Well I'm now 4 weeks into medical school. The pattern of how things work is finally becoming apparent and regular. We are also now beginning to add in procedural skills and clinical coaching. I talked to my first patient, which was weird but fun at the same time. It was weird because I really had nothing to offer him. I just found out why he was in the hospital and what they had done but couldn't help. My shoulder feels wonderful. I've begun doing the lame, but important rehab exercises. I can't wait until I can be fully active again. And surf. Everyone is quite friendly, so there are lots of opportunities to do things. Like I played in a random pickup soccer game. It was pretty tough, not because people were good but because it was 4 in the afternoon. Some days the humidity gets over 85% It's insane. Normal people sweat a lot, so I'm just like a human shower.

In other news, my weekend started early (thursday at noon). Because tommorow is supposed to be the most fun day of the year. Its known as sports day. And involves a torch run across town. The 4th years start at 830am at the hippocrates statue and say the hippocratic oath. They then run off to various bars and collect the 3rd years, then 2nds years then the first years. And everyone ends up on campus for various games and "sports". The only requirement is that you are wearing scrubs. Everyone gets the day off - including those on rotations anywhere in queensland. I've heard a rumor that even the profs participate. They don't really tell us first years much more than that, but anything that involves 1000 people going to pubs and bars before noon and then rendezvous'ing at a huge bbq/games fest on campus can't be bad! Tommorow is also the opening game of my new favourite team, the Queensland Reds! So I get to have an afternoon of mayhem and then an evening of rugby. I couldn't be more excited.

This is mostly pointless babbling, so I should probably stop. I posted a photo album for all of you to check out! I keep forgetting to bring my camera around to take pictures of things. But I haven't been out of the city much (besides a trip to the coast) because of my arm. Hope you enjoy!

http://picasaweb.google.com/MattSolomon85/AustraliaTheBeginning