still got a long way to go yet!Ā
We were then examined at home - (because of the COVID mess) - by undertaking a 50 question MCQ test. It was difficult, but I passed. In reflection, I think next term I will have to balance my revision better as I did focus a bit more on Anatomy this term.Ā
For Anatomy, we were introduced to the upper quadrant. We had to use each other for models which meant no social distancing, however, full PPE was provided by the uni. I remember in the first lesson, we started palpating the spinous processes of the thoracic spine and I said to my lecturer I couldnāt feel anything. He said to me āweāre going to have some problems then because itās probably one of the easiest parts to palpate.ā It makes me laugh actually because itās so true. Obviously, Iāve over come that hurdle now!Ā
Anatomy blew my mind. We had to know planes, axis, bones, joints, articulations, muscles, ligaments etc etc etc etc!!!!!!! It was so hard. I think as well, because Iāve never really done anything like this before, working with people so closely, that was a bit of a barrier for me. I did feel awkward to begin with, poking and prodding the body parts of a stranger. It didnāt take long to get over that though.Ā
For the assessment, it was a practical viva voce. We knew that we were going to be given the Thoracic or Cervical spine, and then either the shoulder girdle, the glenohumeral joint, the elbow, the forearm and the wrist or the hand. I got given the Thoracic spine and the shoulder girdle.Ā
To reflect, next term when we study the anatomy of the upper quadrant, I feel like it will be slightly easier for me as now I have done this once before, Iāll know what to expect and Iāll know what I need to know for the viva!
My first semester was completely different to how I expected it. Firstly, a lot of it is based online now due to COVID. So no big lecture halls you see in the movies. Secondly, I did not expect how many hours of reading, self directed study and revision I would have to do. At the start, I was just cruising, a couple of hours a week here and there. Well, that didnāt last long. Before I knew it, I was probably putting in around 4/5 hours A DAY, 5 days a week. And actually, I still feel like Iāll need to put in more next term! Itās all a learning curve anyway. But overall, I have loved the start of this journey and it definitely feels like the right course for me. But for now, Iām going to enjoy Christmas and back to the grind in the new year!Ā
