Pharmacology ePortfilo Blog

Total hours completed in January:  0  hours Total hours completed: 0 hours January has represented a busy start to the spring semester of this program! We started out this month by delving into the diabetes and thyroid modules and because each condition had two contrasting possibilities (hyper- and hypothyroidism and DMT1 and DMT2) and each have implications throughout the body and its various systems, I would say these modules were challenging in regards to conceptualizing and memorizing the principles and pathophysiology of both, but with no fault to the material or instruction though just that endocrinology just may not be the ideal specialty for me. On a brighter, we just started the reproductive module and I am thoroughly enjoying it as it is not only applicable to me as an early 20s woman and learning of the possible implications that which my current behaviors might have later on in life, with reproductive rights being such a prevalent topic in sociopolitical realm of m...

Total hours completed in December:   6 hours Total hours completed: 13 hours   This month, I continued my role as a volunteer for Tulane Medical Center by continuing the task of making behavioral kits for the emergency department. I have relished my time there and hope to continue this role until most of the hospital relocates to East Jefferson mid-January. This month also represented the end of the Fall semester and my first semester at Tulane and it feels bittersweet. It’s hard to believe how fast time has flown and that I am one short semester from finishing the program and receiving a Masters in Pharmacology. This program even halfway through has been nothing but transformative from curriculum that delves into the complexities of various drug mechanisms with lectures and some hands-on or case-based experiences, advances presentations that have strengthened my communication skills, and seminar presentations which delve into the fascinating leading-edge research into pharmac...

November Community Service Hours: 7 hours Total Fall Community Service Hours: 7 hours This month, I officially started my volunteering role as a volunteer for Tulane Medical Center. Although it has only been a few weeks, starting this new position has been nothing short of amazing. I learned shortly after starting that starting early January, most of the departments will be consolidating to LCMC's location in East Jefferson General Hospital, but nevertheless there is luckily a large amount of tasks to be done! I have been tasked with various endeavors ranging from helping get things ready for the move, making behavioral health kits for the ER, setting up the hospital's main Christmas tree, and decorating the halls with holiday decorations. A large part of my life has always revolved around community service, so I have thoroughly enjoyed lending my time to an institution that truly aids in the betterment of individuals in the way of improving community health. Even though I am n...

October was very interesting and challenging in terms of content. It included the the skeletal system and represented the start of the most challenging subjects yet, the autonomic nervous system and the cardiovascular system. These subjects were challenging in the way that the pathophysiology of these systems are so nuanced. The autonomic/peripheral nervous system represents one of the most interconnected systems so having to understand its manifestations in everything from the eye to the bladder was a lot to remember, but having nmemonics like SLUDE and blind as a bat... were really useful! What makes the cardio module difficult for me at least is the application of everything from the nervous system on the workings of the heart in ion channels, depolarization, and repolarization and how that promotes the circulation of blood throughout different parts of the heart and circulatory concepts like blood pressure. Next, while I usually am able to pick up understanding drug mechanisms and ...

The end of September represents the first full month I have spent at Tulane and in New Orleans and I have truly enjoyed the start of my time here. The pharmacology program is very holistic in the way it was curated to make sure its students get a full education as well as rounding out the other qualities of potential dental, medical or PhD applications like opportunities for community service and research as well. While I have not yet started my community service requirement, I have enjoyed what I have learned in the classroom whether in the form of classwork, student presentations or faculty/visitor research seminars. My most favorite experience to date was the last unit of med pharm which encompassed drugs ranging from antifungals, antivirals, anti-HIV, and antibiotics. It was so interesting to learn not only because it’s a preview into my prospective future career as a physician, but I have always gone through life taking various medicines and understanding the end goal and effect, ...