White Coat Ceremony

I am now officially a PA student: Kristina Anderson, PA-S. No turning back now. Before I know it that title will turn to PA-C (certified). But for now I'll just enjoy the ride. Well, endure it I should say. Getting back into the swing of things after my week break has been more difficult than I thought. I'm getting there though.

You might wonder exactly what the White Coat Ceremony is...... It was started back in the 90's with medical schools and is mostly like a graduation with speeches, having your name called and walking across the stage to put on your white coat with the assistance of a professor, and lots of pictures, all BEFORE graduating. It's fantastic. But really it's to symbolize officially becoming a health care provider and all that it entails.

Here's your official example (taken straight from the back of my program).....

"The White Coat Ceremony" is a 'rite of passage' for students beginning the study of medicine that encourages a psychological contract for professionalism and empathy in the practice of medicine. The event emphasizes the importance of both scientific excellence and compassionate care for the patient.

The white coat is a symbolic, non-verbal communication used to express and reaffirm a fundamental belief in a system that society observes. The authority of dress is serious and purposeful, not social, casual or random. It is a guide to both the patient and clinician on how to react and relate to one another.

The dress of healers in primitive societies was an important part of the paraphernalia of their healing. The uniform should convey to even the most anxious patient a sense of seriousness and purpose that helps provide reassurance and confidence that his/her complaints will be dealt with competently and seriously. The white coat is the cloak of compassion."

Am I ready for this? ABSOLUTELY!

Pre-ceremony

Putting on the white coat

My group along with mentor, Professor Ferguson, PA-C

My classmates

My Pops

My "Aunties" (my mom's college roommates & friends)

Saddle Mtn. & the Coast

My Pops came for my White Coat Ceremony, as you already know. The following day we hiked to the top of Saddle Mountain, elevation of 3,283. You see, I thought my dad said 13,283. A meager 3000 ft elevation with 1600 ft to climb may seem pretty wimpy, but it was a pretty steep incline. Fortunately it was a clear day and we could see all the way to the ocean and also inland, including Mt. Hood, Mt. St. Helen's, Mt. Ranier, and Mt. Jefferson. The excellent view was breathtaking. About the only thing to foul it up were the many flies on the top of the summit just hanging out waiting for unsuspecting panting hikers to reach the top. I swear they were dive bombing me. My frustration was insurmountable, no pun intended.

After our vigorous hike, we headed to the coast to eat at Mo's, my third time eating there in a month. Pretty soon they'll know me by first name along with my usual order.

It was sure fun to have my dad in town and show him around. Thanks for coming Mac!

More of Portland....

My Pops flew in today for my white coat ceremony tomorrow. We enjoyed some din din outside at Macadam's Bar & Grill. The pear slaw was definitely my fav. You're exactly right, no cabbage involved in that slaw!

Just down the street we hopped on to the Portland Aerial Tram. I've been wanting to go on it ever since I moved to Portland. Yes, I'm a kid at heart. I find enjoyment in the small things. The tram connects both of the OHSU campuses and has a FABULOUS view of the city and Mt. Hood. Pictures don't do it justice. You can barely see Mt. St. Helen's in the background (middle left).....

Finished off the evening by checking out the famous European style Pittock Mansion. It was too late to go inside, but it had a great view of Mt. Hood (second photo below) and the city, but not as good as the tram. Just sayin'.

Oh, and by the way....did I mention how much I LOVE Portland??

Goonies Never Say Die

Yesterday was another day spent at the coast and I was excited to spend all day baking under the sun. So it was sunny ALL week and then it decided to be cold and overcast all day instead. Of course. Good thing the delicious fish and chips made up for it. After a short walk along the beach looking for sand dollars (unsuccessful) we made our way up to Astoria.

We crossed this ginormous bridge....

To get here.....

After which we went to the Goonies house. Not the same color, but definitely looks the same.

Just imagine Lawrence standing just outside that white fence doing the truffle shuffle. Bahahaha. I wanted to imitate it for the picture, but didn't think it'd be appropriate.

For the majority of you out there that grew up watching the Goonies, you'll be shocked to know I've only ever seen it once. Walking up to the house, some dude coming down asked us if we were going to go see Mikey and Dana. Who are they...? Yes, I know, your heart now hangs heavy for my lost childhood. So of course, we came home and watched The Goonies. Oh my gosh, SUCH A FUNNY MOVIE. I LOVE THE 80s. As I'm sure you already know.

Before heading out we went to go check out the sound we could hear from the Goonies house. The source....?? Sea Lions. And yes, I was standing that close to them. There were tons of them all sprawled out on the boat decks honking away. Very entertaining.

I Officially Hate GPS

Blaaaah. Today was the worst afternoon ever. Don't you just love when you're trying to get somewhere, it seems as though you've been in the car forever, and then once you get there you realize you've just gone in a big circle? I was LITERALLY in the car for ONE HOUR trying to get to Nordstrom Rack on my way home from school, except it wasn't exactly on my way....as you can tell from the map below. All I wanted to do was return a shirt I had bought a few weeks back and instead I ended up wasting an hour of my time and probably the same amount in gas of what the shirt cost. I knew where the GPS was taking me didn't seem right, but what could I do? Apparently I chose the wrong address or something. You know, I couldn't have survived w/ out the GPS when I first moved here, but I think it's about time to chuck it out the window. Maybe one of the many bikers on the road will catch it and have just as much fun as I did.