OCTOBER CHECK-IN
Monthly community service hours completed: 4
Cumulative semester service hours completed: 4
The month of October has been an intense but rewarding academic adventure. I found it especially engaging to learn about cardiovascular and ANS drugs, given how much experience I had with them from my time on the ambulance. Unfortunately, around 90% of the patients I transported were over the age of 60 and had a history of heart problems. Among these patients, metoprolol and atorvastatin appeared on nearly every medication list.
I often find myself reflecting on my time in EMS and the interactions I had with those patients, if I had the knowledge I’ve gained just this month, perhaps my treatments or transports would have been different. I now know that metoprolol is a beta blocker and atorvastatin is a hypolipidemic, but I can’t help but laugh when I think back on all the embarrassing reports I gave attending physicians in the emergency department and I didn’t understand those medications. EMTs don't receive much training in pharmacology, and admittedly, I would misinterpret signs and symptoms that could be attributed to drug interactions or primary drug effects.
It always seemed like magic when the doctors could make diagnoses and treatment decisions after just glancing at a patient’s medication list. Now, I finally understand the value of real-world pharmacology application. I’m excited to keep learning more pharmacology and continue taking steps toward becoming a physician, applying my knowledge just like the doctors I once looked up to every day.
I’ve also really enjoyed contributing to the community this month through Hands On New Orleans. Almost every day of the week, the Grace at the Green Light organization serves breakfast to the unhoused population through an event called “Meals With Love – Breakfast.” My classmate Kavin and I decided to volunteer together a few times, and it’s clear that the community deeply values this event. The full-time employees work passionately, not only to provide food, but also free clothing and medical care, to a highly underserved population in New Orleans.
Participating in this organization has been an incredibly enriching experience, and I’m grateful to have played even a small part in a program so many people rely on. The first time we volunteered, we personally served plates to around 270 people; the second time, we helped in the kitchen serving nearly 380. Everyone involved in organizing this program has been so welcoming, and it’s clear they’re in desperate need of more volunteers. I can’t wait to continue participating in the coming months!
Cumulative semester service hours completed: 4
The month of October has been an intense but rewarding academic adventure. I found it especially engaging to learn about cardiovascular and ANS drugs, given how much experience I had with them from my time on the ambulance. Unfortunately, around 90% of the patients I transported were over the age of 60 and had a history of heart problems. Among these patients, metoprolol and atorvastatin appeared on nearly every medication list.
I often find myself reflecting on my time in EMS and the interactions I had with those patients, if I had the knowledge I’ve gained just this month, perhaps my treatments or transports would have been different. I now know that metoprolol is a beta blocker and atorvastatin is a hypolipidemic, but I can’t help but laugh when I think back on all the embarrassing reports I gave attending physicians in the emergency department and I didn’t understand those medications. EMTs don't receive much training in pharmacology, and admittedly, I would misinterpret signs and symptoms that could be attributed to drug interactions or primary drug effects.
It always seemed like magic when the doctors could make diagnoses and treatment decisions after just glancing at a patient’s medication list. Now, I finally understand the value of real-world pharmacology application. I’m excited to keep learning more pharmacology and continue taking steps toward becoming a physician, applying my knowledge just like the doctors I once looked up to every day.
I’ve also really enjoyed contributing to the community this month through Hands On New Orleans. Almost every day of the week, the Grace at the Green Light organization serves breakfast to the unhoused population through an event called “Meals With Love – Breakfast.” My classmate Kavin and I decided to volunteer together a few times, and it’s clear that the community deeply values this event. The full-time employees work passionately, not only to provide food, but also free clothing and medical care, to a highly underserved population in New Orleans.
Participating in this organization has been an incredibly enriching experience, and I’m grateful to have played even a small part in a program so many people rely on. The first time we volunteered, we personally served plates to around 270 people; the second time, we helped in the kitchen serving nearly 380. Everyone involved in organizing this program has been so welcoming, and it’s clear they’re in desperate need of more volunteers. I can’t wait to continue participating in the coming months!
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