Halfway to the Finish Line

The countdown begins for Final Presentation Night and the work load is escalating. Final product is approaching and time is running out to come up with ideas to create a product that is inspirational and facilitates change in the current practice of medicine.

Weekly Report 1/15/2018 to 1/21/2018

The past week’s primary focus has been on original work and extensive research on pediatric high grade and low grade gliomas. Research has gone beyond extensive levels in addressing the different treatment types for each type of tumor and the best possible way to provide quality care. The focus of the original work is consolidated into three main types of tumors within gliomas which include astrocytomas, ependymomas, and glioblastoma multiformes. Almost all tumors are treated with three primary techniques for treatment including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The importance of providing quality care is vital especially in the field of medicine where malpractice occurs regularly without notice.

Research showcase was a success with multiple opportunities to network as well as be able to professionally present ourselves with a certain poise and structure. Shaking hands, talking in a professional tone, while still keeping the people engaged was a difficult task to uphold, however, at the same time it was enjoyable on every level. The opportunity itself was one that not many other students get and it is something that will never be forgotten. The importance of professionalism is so vital once we enter the real world and the whole ordeal was a great way to get introduced to it.

In terms of mentor visits, the first one will be within this following week with Dr. Bruno Braga during either the afternoon or morning times. The primary goals of this first visit is to discuss the basis of our schedule for the rest of the semester as well as make sure that both of us have an consensus on the details of this program.

Overall, the days are running out quickly and time isn't stopping for anyone. The final product proposal is due within two weeks after the due date of the original work. Before we know it, the year will be over. There has been so much opportunity to earn throughout this week with extensive research on gliomas, an opportunity to enter the professional world, have experience presenting and talking to an audience that is completely unaware of your topic or what you may be doing in ISM. The difficulty of this week has only been the completion of the original work due to the complexity of the research on pediatric gliomas which are immensely complex and require complex understanding of tumors in general. However, the topics continue to grow in depth and interest which makes the research that much better to conduct.