Second Look: UNC

So this past Saturday I woke up early to start awkward conversations with potential medical students at UNC. Actually, the most conversational people were that admissions staff that know me as "The Coffee Guy." I guess its better to be known for something a little weird than nothing at all. But bright and early at 8:30 am I began bantering with my fellow (potential) classmates. Dr. Bashford (who reminds me of the one and only Frank Comfort - who knew he had a brother?) told us stories about med school and why we should come to UNC, but still cheer for State. We got lectured about the curriculum, community service opportunities, and research. Then we were whisked off to the Carolina Inn for a hearty, and expensive, lunch.

Afterwards, I started to meet the students. Over Ham's cheese fries and a keg of Yuengling that night, we talked about basketball, women, and of course, the years to come. I thought everyone was nice, and old. Very old. Everyone seems to be married or engaged. I seem to be behind the curve on that one, but since many of the students are a couple years older, I think it will be a better class. It will mean the people are more mature, more experienced, and hopefully less "pre-medish." That's my term for overeager premed students who are too uptight to be doctors, but some will get in anyways, then never take their nose out of a book. Don't get me wrong, I'm ready to start studying again, but I also fully intend to maintain this ballin' physique.

I am continuing to try to get off the waiting list at Dook (oops!), and I will visit Emory the weekend of the 25th to check out their Second Look. I also contacted the director of Duke's School of Public Policy to see if UNC and Duke can do a MD/MPP option in 5 years (an MD at Carolina and a Masters in Public Policy - MPP - at Duke). Who knows, maybe I'll be a pioneer! The director said in his 10 year tenure, no one has ever proposed such an idea...

Meanwhile, Sarah and I are leaving for DC to visit the Cherry Blossoms and the Newseum. And I'm trying to decide whether to buy a Kindle 2.0 for my trip abroad. Any thoughts?