Weird Science

Today was my first day as a "teacher". Scary thought. As a a fellow at the Philadelphia Hand Center, I am responsible for teaching first year OT students at Thomas Jefferson the basics of splinting. Seeing as how I have never been formally taught how to splint, this should be interesting. This morning, we had to sit in the computer lab and help them with evidenced based practice. Pretty boring, but it is relevant to our (their) field. Everything in medicine is based on EBP. Then the afternoon is when I had to regurgitate what little I know about certain "tests" they will perform. We had to go over volumetric measuring for edema, grip and pinch strength testing, Semmes-Weinstein sensory testing, static and moving 2 point discrimination, and pain. For the most part I knew what I was talking about. They aren't even tested on this so it will be fine.

Next week starts the scary part. I have to show them how to make a wrist immobilization splint and then they have the entire class time to make one. The week after that they do a thumb spica (I HATE this splint) and then a resting hand splint. Apparently these students are quite anal and this could be a beating. The best part is, I have to grade them. Seeing as how in the last couple of week I myself have thrown away splints I have made, I will probably be a push-over and pass them all. They really are a good group and we will have some fun.

Tonight, I had another Philadelphia "first". I went to my first 76ers game! The best part is they were playing the Mavs. Although, the Mavs lost so that was a bummer. I went with Jennifer (the other fellow) and Jason, an OT we work with. We had a blast. We rode the train down there and had awesome seats. We were behind the basket about 10 rows up from the court. Jason says that the 76ers suck right now so tickets are cheap. On our way home, we were entertained on the train. After the doors closed, the music began and these three guys started dancing and flipping through the aisles. It was so fun! When the doors would open they had to stop because it's illegal to have music and to put on a show (especially since they were asking for money afterward). They were quite talented and had the entire train car entranced. Fun way to end the night!