Weekly Report (10/20-10/26)

During this week in ISM I have completed my fourth research assessment, my first interview assessment, and my display board plan. In the Research Assessment I learned that heart attacks heart attacks are not as connected to family history and genetics as may have been previously assumed. This new information helps individuals with a family history of coronary disease and narrow coronaries understand that heart attacks aren’t inevitable and that the lifestyle choices they make along with the environment factors determine whether or not they would have heart attacks. Instead of blaming genetics for their coronary disease, citizens must now alter their daily tasks in order to prevent themselves from severe heart attacks. In the Interview Assessment I reflected on my first interview with Dr. Raul Santos who explained to me the typical duties and tasks as a Cardiologist. I could tell from our interview that Dr. Raul Santos is an experienced and generous Cardiologist who truly loves his patients. Lastly I finished the Display Board Plan which represents my plan for the actual board that I’ll have during the December presentation. I felt that my Display Board Plan looked really creative and impressive. Also, I completed “Thank You” cards for four professionals out of the many that attended the Business Symposium. This week has been a wonderful week and I hope to accomplish more in the future.

Weekly Report (10/13-10/19)

During this week in ISM we were to finish a Business Symposium Assessment, a third Research Assessment, and a Topic Proposal. In the Business Assessment, I talked about my experience with the three interviews I had and what I learned from each interview. Although the Business Symposium was at first frightful, I felt quite excited when introducing myself to new people and new professionals. Sometime this week we were assigned to write “Thank You” cards to the professionals that attended the Business Symposium. Everyone received a minimum of two “Thank You” cards, while others requested for more than two for extra credit. I plan on completing my “Thank You” cards next week. Next in the third Research Assessment I explored the discovery of a new protein found within the heart system that can cause arrhythmias.  This protein called Pcp4 caused arrhythmias to occur when in low amounts, but because of this discovery new drugs are being made to help patients with arrhythmias. I understood from this article that science is still progressing and new foundational information will be found every day for years and years to come. Lastly in the Topic Proposal I explained the reasons of why I am exploring in the field of Cardiology and what character traits I have to help me through my study. This week has been a wonderful week and I hope to accomplish more in the future.

Weekly Report (10/6-10/12)

During this week in ISM we prepared for the Business Symposium, an event in which professionals from around the Dallas Forth-Worth Metroplex were asked to volunteer and interview the ISM students from around the district on Friday. Students were to interview three different professionals, who each helped them with networking, critiqued how they presented themselves, and guided tips for actual interviews. My own experience at the Business Symposium was fantastic since I gained so much advice and tips from each professional. The first professional I met was really nice and gave me a contact who was a Cardiologist. She explained to me her experiences with her college life and business, which was truly interesting. I would have preferred to have more time with each professional at the Business Symposium.  The second professional, however, critiqued me about my resume, so I learned how a resume for professionals would be. The last professional met was really kind and, after asking me questions, explained to me how to succeed in college since next year I would be a college student. He also explained to me how even though my responses for questions were extremely great, I should speak a tad slower since speaking quickly might not be understood by some. Ultimately the Business Symposium was really fun and exciting, and I hope to use the tips and experiences in my future interviews. 

Weekly Report (9/29-10/5)

During this week in ISM we learned how to construct a research portfolio and the importance of one. The research portfolio consisted of having a cover page, quote page, mission statement, and all the research assessments we’ve done so far. Also, I went to two unique and interesting research interviews that were both on Friday this week. The interview in the morning was brief and I understood the basic routine and lifestyle of a cardiologist. The interview in the afternoon was much longer since after I met with the cardiologist, his two nurses, and the cardiac electro physiologist who did series of tests such as an ECHO and Stress Test on me so that I could understand what it would be like if I was an actual patient. The cardiologist helped me understand vital attributes that are essential if one wanted to become a cardiologist. The nurses were also quite knowledgeable in the field of cardiology and conducted an EKG Test like they do on regular patients. Throughout the research interviews I understood what it would be like to a cardiologist. Both the cardiologists stated that being a cardiologist was a stressful job, yet a rewarding one. They stated that seeing patients go from dire, critical conditions to more stable conditions was the best. Obviously, they enjoyed helping their patients more than anything. The experience of both the research interviews was truly wonderful. I hope to attend more research interviews in the future and to gain more experience and knowledge in cardiology. This coming Friday everyone has to attend the Business Symposium, which will help us enhance our communication skills and gain valuable contacts.