And we're off!

Today marks the last day of the complete didactic portion of our program. We will be taking classes online throughout clinicals, but we won't be on campus. Leaving behind our small, brick classroom (whose thermostat has finally been working correctly) is quite the milestone for us. We have spent many hours in there, occasionally sending dirty looks to Chris Torman's office which can conveniently be seen down the hall from our seats. ;) It's a bittersweet farewell as we make preparations to move for clinicals, but we are eager to get into the operating room to make fools of ourselves (Just kidding James, Chris, and Jeff!).

Goodluck, everyone!!!

See you on the other side... :)

Got a big family?

Then meet Aaron Snow. He is married with five children and during his time in Utah (before moving for clinicals) he has lived in the basement of his uncle's house with only two bedrooms and one bathroom for his family of seven. With the stress of school and the amount of time it consumes, it can be hard to make time for your family. The best advice we have been given is to always consider your family, for they come first. There are sacrifices that have to be made to endure this program, but you'd be crazy to gain a certification while losing your family along the way.

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Aaron recently made time for his family in a very fun way...

"Foam Days"

Isn't his family beautiful? :)

Make time for school because you have to, but find a balance and make time for your family, too!

G.A.S. Party!!!

Before separating for clinicals, we thought we should have a fun get together with the company of our spouses at Chris's fancy investment property in downtown Salt Lake City. We were able to tour the new condos after dinner, including his own, and they were all so beautiful. The view from each of them was phenomonal!

Everyone was kind enough to allow me to take pictures of them, too, so here we go:

 

Here is our first team adventure as we crammed into the elevator:

What a view:

We truly appreciate the time put into arranging this wonderful dinner for us poor, graduate students. Thank you Chris, and family, for welcoming us into your second home!

Like Father, Like Sons!

Erick needed some extra hands to help him with his lab work. :)

Ryan showed him how to properly preoxygenate before intubating:

Kaden made sure the machine was in the proper mode for ventilation...

Here Ryan shows his intubating skills one last time...

"C'mon, dad, it's easy!"