Fall 2023 Reflection

Time is flying. This semester was the first time it felt like a blur in college. Everything went by so fast and I am grateful for all the opportunities that came my way.

First off, coursework. My semester was fairly easy with some interesting classes a little beyond the norm. For example, Race and Racism in American Science and Medicine was a hit for me. I loved hearing Professor Mizelle deconstruct the embedded racism in every aspect of medicine. He inspired me to research more about Abraham Flexner and his infamous report in 1910 that systemized the medical world. I hope to be able to speak to him again in the future about jazz and blues or even about his work in educating doctors about the difficult topic of racism.

Another unique class I participated in was the Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital Academic Associates Program. This course taught me the history that shapes the methodology and standards researchers apply for themselves. Part of the coursework included spending 36 hours at the Emergency Department to attempt to get consent from patients and families to participate in a swimming practices research study. In this department, I met many wonderful mentors like Jaylia, Issac, April, and Maha. These research coordinators guided my experience in the emergency department and allowed me to understand and experience the work done as a research coordinator fully.

Throughout the semester I volunteered at Methodist Hospital. There I met many wonderful individuals in the Emergency Department and the Family Waiting area. My tasks varied from moving patients around to simply restocking a coffee machine. However, the most important part was meeting all the wonderful healthcare workers and supporting their role in any way possible as a volunteer. I achieved over 100 hours within the past semester and made lifelong connections with the people there.

As the semester approached the end, I found an exciting new opportunity called the Alaskasome project. Next Spring, I will be working with Dr. Aviva Aiden to create qualitative surveys and attempt to understand the genomic history and environmental influences of Alaskan Natives. This project will go on through the summer and will hopefully result in travel to Alaska. I hope to understand more about the research process by actually participating in the formation of a clinical study rather than just doing the grunt work to distribute the consent forms. My newfound interest in research will also hopefully result in clinical hours to build my application for the next upcoming cycle.