Change

I'm probably going to change my EQ. The cardiovascular system is interesting.

Werewolves

A man steps off the porch of his house. He feels a tingling sensation all over his body. It's a cold night, but he suddenly starts to feel hotter and hotter. His nails start to grow rapidly into sharp, morbid talons. The vest coat that he wore to protect himself from the frosty weather expands and begin to rip. The man looks up into the sky and sees the cosmic creation that started his transformation. His eyes shine a sickly yellow colour while reflecting the pure silver of the moonlight. Numerous wolves in the distance could be heard howling as if mourning of of their own. 

Werewolves.

Now, what do werewolves, a mythical creature from horror fiction have to do with the deadliest virus known to man? I'm reading Rabid: A Cultural History Of The World’s Most Diabolical Virus, a book about Rabies and the impact it has on history and culture.

"Rabies is a scourge as old as human civilization, and the terror of its manifestation is a fundamental human fear, because it challenges the boundary of humanity itself"

A quote by the authors Bill Wasik and Monica Murphy.

Seeing the effects of rabies does prove this statement; "...it challenges the boundary of humanity itself." What does rabies do to you? It paralyzes you. It makes you afraid of water. You develop aggressive behaviours. It kills you. Werewolves: Rabid? Check. Aggressive? Check. Afraid of water? I don't think so. It's an interesting connection to make. Is it possible werewolves were influenced by old century rabies victims? 

An article from Mental Floss that talks about the resemblance:
Scientific Reasons to Believe in Vampires, Werewolves & Zombies

Blog 9: EQ

I reviewed the rule of three for writing an EQ.

1. Provide a framework for studies (It calls for breadth and depth of research, Is not a yes/no question)
2. Takes a stance (Allows you to argue some point, Cannot be a recitation of facts or a list)
3.  Format (It is specific, The wording makes sense)

Review the following EQs and

• Tell us if it meets the rule of 3 criteria
• Tell why it does or why it doesn't

1. What is the most important factor in healthy weight loss?
• It does not meet the rule of 3
• It is a little vague. Focussing it on a gender would really help the student on their research. Weight loss for women and men are different. Focussing on an age would be even better, but potentially difficult to find research on.
2. What is most important to securing a conviction in a criminal investigation?
• It does not meet the rule of 3
• It is far too vague. If I could change this EQ, I would make the "conviction" a more specific crime such as murder or theft.
3. What is most important in creating a hairstyle that best satisfies a customer?
• It meets the rule of 3
• While it is questionably open [a customer] I believe it is appropriate due to the topic [hair stylist] because there are many different types of people that prefer many different types of hairstyles. Aside from finding research for it separate from mentorship, I believe it is an OK EQ.
4. How can an Anesthesiologist best treat chronic pain?
• It does not meet the rule of 3
• It is very vague. I would prefer it to go more in depth on the type of chronic pain the patient is having. Chronic pain is a pain that lasts for a long time; I would rather see "...treat chronic pain caused by X disease/condition/illness"

I noticed there were EQ's from last year, so ruling them not meeting the rule of 3 makes me question myself.

Based on your review of the rule of 3 and your experience with assessing four EQs, please write another draft EQ for your senior project.

As an internist, what is the most effective way to treat unvaccinated patients with rabies?

If I do that, my current answers that i have would become useless, but it would literally force me to know every single particle that makes up the rabies virus.

Rabies, One of the Deadliest Viruses

If not THE most dangerous. Until 2004, rabies had a 100% mortality rate. 2004! That was nine years ago. Hundreds of thousands of people have died over the centuries. 
Although, this doesn't mean it's cured. Since 2004, only 12 people ( have survived rabies under a set of procedures called the Milwaukee Protocol

In August, RadioLab did a podcast about rabies and the Milwaukee Protocol. Go ahead an listen to it. Rabies is an incredible cruel disease. Not only does it attack your nervous system, but it causes those whom are struck under it's horrible spell to be virtually unable to drink water because any contact with it will cause you severe pain. Because of this, it's also known as Hydrophobia.

There are lots of videos online showing of the effects of the disease. It's a horrible sight. 

Blog 8: Research and Working EQ

What is your working EQ?

What is the most effective way to treat a patient with rabies as an internist?


What is a possible answer to your working EQ? 

What is the most effective way to treat a patient with rabies as an internist?

• Understanding the chief complaint to be able to start diagnosing the patient. You need knowledge of the disease before you can start treating the patient.
• Knowing the patient's medical/[social] history. Knowing the medical and social history of the patient is important because in order to effectively treat a patient, you must know everything about them concerning their health.
• Do a physical exam. [Any exam/test, really] These tests can help you diagnose the patient as well as lead you to a treatment.

What is the most important source you have used that has helped you come up with an answer to your working EQ?

My summer mentorship at the UCI Medical Centre helped me come up with answers to my EQ. There, I learned the procedures doctors must take to effectively and efficiently treat a patient. 


Who is your mentor, or where are you volunteering, and how does what you are doing relate to your working EQ?

Dr. Francisco B. Fuscaldo is my mentor. I'd usually go to his office in LA for mentorship, but sometimes he visits my mum's office since he's my mum's client.

He is an internist and I'm interested on how he could help me answer my EQ. While I won't be able to fully interact with the patients, I'm able to observe.

Independent Component 1 Approval

Describe in detail what you plan to do for your 30 hours

I'm going to do mentorship with my mentor. I'll go to their clinic and talk to them. Maybe make a few more connections with other doctors.


Discuss how or what you will do to meet the expectation of showing 30 hours of evidence

I'll post pictures and probably updates on my research. The medical field is constantly growing and new advancements are being found every day. Once I get a handle on my EQ, I'll ask my mentors more focussed questions and do blog posts about my research and what they say.


Explain how what you will be doing will help you explore your topic in more depth

I plan to do more mentorship for the Independent component. Honestly, I'm not particularly certain about what i want my Essential Question to be. I do know that it will be "What is the most effective way to treat a patient with X as an internist."
The problem is what X is. Rabies? (meh) Diabetes? (My mentor knows some stuff about it) Another illness? Finalising my EQ is top priority.

Blog 6: Second Interview Questions

Who is your mentor and where do they work?

Dr. Francisco B. Fuscaldo, MD

North Broadway Medical Clinic
2926 N Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90031

or

Dr. Amable R. Aguiluz JR., MD

Amable R. Aguiluz MD 
21500 Pioneer Blvd Suite 209, Hawaiian Gardens, CA 90716


Dr. Fuscaldo is my mentor and the one that I plan to interview for Interview 2 as he is an internist.
On the other hand, Dr. Aguiluz is another doctor (Family Doctor w/ experience in Emergency Medicine) that I have as a back up. Dr. Fuscaldo is on vacation right now, so in the case I cannot do an interview with him, I'll do it with Dr. Aguiluz (I may try to visit the clinic if I have the time). Even though Dr. Aguiluz is not an internist, I believe it is important to have experience in a non-internal medicine clinic to note the differences in work ethics and procedures.

Although, Dr. Fuscaldo should be back in time before October.


What five questions will ask them about their background?

1. What country are you from and why did you come to the United States?
2. What school of medicine did you attend? Why?
3. What was your major in college?
4. Are you board certified? If so, can you explain the process of getting certification?
5. Why did you decide to open a clinic instead of staying with a hospital?
6. How long have you been practising medicine?
7. Can you explain your experience with residency?
8. Why do you think that being a doctor is a worthwhile career?

At the clinic

So it was time to do some mentorship and I decided to do it at Dr. Fuscaldo's clinic in LA. He greeted and talked to me with an enthusiastic aura. He was working with patients; I honestly felt as if I was in the way, but to my surprise, he let me talk to the patients and observe what he and his assistants do. His assistants showed me some machines, procedures, and teven the paperwork they had to fill out. He did a Pap Smear, but he didn't let me go in. (Thank god, right?)

Centrifuge used to separate the blood cells from the water in the vacutainers

Never in my life have I ever thought to take a picture of urine. That changed today.

Imagine this exactly used like pH
indicator paper we use to determine acids
vs bases. Except instead of acids and bases,
the type of problems within urine.

Hypodermic needles and vacutainers.
These particular vacutainers are called
"Tiger Top Vacutainers" as they contain
a coagulant which separates the blood
cells from the water when used in a centrifuge.

Dr. Fuscaldo and me

Blog 5: Project Reflection and Working EQ

Positive Statement:

What positive thing happen as a result of what you have completed so far?


Today I went to the doctor's office to do my mentorship and interview. I asked a question about being an Internist and he went on a long speech about what he believes they do. I want to do that. That is, not only know the information, but use the information. I'll become a doctor. I will.


EQ Content: 

Pick a piece of research or your interview. How has it helped you improve your understanding of your topic?


Article Title: Physician burnout affects patients too
Info: http://articles.latimes.com/2010/jun/07/health/la-he-the-md-20100607

Just like what the OBGYN at the UCI Medical Centre said, Primary Care professions such as Internal Medicine are decreasing. A huge cause for this is that other specialties such as orthopaedic surgery pay nearly twice as much. Another factor is burnout, which affects the entirety of the medical profession. I believe knowing the pros of something is fine, but knowing the downsides is even better. Senior project isn't just a school assignment. It's a tool that will help me prepare for the future. Might as well make the best out of it.

The fact that primary care physicians also encounter burnout is interesting. Many would think that surgeons, who hardly sleep, would mostly be the ones that get burnt out. My point is, Internal Medicine is only one out of the many specialties in the medical field. Knowing how burnout affects not only the doctors, but the patients too is important.


What has worked for you so far in the senior project?

I really do like the idea of researching. Frankly, my problem with it is where to find good articles. Many studies and dissertations are interesting, but are way too specific for me to effectively use for my project.

I have an idea on what I'll do for my activities though, that's a long ways away. I had the idea since the summer, but since I thought of my EQ (subject to change), I might have to rethink them.

I'm surprised I was able to waltz right into the doctor's office and so informally talk to the nurses today. So I think that's a step up for me.


What hasn't worked so far?

While I know I want to do Internal Medicine, it's pretty hard to find research on it. What's hard isn't finding information on how to become a doctor, definitions of medical jargon, or the pros and cons; it's the type of research that will be used for my senior project that I'm having difficult with. More specifically (and more accurately) what is hard is narrowing down my research to find what is really helpful for my project.

Also, finding another mentor for the other interview is going to take some work. I can get in touch with many doctors. (Honestly, many are general practitioners. I have connections!) So I'll have to decide on stretching out to find another internist, or interview a general practitioner to ask him about what he does in contrast to what an internist does.


Finding Value:

What is a potential question you would like to study this year? (working EQ) 

What is the most effective way to treat a patient with _____ as an internist?

Researching specifically on a single disease is incredibly wise. The issue (challenge is more accurate) is how that disease will be treated differently as an internist That's probably what research is for!

What do you plan to do for mentorship? If you haven't found a mentor yet, then discuss where you are currently looking and who you are talking to to find it.

Well, my mum knows many doctors and the only thing stopping me from talking to them is.. me talking to them. I mean, I have a mentor who I can talk to, but his schedule isn't exactly reliable so I'll try to find someone who is.

The problem is that the doctors my mum knows are mostly general practitioners. I don't mind Yellow-paging to ask to speak to doctors, but I would rather have that sense of familiarity with my family than a new experience with a total stranger. Better step out of my boundaries.

A Big Problem

Article Title: Medical Students Confront a Residency Black Hole
Info: http://management.fortune.cnn.com/2013/04/01/medical-students-residencies/

So I found this article whilst researching about Internal Medicine. It talks about how this year, hundreds of medical school graduates were unable to get a residency position. This is extremely concerning because medical school prepares you for the real world of medicine and most of your knowledge will be put on the line during your residency.

During residency, you'll be trained in a particular specialty of your choice. This is where doctors become true masters of their craft. Depending on what programme you join, surgeons become surgeons. Internists become internists. Students become doctors. 

When medical school graduates are unable to get a spot in residency, this is a huge problem: they've studied for years only to be cut out when, I believe, is the most important part of their career. According to this article, medical schools are graduating more students than there are residency positions. The answer? Open more spots! In March, several lawmakers passed a legislation that will add 3,000 – 4,000 positions over 5 years. This is a good solution for now.

Another issue this article mentions is the decreasing amount of primary care doctors and residency positions. Many students are rushing forward to specialties such as dermatology or laproscopic surgery. (The pay is nearly twice as much, which is appealing)

While I was at the UCI Medical Centre, I was able to talk to an OBGYN. She said that there is a serious lack of primary care doctors. Her statement makes sense: students train for years of their life. Why not be paid a lot? Personally, I want to be a surgeon. I wouldn't mind training for Internal Medicine either, but residency positions are incredibly important; something that this article helps me to understand.

Blog 4: Interview Preparation

Who do you plan to interview? Why?

Dr. Francisco B. Fuscaldo, MD

He is a physician who specialises in Internal Medicine ergo, an internist. Since I've decided that Internal Medicine is my senior topic, interviewing an internist would greatly help me in my research. I interviewed him over the summer, but this time I'm ready to do a full–fledged interview.

You have to ask 5 questions. What additional questions do you plan to ask?

Set Questions

1. I'm interested in studying Internal Medicine. What can you tell me about it? 
2. From your perspective, what could I study that would be significant to other people? 
3. Who else would you recommend I talk to? 
4. What kinds of places or activities do you recommend I do for the mentorship component? 
5. What books should I read in this field? Who else can I interview? 

Additional Questions

1. Why did you choose Internal Medicine? 
2. What is the most enjoyable part in being a doctor? 
3. What is the least enjoyable part in being a doctor? 
4. How are you able to specialise into another field such as cardiology when you've already specialised in Internal Medicine? 
5. Internists work with adults: what is the age group you mainly see? 
6. What kind of personality do you believe is best for a doctor? 
7. Are you up to date with recent breakthroughs in medicine or particularly internal medicine? If so, what are good places to read up on these?

Blog 3: Topic Choice and Semester 1 ESLR Goals

Topic

Internal Medicine


What do you plan to do this year to show growth in each of the ESLRs?

• iPoly Citizen
• What I do regret is that I wasn't as active as I would have liked to have been these past three years. While I have the great opportunity to work with my fellow peers in the Blood Drive Committee  I will try to be far more active in the community. I've crippled my schedule as I'll be doing many things this year; (AP class, Senior Project, Young Scholars) yet I really do want to have an affect in the community. It may not be a large impact such as creating an entirely new elective, but I'll see what I can do.
• Effective Learner
• During the summer, I visited the UCI Medical Centre and spoke with many undergraduates and medical students. Another high school student who was there  as me asked "How much do you have to study in Medical School?" The medical student thought for a second and simply said "If you devote at least an hour or two a day studying, then you're fine. For your first year at least." Long story short of what happened at UCI, I became inspired from the discussion. If I devote and manage my time wisely and actually sit down and study, I feel I'll do far better and catch better habits. I'm also a kind of person that doesn't like asking questions. I'd just go home and figure it out myself or from online tutorials. No more! If I don't get it, I'll ask. Especially at Cal Poly. I'll go to the professors' offices and ask them for help. I'll get better by learning from the best.
• Effective User of Technology
• I'm proficient with technology. I also understand that the internet is a vast repository for knowledge. Sites like EdX, Khan Academy, and even anecdotes from Reddit have furthered my knowledge. Frankly, the problem is staying there too long and straying towards the computer games. This year I'll cut back on my computer use [games, really] and see how it affects me. In addition to that, when I am on the computer, I' really have to learn how to research correctly. I do not believe searching something on google and clicking only the first link, reading it, and using only that as a source for a paper is acceptable.
• Effective Communicator
• Numerous times when a question is asked in class, I think or know I have the right answer, but I don't raise my hand to answer because of a fear of either being wrong, irrationally ridiculed, or become embarrassed. When I find out I was actually correct, I feel angry with myself. "Why didn't I answer? I knew it!" This fear has held me back more times than I can count. For example, it was the first day in one of my college classes. The professor said "OK, extra credit to the person who knows who the student of Aristotle was." We were talking about philosophy at the time and just ended the section of Aristotle. For a few seconds no one was raising their hand. Me on the other hand had just read about this very topic  a few months back. So many things were going on in my head at the time. "I know this! Alexander the Great, right? But what if I'm wrong? I'm the only high school student here. They'll think me stupid." I thought to myself. After a few more seconds the teacher said the answer. "Alexander the Great" Oh how angry I was. I couldn't get the scene that just happened out of my head for a few hours. I refuse for things like that to happen. They think me stupid? Wrong. The only person that was stupid was me. Even if the answer is wrong, I've got to try!

Summer Mentorship Component

Service Log

[Senior] Summer Community Service Log

The first ten hours at AEON Medical Equipment & Supplies, Inc. and the doctor's office were for this summer mentorship component.

The extra thirty hours at the UC Irvine Medical Centre was an extra thing I did after getting the ten hours required. I don't believe it can be counted for mentorship as it is part of a week-long programme called Camp Cardiac, in which UC Irvine Medical Students taught us all about the medical profession. We were able to ask undergraduates, medical students, and full-fledged doctors questions about the field. I've added it just to log it! It's also influenced me to do my senior project on it.


Contact Information

Susan Esquivel – (909) 223–0179


What questions were raised because of the 10 hours of experience?

1. What kind of things are we going to be doing in the components during the year?
2. What do I really want to do with my life?
3. What is the hardest thing to deal with in the different types of fields of medicine?
4. How people think and feel in the the medical profession

What is the most important thing you gained from this experience?

I really got most of my enjoyment from Camp Cardiac. Although it was not particularly a mentorship, it left me with a feeling of enthusiasm and the desire to really get a good mentor in this school year. I really want to do something in the medical field. Surgeon? Sure.


How did what you did help you choose a topic?

The ten hours at AEON Medical Equipment & Supplies, Inc. helped me realise that what I'm dealing with is very complicated. I have been going to these medical supply companies since I was small (Accompanying my mum), but I never realised how deep it was. After going to Camp Cardiac and interacting with the doctors and medical students as well as learning more about the field, I now absolutely know I want to become a doctor with my senior project being something in this field. I hope this senior year will be a good learning experience for me. If what this summer has shown me so far is a vision of my future, then I'm going to be very happy.

2013 2-Hour Presentation Reflections

What presentations did you see?

Consultation Pharmacist – Gina

Special Needs Behavioural Consultation – Clara

Real Estate – Cleo

Web Design – Xavier

Forensic Photography – Nicole

Dance Choreography – Valerie

Film Directing – Amanda

Scope Surgery – Taylor

Deaf Culture – Rachel

Mexican Folk Art – Gohan

Molecular Biology – Alissa

Foley Art – Evan

Teaching Algebra – Alexis

Violin – Alexa

What questions do you have that haven't been answered about the senior project?

1. I've seen some of the teachers during the presentations tell the student that they've made the time. Is there a minimum time for talking?
2. Most of the presentations I saw were fantastic and engaging but some I could tell were rushed. How much time do they have to prepare for this presentation? (Not reasearch, but the presentation)
3. The presenters repeatedly cited their info (books, mentors). Is this necessary during the presentation?

What is the most important part of the senior project based on what you are seeing in the 2-hour presentations?

I believe that your answers of the Essential Question are the most important part of the Senior Project. The Essential Question is important too, but that is a driving-force that guides your answers and focusses the topic. The content of the presentation seemed to be the three answers; most of what they learned was put into them.

What topic are you considering doing and why?

I don't have an absolutely solid idea, but I've been considering Family Medicine. My Mother's Uncle is a family physician, and he's willing to mentor me if I'd like. I believe the most important thing in this world is our body. It's really the only thing that we have from birth to death, so taking care of it is incredibly vital. Learning about it and how to treat illnesses could help me for college!