October Blog

 

**Service hours this month:** 10  **Total community service hours:** 10  

This month was fast-paced and full of excitement. I had the opportunity to volunteer and help the NOLA community during the Po-Boy Fest 2024. I was pleased to work alongside my amazing classmates Jacey and Catherine, as well as other dedicated volunteers, to set up the festival and raise money for the NOLA Son of a Saint organization. I worked at the merchandise station, where I had the pleasure of meeting wonderful people from the NOLA community and the volunteer staff. This experience allowed me to expand my network and connect with remarkable individuals with whom I hope to collaborate in the future to create a similar event aimed at raising funds for refugees in need of dental care around the world. I gained valuable insights into organizing a successful community festival that could benefit the NOLA community and those who support it. Working with my classmates in the pharmacology program was a pleasure; I learned about their life stories and their inspirations for wanting to become doctors. This experience was beneficial for all of us, helping us develop social and professional skills to support each other in achieving our dreams. We shared the knowledge we gained from the pharmacology module this past month, discussing research we had encountered and projects we had worked on with doctors. In the past module, we covered many exciting areas of the medical field, with one of my favorite topics being the cardiac module. We learned how to read ECGs and about the treatment of heart failure. It was fascinating to understand how the cardiac system functions, along with the pharmacokinetics and pharmacology of the drugs used and being developed to treat angina and heart failure. We explored a wide spectrum of drugs and materials that have strengthened my medical knowledge and changed my perspective on the field. Dr. Castorena's ongoing lymphatic study particularly intrigued me, as it offered a new view of the body's physiology. I realized how interconnected every part and system of the body is, and how small details—like enzymes and macrophages—play significant roles in our health. Often overlooked, these components are crucial and can greatly affect the body, especially the lymphatic system, which is vital for overall function. I was able to relate many lectures and materials to my future medical career, and I have numerous plans for my development as a doctor. This pharmacology program has been one of the best experiences I have ever had, and the knowledge I have gained is enhancing my understanding of the medical field day by day. There is still much to learn, and I am excited for the upcoming month, when I will have the opportunity to explore all aspects of the renal system. This program has been instrumental in helping me work toward my goal of becoming an impactful doctor.