Week 6 - Nada

 This was our last week of the summer immersion program! This week was very busy as I tried to get the most out of it and wrap up everything that I have been working on. On Monday I shadowed Dr. Greenfield's surgeries where I was able to see a chiari malformation surgical procedure. The medical fellows and residents were super welcoming in the OR and they helped guide me through the anatomy involved and how to orient myself when looking at the microscope and the projected screen. On Tuesday I shadowed Dr. Schweitzer in the neuroradiology reading room where I also got to see different cases that had come into the emergency room. One of the cases had actually involved an interventional radiology procedure as well which was super cool to see as it was a successful intervention. I also watched the fellows conference where they presented interesting cases. Later in the week, I worked on wrapping up my image analysis of the in-vivo study we were conducting in lab. This was a challenge because I also had to troubleshoot why we did not see what we expected. However, this is arguably the most familiar thought process for me as it is often the case with research and lab work. I also planned the next steps and met with Dr. Cisse to discuss moving forward with our collaboration even once I return to Ithaca. 

On a more personal note, I have spent this week reflecting on my entire experience this summer and I am very grateful to have been able to see the hospital and shadow all these amazing people. I feel that I have developed a deep appreciation for the different components that are in play in the healthcare system. I have a much better understanding of the role that biomedical engineering plays as well, as I have now seen firsthand the technological advancements in healthcare and what they have enabled physicians to do. I am excited to keep this perspective in mind as I pursue the rest of my research in Ithaca and I hope to be able to contribute somehow to this incredibly exciting environment.