The medical field is a forever evolving field and is expanding
rapidly. It is arguably one of the best fields for young people to
enter. Working in the medical field allows you to help people directly
and offers opportunities to learn something new everyday. Currently,
there is a great need for physicians and often medical students receive
job offers the day after graduation. Whether it is the rewarding
experience of bettering a patients life, the large paychecks, or job
security, many young people should be drawn to this field. As future
healthcare professionals, we are fascinated by how challenges in modern
medicine are being surmounted and influence the healthcare of tomorrow.
Our blog inspires those that come after us to pursue a career in
medicine by exploring the exciting innovative opportunities and personal
rewards within medical field.
Our blog team has chosen
to go into the medical field for reasons, but we recognize that not
enough students chose this field. The demand for doctors or other
healthcare professionals exceeds the amount of people entering the
field. As aspiring physicians, we have chosen to get involved within
medical field early because it is important to gain experience to become
a competitive candidate for medical school. As undergraduate students,
one way to get involved is through research opportunities. Our blog
discusses new research and progress made in medicine, such ad marijuana
on the brain and new surgery techniques.
The medical
field may be intimidating or boring to some, but there are many unique
and exciting aspects of the field. Our blog discusses some of the most
interesting aspects of medicine. From the controversial topic of
physician assisted suicide, to becoming more mentally tough from a
psychological standpoint, to the effects of kissing another person. The
blog provides resources on how to pursue a premedical degree in the "So,
You're Thinking About Being a Premed?" post, along with how to obtain
accurate information about medicine in the "Delivery vs Style" post.
Although the process of entering the medical field is strenuous, it is
made obvious through our blog that it is worth it.
The
advancements and milestones that our blog discusses have substantially
influenced the medical field. Our blog mentions the interesting aspects
of medicine that are occurring, as well as advancements that have made a
global impact. An example of this can be found in the "Stem Cells-
Medical Advancement" post. This post discusses the significance of stem
cell research. Stem cells could revolutionize the way we treat many
debilitating diseases, but is extremely controversial. Another
interesting, yet globally significant topic was mentioned in "The Bionic
Arm" post. This post discussed robotic prosthetic arm that is able to
receive signals from the brain, allowing it to function almost as a
natural limb would. These posts, along with the rest of our blog
examines the obstacles that are being surmounted by researchers and how
the medical community is community is influenced by these achievements.
Our
goal is to inspire our readers with the incredible achievements the
medical field is currently making. We also hope to influence our readers
to research to research these topics more in depth, just as we have.
Through this blogging experience, we have become aware of the importance
of the revolutionary contributions of research in medicine. We also
learned how to research efficiently and effectively summarize
complicated research. Researching advancements in healthcare has
illustrated where the medical field is headed towards when we finally
become doctors and has allowed us to take a more proactive role in our
premedical education.
Sunday, November 27, 2016
Advancements in Surgery Operations
By: Kanedra Thaxton
Sometimes undergoing surgery could be very dangerous for your body and it can leave you with huge scars. However, there are advancements occurring with the procedures of surgery. According to CNN, a surgery called Laparoscopic is becoming the surgery that is used the most (CNN slide. 6). Laparoscopic surgery is also known as minimally invasive surgery or bandaid surgery because it requires small incisions (CNN). Patients who undergo Laparoscopic have a shorter recovery time and have smaller scars. CNN also states that the future for surgery operation will contain an increase in natural orifice, which are surgeries that are performed through natural openings like your mouth or anus (CNN).
I thought that this article stood out the most because it is explaining where my dream career is headed. If you are thinking about becoming a surgeon this is something that you should be informed about. The article is saying that soon, surgeries will not be the same and you have to make sure that this is still the career you want to pursue. It is important to always stay updated with new innovations and techniques that are being used when it comes to the medical field. It is always evolving and if you are more informed about the changes you will be able to make better decisions pertaining to your career.
(Image Credit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OotkbDUOaH4)
Sometimes undergoing surgery could be very dangerous for your body and it can leave you with huge scars. However, there are advancements occurring with the procedures of surgery. According to CNN, a surgery called Laparoscopic is becoming the surgery that is used the most (CNN slide. 6). Laparoscopic surgery is also known as minimally invasive surgery or bandaid surgery because it requires small incisions (CNN). Patients who undergo Laparoscopic have a shorter recovery time and have smaller scars. CNN also states that the future for surgery operation will contain an increase in natural orifice, which are surgeries that are performed through natural openings like your mouth or anus (CNN).
I thought that this article stood out the most because it is explaining where my dream career is headed. If you are thinking about becoming a surgeon this is something that you should be informed about. The article is saying that soon, surgeries will not be the same and you have to make sure that this is still the career you want to pursue. It is important to always stay updated with new innovations and techniques that are being used when it comes to the medical field. It is always evolving and if you are more informed about the changes you will be able to make better decisions pertaining to your career.
References
CNN. "10 Medical Advancements in the Last 10 Years." CNN. Cable News Network, 5 June 2013. Web. 28 Nov. 2016.
Music and Medicine
By: Lesly Morales
Credit Image :(http://static1.squarespace.com/static/5571c1dbe4b008d2983ac17a/t/5574f90de4b0620d1b3ede17/1470146066089/?format=1500w)
Music has been around for thousands of years. Most individuals listen to music in order to distract and destress themselves. Studies have shown that music can be a form of medicine used in a variety of ways. Research in music therapy supports its effectiveness in a wide variety of healthcare and educational settings. Music therapy interventions can be designed to promote wellness, manage stress, alleviate pain, express feelings, enhance memory, improve communication, and promote physical rehabilitation.
Today, music therapy is most commonly used for people undergoing a cardiac procedure and for those recovering from a heart attack or learning to cope with heart failure or other cardiovascular condition. In a trial conducted, it had been discovered that adding music therapy to a standard cardiac rehabilitation led to a better control of blood pressure, along with better general and mental health, than rehab alone. Music therapy also helps with sleep deprivation, reduces stress, and melts away anxiety.
There is an undergoing study revolved around whether sound vibrations absorbed through the body can help ease the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, fibromyalgia, and depression. The goal of this work is to develop "dosable" and "prescribable" music therapy and music as medicine protocols that serve specific neuerologic functions and attend to deficits that may result from many of these neurologically based conditions.
If you are a medical student who happens to have a passion for music, you may find yourself looking into music therapy as a career. Who knows you may find out how music can help in other ways. Or if you make music and are studying medicine maybe you can create the perfect sounds in order to relieve stress, better the heart, or help the mind.
Credit Image :(http://static1.squarespace.com/static/5571c1dbe4b008d2983ac17a/t/5574f90de4b0620d1b3ede17/1470146066089/?format=1500w)
Music has been around for thousands of years. Most individuals listen to music in order to distract and destress themselves. Studies have shown that music can be a form of medicine used in a variety of ways. Research in music therapy supports its effectiveness in a wide variety of healthcare and educational settings. Music therapy interventions can be designed to promote wellness, manage stress, alleviate pain, express feelings, enhance memory, improve communication, and promote physical rehabilitation.
Today, music therapy is most commonly used for people undergoing a cardiac procedure and for those recovering from a heart attack or learning to cope with heart failure or other cardiovascular condition. In a trial conducted, it had been discovered that adding music therapy to a standard cardiac rehabilitation led to a better control of blood pressure, along with better general and mental health, than rehab alone. Music therapy also helps with sleep deprivation, reduces stress, and melts away anxiety.
There is an undergoing study revolved around whether sound vibrations absorbed through the body can help ease the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, fibromyalgia, and depression. The goal of this work is to develop "dosable" and "prescribable" music therapy and music as medicine protocols that serve specific neuerologic functions and attend to deficits that may result from many of these neurologically based conditions.
If you are a medical student who happens to have a passion for music, you may find yourself looking into music therapy as a career. Who knows you may find out how music can help in other ways. Or if you make music and are studying medicine maybe you can create the perfect sounds in order to relieve stress, better the heart, or help the mind.
Credits
- http://www.apa.org/monitor/2013/11/music.aspx
- http://www.musictherapy.org/
- https://hms.harvard.edu/sites/default/files/assets/Sites/Longwood_Seminars/LongwoodSeminarMusicReadingPack.pdf
Doctors Without Borders
By: Lesly Morales
Image Credit:(http://www.magicsandwichshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/MSF_dual_English_CMYK.jpg)
Doctors Without Borders/Medecins Sans Frontieres help people worldwide where the need is greatest, delivering emergency medical aid to people affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters, or exclusion from health care. Doctors without borders is an international humanitarian-aid non-government organization and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, best known for its projects in war-torn regions and developing countries facing endemic diseases. The organization actively provides healthcare and medical training to populations in about 70 countries and frequently insists on political responsibility in conflict zones such as Chechnya and Kosovo.
In order to be able to speak and act freely, MSF remains independent of any political, religious or economic powers. Doctors without borders also brings awareness to the lack of effective treatments and vaccines available in developing countries. Medical volunteers include physicians, surgeons, nursers, and other varied specialists. Vaccination campaigns are a major part of the medical care provided during MSF missions. Diseases such as diphtheria, measles, meningitis, tetanus, pertussis, yellow fever, polio, and cholera, all of which are uncommon in developed countries, may be prevented with vaccination.
Doctors Without Borders is important for underdeveloped countries. They provide the medical assistance and training needed for developing countries. Doctors Without Borders has saved countless of lives and given hope to several countries. For students interested in the medical field, this is a way to gain experience and to conduct research as well. In addition to their field work, Doctors without borders publishes a wide range of research papers drawn from firsthand experience with vulnerable populations.
Image Credit:(http://www.magicsandwichshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/MSF_dual_English_CMYK.jpg)
Doctors Without Borders/Medecins Sans Frontieres help people worldwide where the need is greatest, delivering emergency medical aid to people affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters, or exclusion from health care. Doctors without borders is an international humanitarian-aid non-government organization and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, best known for its projects in war-torn regions and developing countries facing endemic diseases. The organization actively provides healthcare and medical training to populations in about 70 countries and frequently insists on political responsibility in conflict zones such as Chechnya and Kosovo.
In order to be able to speak and act freely, MSF remains independent of any political, religious or economic powers. Doctors without borders also brings awareness to the lack of effective treatments and vaccines available in developing countries. Medical volunteers include physicians, surgeons, nursers, and other varied specialists. Vaccination campaigns are a major part of the medical care provided during MSF missions. Diseases such as diphtheria, measles, meningitis, tetanus, pertussis, yellow fever, polio, and cholera, all of which are uncommon in developed countries, may be prevented with vaccination.
Doctors Without Borders is important for underdeveloped countries. They provide the medical assistance and training needed for developing countries. Doctors Without Borders has saved countless of lives and given hope to several countries. For students interested in the medical field, this is a way to gain experience and to conduct research as well. In addition to their field work, Doctors without borders publishes a wide range of research papers drawn from firsthand experience with vulnerable populations.
Works Cited:
- http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/about-us
- http://www.msf.org/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M%C3%A9decins_Sans_Fronti%C3%A8res
Advancements in HIV Treatments
By: Lesly Morales
Image credit:(http://www.healthline.com/hlcmsresource/images/Infographics/HIV-Stats/3_HIV-AIDS-Statistics.jpg)
There is no known cure for HIV, but throughout the years doctors have come up with different drugs in order to stop the virus from spreading and reproducing. In the past years, patients diagnosed with HIV were prescribe a "cocktail" of medicines. This means they had several pills to take at different times and keeping a schedule was hectic. Doctors over the years have created just one pill to replace the cocktail of medicines you would have to take.
The newest treatment for HIV is known as Antiretroviral therapy (ART), along with one-pill-a-day drugs which make life with HIV easier and safer. ART works by combining drugs that attack the virus in different ways. Doctors measure HIV by the viral load in your bloodstreams. The goal of the treatment is to get the viral load so low that tests cant even detect the virus anymore.
Advancements in HIV treatments are always evolving and there is always a need because there is still no known cure for HIV. All the treatments do is stabilize the virus. HIV has become more common over the years such as other illnesses like diabetes or high blood pressure. For students entering the medical field this gives them a chance to research HIV in depth and hopefully find a cure in the future.
Citations
- http://drugtopics.modernmedicine.com/drug-topics/content/time-line-hivaids-treatment-advances-over-past-25-years
- https://www.aids.gov/hiv-aids-basics/hiv-aids-101/what-is-hiv-aids/
- http://www.webmd.com/hiv-aids/features/hiv-aids-treatment-advances-art#1
A Doctor in Your Pocket
By: Lesly Morales
Long ago i posted about the app that helps you skip the dreadful waiting of the Emergency room. Today, I will talk about an app that reduces waiting by 100% and provides you with the care you need without leaving the comfort of your home. This app is called Doctor On Demand. With this app, you will have access to 1,400 doctors, and 300 psychologists at the tip of your fingers (literally).
Image Credit:( https://crunchbase-production-res.cloudinary.com/image/upload/c_limit,h_600,w_600/v1397185433/4ee07c04ba83572825f568274f2ffed3.png)
Mission Statement
"Lack of access to health care providers in the United States is a massive, growing problem. The average wait time to see a physician is three weeks. More than half of the patients with mental issues go without treatment. We're not getting the care that we need. We built Doctor on Demand to help address this problem."Doctor on demand treats most common illnesses quickly and efficiently through a video chat session. Live video doctor visits include assessments, diagnosis and prescriptions when necessary. In order to utilize Doctor on Demand, you will need to pay for each session, but they are cheaper compared to the actual doctor visits. Some health insurance agencies cover doctor on demand.
Doctor on demand is important for the citizens who do not have access to a nearby doctor or who have no means of transportation. For students pursuing the medical field, this means that you will be able to consult with a patient from almost anywhere, and you can work from home.
Credits
- http://www.doctorondemand.com
- http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/doctor-on-demand-brings-doctors-and-psychologists-to-your-phone/
Advancements in Understanding Alzheimer's
By: Amanda Ziminski
Alzheimer's disease is a disease that destroys a memory and other mental functions. In Alzheimer's brain cells and their connections degenerate and die, which eventually destroys the memory and causes confusion. Currently, no cure exists, but medications and management strategies may improve symptoms.
Alzheimer's is very debilitating and affects one in three seniors. The need for better ways to screen and treat the disease is urgent. There has been a lot of progress made in Alzheimer's research over the past year including:
Gender Gaps: Women have been found to decline twice as fast as men do in memory and thinking skills, which may explain why more women are diagnosed with Alzheimer's.
Early Warning Signs: Scientists found that how well you did in school can be a good predictor of Alzheimer's later in life. This is because the cognitive reserve produced by intellectual skills inforced in school can compensate for the deteriorating nerves.
Promising Drugs: Scientists have found two drugs that have been proven to be effective, but more long term studies must be done.
Alzheimer's disease is a disease that has impacted almost everyone in the United States. Many of our grandparents, friend's grandparents, or other loved ones has been diagnosed with this unfortunate disease. This disease causes a great deal of suffering not only for it's victim, but their family as well. This is why it is important to push for research and better treatments.
Works Cited:
Oaklander, Mandy. "Noteworthy Advances in Alzheimer's Understanding." TIME 100 New Health Discoveries 2015: 49. Print.
Alzheimer's disease is a disease that destroys a memory and other mental functions. In Alzheimer's brain cells and their connections degenerate and die, which eventually destroys the memory and causes confusion. Currently, no cure exists, but medications and management strategies may improve symptoms.
Alzheimer's is very debilitating and affects one in three seniors. The need for better ways to screen and treat the disease is urgent. There has been a lot of progress made in Alzheimer's research over the past year including:
Gender Gaps: Women have been found to decline twice as fast as men do in memory and thinking skills, which may explain why more women are diagnosed with Alzheimer's.
Early Warning Signs: Scientists found that how well you did in school can be a good predictor of Alzheimer's later in life. This is because the cognitive reserve produced by intellectual skills inforced in school can compensate for the deteriorating nerves.
Promising Drugs: Scientists have found two drugs that have been proven to be effective, but more long term studies must be done.
Alzheimer's disease is a disease that has impacted almost everyone in the United States. Many of our grandparents, friend's grandparents, or other loved ones has been diagnosed with this unfortunate disease. This disease causes a great deal of suffering not only for it's victim, but their family as well. This is why it is important to push for research and better treatments.
Works Cited:
Oaklander, Mandy. "Noteworthy Advances in Alzheimer's Understanding." TIME 100 New Health Discoveries 2015: 49. Print.
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