Good morning block 2

In the blink of an eye half an year has passed and I've already sat my first end of semester med school exams. After a 2 day break (ie the weekend) teaching for block 2 (- cardiovascular) is about to begin.

BRING IT ON!

2014 GAMSAT result release!

Congratulations to all those who sat the GAMSAT this year!

Hope you all were happy with your results this year. Best of luck to those who will be applying for med school this year!

For those who weren't satisfied, rest well and sharpen up for the next try!

First med school exam! My initial med school experience!

I had my first med school exam today. It is definitely a funny feeling to go to the exam feeling like you are going to fail, and then come out of the test feeling fine!

It has already been 6 weeks since med school started, and although I knew med school wasn't going to be easy, the amount of content they cram into the lecture is takes a little to get used to. 

So far, the first six weeks of 1st year med school has been the 'foundation' block. This block focuses on getting non-science background students up to scratch with medical science content. So for the past 6 weeks we've been taught intensely on:

• Anatomy
• Microbiology
• Cell biology
• Histology
• Physiology
• Social Foundations of Medicine

My General Registration has finally arrived

I’ve finally received my General Registration as a pharmacist today. I lodged my application since November 8th, it finally arrived on December 31st.

During these 9 weeks, I’ve gone through excitement, annoyance, frustration ,out rage and indifference. I’ve called AHPRA at least 10 times, and by the end I’ve come to accept the thought that ‘it’s not going to happen any time soon’.

It wasn’t until my friend texted me that I realise the registration came through. Too bad that it had to come through the day after my last shift. I guess I'll get to experience being a full pharmacist at my next job.

Oh well, now it’s time to look for a job next year! It’s really scary… hope it all goes well!

Happy New Year People!

Waiting for general registration

Back in November 6th I've submitted my registration paperworks to AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Registration Agency) to change my registration from a provisional pharmacist to a general pharmacist.

Their website indicates that the process from provisional to general takes up to 10 days, but can also be between 4-6 weeks.

It has now been 6 weeks and I'm still waiting for news. I must admit that this has driven me crazy, especially when I see my friends obtain their general registration even though they submitted their application later than I did.

Oh well, I've called them up at lease 10 times over the last month or so. I don't think there is any more I can do. I think this is a test of my patience, and I am failing miserably.

Probably the moment I stop caring and checking my application progress, they'll give me the good news.

FORXIGA - Completely new class of diabetes medicine

AstraZeneca are releasing a new drug called Forxiga (for-zee-ga) or dapagliflozin (da-pa-glee-flo-sin). It is marketed as a medicine to treat type 2 diabetes. The difference that sets this medicine apart from current diabetes medicines is that it it's mechanism is insulin-independent.

While current diabetes medicines either augment insulin production, increase insulin sensitivity or supplement insulin directly into the body, this completely new class of diabetes medicine does not rely on the insulin pathway.

How it works:

Dapagliflozin works in the kidneys. It stops glucose from being re-absorbed and thus increasing glucose elimination. In short, it makes your urine sweet.

MOA of Forxiga

Side effects:

1. As the glucose content of the urine increases, so does the patient's chances of getting a UTI. Patient's are likely to get UTIs or other infections within 1 week of treatment. However studies showed that 1 course of appropriate treatment successfully eliminate the infection without future recurrence. However, be cautious in patients already having recurring UTIs.
2. Dapagliflozin's effect is completely renally dependant. Monitor renal function and be careful in patients with CrCl less than 60ml/min.
3. It can cause weight loss. Although unproven, the theory is that it increases sodium excretion that leads to accompanied loss of water.
   

Role in therapy: 

Dapagliflozin is designed to be used in combination with
current diabetes medicines. However not recommended with pioglitazone. 

Dosage:

10mg tablet once daily. No dose adjustments required for any demographic. One dose fits all.

When will it come out?

December 1st 2013. It will be on the PBS, but will require an Authority.

Personal comment:

Exciting and novel mechanism to treat diabetes. This opens up a new option for patients that have problems with their insulin. I'm looking forward to seeing it in practice.

I got into med school!

After peeping at my phone throughout work the whole day I finally received the email I was waiting for!

ANU has offered me a CSP position. 

I am so happy and grateful of the outcome. Just like Oscar winners I want to thank everybody that has helped me through this journey! My friends and family that cheered me along the way, my boss who allowed me to take time off for the interview, my girlfriend who prepared me every step of the way etc.

Now that I'm here, it is officially time to look for next year's accommodations! Bye bye Brisbane, and hello Canberra!