Dooley Noted: 6/16/2015
I am currently preparing to teach our first ever Module II of Immaculate Dissection, “Dissecting the Lower Extremity.”
In preparation, I spend about two hours a night studying British Gray’s Anatomy, a 1500+ page, 7-point font tome that serves as my Anatomy Bible.
Last night, the spine of the book broke in my lap.
I thought my first reaction to that happening would be tears.
But I laughed.
I was shuttled back in time, when I received the book as a gift on my 28th birthday.
I had left the comforts of the Midwest behind, in order to do a master’s degree that scared the daylights out of me.
I won’t say that the program was overwhelming, because I finished it.
I’ll say it was demanding, and I was expected to meet the demands.
Almost nine years ago, I would pass out with the book in my lap.
I would have brief thoughts, like, “I will never be able to learn this.”
But the goal spoke louder.
People counted on me to teach them, and I wasn’t about to let them – or myself – down.
So, days turned into years.
As I now look at my book with the broken spine, I understand the learning curve is sometimes a long turn.
Now, I write about anatomy and use the book as verification and to find nuances.
The book is still an opportunity for discovery.
The curve isn’t finished with its turns.
Anything worth learning is worth your daily dedication.
It’s not about cramming or getting frustrated because you can’t retain information.
Consider daily, consistent dedication.
I’m proud to call myself an anatomist, and I’m excited by how much more I have to learn.
You can be complacent in what you know, living comfortably where you are in your knowledge base.
Or, you can ride the learning curve, not knowing where it may take you.
As always, it’s your call.
– Dr. Kathy Dooley
