**Landau Back to School Scrubs Review**

This is a sponsored post, but all opinions are my own.

As my first year of fellowship gets underway, I am even more in awe of how variable my days can be.

After dropping off the kids, my morning can range from anything from ultrasound clinic, seeing my own pregnant or postpartum patients in continuity clinic, or performing procedures in the OR suite.

At lunchtime, I am able to recharge, and then the afternoon hustle commences – just as unpredictable as the morning with dedicated learning time, research and department meetings, or more clinic. If I am not headed home for the night, at 5:30pm I head to Labor and Delivery for call. I love it all!

No two days are the same, and my schedule may change from month to month. I get bored easily when things become routine, so this is one of the many things that drew me to OBGYN. It definitely makes me love MFM – a subspecialty dedicated to the “un-routine” as they like to say.

The hospital is pretty strict on what we wear in the OR, but I get creative license with everything else :read socks, earrings, and scrub caps:

I have really enjoyed being more fashionable in clinic attire, but honestly, sometimes it is not the most practical when you could be pulled into a procedure in any moment. And y'all, even on some of our most tame days, obstetrics is messy - there is blood, and amniotic fluid, and lots you don't want to know... 

So a great pair of scrubs that makes you look the part, but is still functional, comfortable, and stylish is something you quickly learn to hold on to. The New Urbane Scrubs Contemporary Fit is just that. I had the pleasure of trying out their scrubs in “steel gray”, which is the color our division uses so I can match the rest of the MFM team…

Here are some of the things that make these scrubs special:

●     Their exclusive fabric construction is the perfect balance of breathable and flexible to keep you feeling cool and less restricted – perfect for me running from clinic to Labor & Delivery. Seriously, these may be one of the most comfortable pair of scrubs I own…They are like yoga pants!

●     The fabric has been tested for durability, shade consistency, and color fastness to keep you them looking brand new after each wash.

●     Pockets for days to keep all my essentials on hand.

●     The scrubs come in a variety of sizes ranging from XS to 5XL

●     Despite their functionality, they are also stylish – look at that neckline!

You can find Landau Urbane scrub retailers here:http://www.urbanescrubs.com/.

***I received a pair of scrubs and compensation for this post. All opinions are my own. #LoveUrbane #AcornInfluencer #Ad ***

***PURE Maevn Scrubs: Review & Contest***

This summer, I got to try another set of Maevn scrubs - I did a review back in January for their EON collection.

Maevn has a new brand within their line called PURE, and I think this may be my favorite pair of scrubs thus far! This time I opted for Pewter, mainly because now that I’m a Maternal-Fetal Medicine fellow (!!! still cannot believe this) these scrubs will match the department scrubs that they give us.

What sets these scrubs apart from hospital scrubs, are the stretchy and breathable fabric that is not only practical but also soft, all the essential pockets, and the awesome color selection.

Pictured are the following styles:

Modern V-neck Top; size S
Ladies Relaxed-fit Elastic Drawstring Cargo Pant; size M

I’m so excited to add these new scrubs to my wardrobe as I keep myself comfortable (and well put together!) while coming in and out of the hospital.

You can find Maevn scrubs in over 500 stores and online retailers.

Also, Spiderwoman-Policewoman Isabelle was determined to get in on this photoshoot. If this doesn't say "Mrs. Mommy M.D." I don't know what does...HA! 

***For this post, I was given a pair of Maevn scrubs for review. All opinions are my own.***

The generous team at Maevn scrubs has arranged for one of my readers to get a free pair of EON scrubs. The details of the contest can be found on my Instagram post **here**

Lecturio: The Medical Education Tutor at Your Fingertips

I was recently asked to review a new online medical course service called Lecturio.

Lecturio was developed in 2008 and per the website, is composed of: 

"...a passionate, international team of about 80 people with very different backgrounds but one common goal: to simplify and optimize online education and allow all users to reach their full potential. It is our mission to make high-quality online education available to as many people as possible, and spread specialized knowledge around the world." 

Portable, online lectures were so clutch as a mom in medical school. Sometimes you just can't physically be there, but that does not mean that your grades have to suffer. And ALL  students know that sometimes the information just doesn't stick with one lecture, so supplemental information can be critical when it comes to passing the exam.



For a monthly fee, students can watch lectures from experts all over the world in various subjects including (but not limited to) biochemistry, anatomy, statistics, health policy, and MCAT prep. It's like hitting the lottery when it comes to medical curriculum.

In addition to their high-quality lectures, Lecturio seeks to maximize retention of content by pausing at various intervals to quiz you on the topic you are hearing - like a live QBank. For added convenience, you have library access on both Iphone and Android platforms.

Lecturio is on to something, and I am excited to see how their forward thinking takes medical education into the future!

Click the link below to take a look around their site and decide if Lecturio is for you.

Online Lectures with Lecturio

I was not compensated for this post. 

Readers Want to Know...Should I Do a Post-Bac/Masters Program?

Sweet baby Nate & how I did most of my post-bac studying in 2009

What is a "post-bac" or post-baccalaureate program? 

A post-bac program is formal or informal coursework that is designed for those who have completed a baccalaureate degree. You can find them in all fields, but they are known in the pre-medical community as ways to complete basic science coursework prior to medical school. A lot of times, they are intended for those with a late change of plans in college or career switch. 

Sometimes, these programs can serve as enrichment type courses to raise your science GPA or help to prepare you for medical school - similar to the program I participated in - Masters in Science of Medical Science at Indiana University. After completion of these programs students typically can obtain a certification (i.e. Nutrition or Health Sciences) or depending on the program, a Master's level degree. 

How much is tuition? 

This will vary by location. A good rule of thumb is that it will resemble college tuition with private schools costing more than state institutions. 

How can I pay for it? 

Just like with medical school, unless you have a rich uncle, you will most likely have to take out student loans for your tuition. I had a few friends that worked during our post-bac year, but remember that your goal is to bang out your courses so that you can get into medical school. If you need all of the extra time to study and get the results you want, you probably should not work.

Where can I find one? 

Sadly, formal pre-med post-bac programs are decreasing in number, but the AAMC website has a database list here: Post Bac Link and you can filter by location. 

Is a Post-Bac for me? 

Although anyone can participate in or sign up for post-bac coursework, you have to make sure it fits your needs and you get out of it the investment you put in. I think it is a great option for people who may not be ready to jump into medical school straight from undergrad, or need an extra boost in their GPA or on their resume. It is also a great option for those who have not yet completed their pre-medical coursework and need a more structured program. Make sure you do lots of research to find the program that is the best fit for you and don't be afraid to contact the program administrator to ask questions not answered on the websites.

---

Hope this is helpful! You can always email me with more questions at Mrs.Mommy.MD@gmail.com and they may become a "Readers Want to Know Post"!

Readers Want to Know: Should I Go to Medical School?

I get questions from readers all the time asking whether or not I think they should go to medical school. This is a VERY personal decision that you have to decide for yourself. However, having gone through medical school myself and after making many difficult decisions to pursue this career, I do have some advice.

Obviously, first and foremost you need to have an interest in medicine. But once you get past that, here are the bigger things to think about when making the decision as to whether or not you should go to medical school.

Do you like school?

4th grade. See? Nerd. 

Because on the road to MD, there is a lot of it. Not to sound nerdy, but I have always enjoyed school. Of course, it wasn't always fun, but my passion for the subject matter kept me going. In order to become a physician, you have to complete high school, complete 4 years of college - with emphasis on doing well in the required prerequisites for medical school, complete 4 years of medical school, and between 3-6 years of residency depending on what field to decide to go on to.  Some physicians will then pursue a fellowship - such as high-risk obstetrics, critical care medicine, or hematology - which is an additional training after your residency. Also, at various points in your schooling, you will be required to take multiple board exams which standardizes everyone's curriculum.


Are you okay with delayed gratification? 

The road to medical school is the epitome of delayed gratification. One of my classmates from my post-bac program  - when comparing herself to her peers and close friends who are well into their careers - referred to herself as "The Little Engine That Could". That just about sums it up.  Many physicians look back and see that when compared to their matched peers, there were the last of the group to become "adults" so to speak.  They were the last ones to buy a house.  They were the last ones to start families. I'm kind of an anomaly - luckily the face of the medical student is changing. But I often think about if things for me hadn't turned out the way they did, when would I have started a family? My family and I have (and still) put off major decisions - until deadlines like Match Day, graduation, completion of residency, etc.

White Coat Ceremony circa 2010

Are you okay with debt?

Some Ecards

Everyone doesn't walk away from medical school with significant debt burden.  But the majority of us do. For those of us without a rich uncle, or a lucky PowerBall ticket, medical school can mean walking away with not only a degree, but also hundreds of thousands of dollars of student loans. That being said, you may be blessed to find scholarships for your medical schooling. These exist and I know firsthand, because I had one.

Do an extensive web search, but also, investigate the various schools that you're interested in and and see if they offer any medical school specific scholarships. Many of my classmates also joined the service or committed to public service type specialties for which their medical school education was covered.

Can you see yourself doing anything else? 

Homemade plexiglass whiteboards for studying...all the time

No really. If the answer to this question is "yes", then you definitely have some self reflection to do. I don't say that to be harsh, but when the "going gets tough", you do not want to regret your decision.

Whether or not to become a physician is not something that you can decide overnight.  Not only does this decision require a tremendous amount of time and energy to reach your goal, it means time away from the ones you love and minimal time for yourself. You may miss birthdays, weddings, friend vacations, or your kids' school presentations.

These things, although much improved as you become a practicing physician, are still there.
Being a physician means making sacrifices to put others needs before your own every day. Even the best, most passionate, well-meaning physicians get tired, so if your heart is not in medicine, you will quickly get burnt out.


---

Hope this is helpful! You can always email me with more questions at Mrs.Mommy.MD@gmail.com and they may become a "Readers Want to Know Post"!

Docta J: Graduation Weekend Recap **Warning: Awesome Picture Overload**

Over the next couple of days I am going to catch you up on everything that has been going on in the Johnson world. The first update being....drumroll please....

Ya girl is hooded!

Hood Status: Achieved. 

It is still surreal.

Graduation weekend was epic!

Friday night, our family and friends came into town from all over. I'm so blessed to have had so much unwavering support throughout this journey, and friends that didn't let me fall out of touch even though I am not the best at reaching out. The whole weekend was filled with so much love. I can't begin to tell you how good it felt to have so many people (who have been there with us every step of the way) come to celebrate with us.

Friday was also senior banquet. Nate and I got all dressed up like we were headed to prom and attended the event at the Indiana Rooftop Ballroom downtown. It was a beautiful evening in honor of our graduating class.

Saturday was the big day!!! One of my besties from U of M, Victoria, is a makeup artist in LA, and she hooked me up all weekend with awesomeness. She is so talented! If you need a MUA in the LA area, you can check her out here: V. Aje Artistry

Team Johnson!!

Grammy xoxo

The Parentals

Bros!!!

My U Mich Girls!

Sis-in-law & Mom-in-law

Michigan friend-family

My plastic surgeon boo. She's kind of a big deal ;-) 

Hooded!!

My GenSurg Love Ashley

After being hooded (whoot whoot!), we went back to our house, and hosted a BBQ for our guests. It was perfect because it seemed like the entire city of Indianapolis graduated that day, so it would have been so crazy trying to find a restaurant that could host our ginormous party of 30+.

Post BBQ we hit the town with my girls and brothers which was so much fun!!

My classmate Ty and his beautiful wife Sherron, our Indy couple friends 

Celebrating with the legal Ransone boys

Sunday, was brunch at one of my favorite restaurants close to our home. The food was delicious and the view from our party room was amazing. Before we cut the amazing cake Nate had made, I said a few words to everyone about how much it meant to me to have their support and how amazing it was to be living in that moment. You already know...ugly cry. I was so sad when the weekend ended because it was phenomenal.

The Ransone-McConico-Johnson Clan 

The McGraw-Johnson Clan

My Godmom & Godbrother :-) 

College Roomie Bestie/Newly-minted J.D.

Mommy looking HOT at brunch

Cutting the yummy cake (I was crying a little during my speech)

-------
Sidenote, for the weekend I decided to try Rent the Runway for the first time! My banquet dress (red) was Halston Heritage and my graduation dress (blue) was Monique Lhuillier. I will definitely be a repeat customer! If you want to try RTR for yourself, use my invite and we both will get a $20 rental credit! Click Here