A little bit of second year before our break! by Baila Litwak

            

Hof Yanai

            At MSIH first year is split into two semester filled with basic sciences like molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry, and microbiology. In second year we start anatomy and instead of semesters we are taught in blocks, one class at a time. For about a month we learn the ins and outs of a single organ system from the normal anatomy and physiology to pathology and pharmacology. After the success of passing 10+ classes over the course of two semesters, we get a taste of second year - we learn two organ systems before leaving for summer break.

            All year I have been looking forward to organ systems where we can focus on one topic rather than trying to balance 6 different ones. The boring science classes are behind us, we have learned an unbelievable amount, and are now equipped with the knowledge needed to delve into the medicine of the human body.

            Second year seems much harder than first because there is a great deal to learn in each organ system and we move quickly to cover it all. Every few weeks a block ends and there is a final, which makes the year exhausting. The school eases us into the organ systems by giving us two of the easiest ones to knock off at the end of our first year, endocrinology and hematology. The transition between second semester and endocrinology was great. After about a month of finals to close our second semester we finally had a break for a couple of days.

            Since endocrinology started I have been busy studying and having fun. Two days into endocrinology we had the day off for Yom Ha’student, student day. There were pool parties with DJs and performances downtown with some of the biggest names in Israeli music. The next day we finished our first week of endocrinology and I, along with 9 other classmates, headed to one of the nicest beaches in Israel to camp out for the night.

Beer Sheva Light Run

Sunday was Lag baomer and there were bonfires lighting up the entire city and Macabbi TLV won the Euroleague finals so there were parties in the street all night. On Wednesday I volunteered in Teddy bear hospital, an event held for 200 local kindergardeners and their teddy bears who underwent X-rays, surgeries and eye tests among other things so that the kids could learn about the hospital and not fear it in case they every need to come in. Thursday was the second annual Beer Sheva light run which started once the sun had set and the music, excitement and glow paint filled the air.

            Beer sheva is a college town that always has fun things going on. I am looking forward to the interesting organ systems to come and all the other experiences coming our way.

- by Baila Litwak