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.