Posts

November Update

November Community Hours: 18 Cumulative Fall Semester Hours: 36 I can’t believe we only have one week of class left this semester, and that the program is already nearly half completed. The blocks keep building on each other, and I’m really glad I’ve settled into a solid study routine. Renal physiology in the last block was tough, but I ended up liking the content more than I expected! For some reason, I found the hypertension independent study a little more difficult, but I stuck to my routine and was pleased with how the exams went. This month, I continued my volunteer work each week with Free Standing Communities. We’re almost done with our 3-month training now, so our group leaders mostly let us run the health point clinic ourselves and step in when needed. This month, I helped a pregnant patient who is currently staying in a shelter establish care with an OB, discussed transportation assistance, and made sure we put systems in place so she doesn’t get lost to follow-up. I hope we ...

Fall Update!

October Monthly Community Hours: 15 Cumulative Fall Semester Hours: 18  It’s hard to believe we’re already past the halfway point of the semester! Classes continue to go well, though the exams have definitely become more challenging. The last module’s Principles lectures on electrophysiology, cardiac conduction, and the regulation of blood pressure and cardiac output were the most difficult for me, but I’m relieved that everything finally clicked. Our current CV module seems to build directly on that foundation, so I am glad I feel comfortable with the material. Overall, I’m very pleased with how the program has gone so far, though I’m definitely looking forward to the weeklong Thanksgiving break! (even if it means burying my head in my MCAT prep books...)  For community service this month, I’ve continued volunteering with Freestanding Communities. We recently completed our classroom training, and I’m now back in the field every Wednesday morning at the Grace at the Greenlight...

Here we go!

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September Monthly Community Hours: 3 Cumulative Fall Semester Hours: 3  Hi! I'm Jody, and after completing my Master's in Healthcare Administration this spring, I realized that while I love thinking about healthcare systems, I want to maximize my impact on patients, not just on a systems level, but through the bedside, advocacy, and the way care is delivered. My quality improvement course was an inspiration, and that realization is what brought me to Tulane’s Pharmacology program as a bridge back to medicine and preparation to apply to med school. The first few weeks have been a whirlwind! It's been fun getting to know my classmates and sharing my favorite parts of New Orleans. Returning to intensive studying has been an adjustment, but I'm finding what works - and my dog, Lucy, loves having me home.  For community service, I've been working with FreeStanding Communities, which is an all-volunteer outreach group that bridges gaps for the underserved in New Orleans. ...