However, earlier this week, I had the pleasure of discussing the new aim of my Senior Research Project with Dr. Steidley over dinner. Through good fortune, I gained the opportunity to collaborate with Dr. Mathew S. Maurer, a cardiologist affiliated with the Columbia University Medical Center. He has been developing a volumetric index called Myocardial Contraction Fraction (MCF) that gives a more accurate measure of ventricular function, compared to the traditional method of ejection fraction. He wanted Dr. Steidley and me to explore this type of research, specifically with the number of patients available at the Mayo Clinic. The significance of my project would be that by using MCF and a simple echo screening, we would be able to identify patients with cardiac amyloidosis vs. other forms of heart failure. To this end, I am learning Basic Statistics for the Health Sciences so that I may be able to obtain reliable data using this index. If I progress far enough, Dr. Steidley believes that I may be able to publish a paper detailing MCF's efficacy and possibly present it at a national meeting.
I mention all of this, so I can better put into context the incredible experience that I had today. For the first three hours of my time there, I had the opportunity to shadow Dr. Steidley as he made his rounds for his patients. I was able to meet his team (six to eight people) who expounded every medical device, every procedure, and every detail they felt I needed to know. As someone who has wanted to be a doctor from a young age, I was enthralled. The more they explained what each patient was going through, the more I wanted to learn about the medical world. Having the opportunity to shadow Dr. Steidley today was academically enriching and personally special.
After he made his rounds, I was able to witness a conference where a Fulbright Scholar from the University of Pennsylvania discussed HFpEF (Heart Failure with preserved Ejection Fraction) and the research he conducted with advanced cardiac biomechanics. His research idea was astounding and his presentation was engaging.
Near the end of my day, I got the opportunity to witness an open heart surgery. Where some people would be disturbed or grossed out by the medical operation, I was intrigued by everything that Dr. Steidley and his team were doing. It was in the viewing room that a medical technician explained to me what the team's progression step-by-step. I was already interested in cardiology, but this experience gave me a glimpse into the commendable profession of cardiac surgery.
Overall, I had an excellent first day at my site. Everything that I was able to do today strengthened my desire to become a doctor. I look forward to working with Dr. Steidley over the next ten weeks and applying the knowledge I will have gained to good use.
This sounds amazing! I'm really glad that your SRP is solidifying your future interest in medicine, and with luck, you could go really far with this experience. While visiting the patients, were you allowed to see them and be there for their conversations with Dr. Steidley? I know it's up to a patient whether or not they share information with their doctor in the presence of someone else. Did you learn anything about, I guess, the spirit of being a doctor? I really can't think of a profession more tied to the welfare of others, so I'm really interested in hearing what kinds of people you see as doctors. From what you've seen so far, I'd like to hear what you think the mindset of a doctor is. From a first person perspective, what is the relationship between doctor and patient like? You probably need more experience with being around doctors to fully answer these, but what do you think being a doctor is like so far? And I guess do you feel like you can reach that point?
ReplyDeleteThanks Ali! I was allowed to see the patients and be there for their conversations. I didn't join the conversation since Dr. Steidley was talking to each patient about his or her medical issues, so I mostly observed and commented when requested. Actually, each patient was really nice to me and didn't mind that I was in the room. With each patient we visited, I observed that the spirit of a doctor was one of a cordial and down-to-earth demeanor. I was amazed by the confidence that Dr. Steidley and his team had with each case they dealt with. In addition, they all had a great sense of humor. With as many patients as Dr. Steidley has, I felt that his mindset of a friend and an advisor at the same time. They aren't imposing in any way, but they are very dedicated in solving the "puzzle" that lies with each different patient. I feel that from their dedication, their relationship is one based on mutual trust and respect. It is to this end, the doctor is as invested with each patient's well-being (both physical and emotional) as the patient is as invested in his or her own recovery. I think being a doctor is incredible! When I saw that open heart surgery earlier today, I got the impression that a doctor had this power that no one else could emulate. The knowledge of the human body and its application to diagnose and correct errors is truly a gift. A gift that can save someone's life. To me, that's just simply wonderful and it actually restores my faith in humanity. There were six people in the surgery room working on one person! Unfortunately, it wasn't all glorious. I had the opportunity to talk to a resident in his first year and while he gave me great advice for medical school, he told me about the challenges that doctors face. Specifically, he told me that most doctors usually work ten or twelve hour days. He also said that once you become a doctor you become unreliable to your family, since you're constantly busy. What he said made me pause for a moment, since I do want to spend time with a family of my own in the future. However, my desire to make a profound impact on the lives of others transcends that. I feel that I can definitely reach that point and when I do I just have to make the most of the remaining time that I have with my family.
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