Happy New Year! This year has already started with a bang. Our schedule has been busy with continuously full days of classes. Though it can get tiring at times, it is still great because we are learning a ton.
I was especially excited to start off with the endocrine/reproductive block because I have always found endocrinology so fascinating. It is a section of medicine and pharmacology that has become increasingly prevalent with our changing lifestyles. It was especially interesting to learn how minuscule changes in hormone levels can have such large scale effects causing various disease states and disorders. I was intrigued to learn about the pharmacological aspects of using hormones (agonists and antagonists) as therapies where adverse effects can sometimes be unpredictable.
Our elective classes such as Cardiobiology, Environmental Pharmacology, and Cell Control Mechanisms have also introduced us to a spectrum of interesting topics. I enjoy the feedback and discussions that follow our Cardiobiology presentations. Environmental Pharmacology has also raised my awareness towards the potential toxicological dangers of everyday activities we go about nonchalantly. Next time I see a child chewing on Mardi Gras beads, I will be sure to freak out about the imminent dangers of lead poisoning.
Starting with such interesting blocks, keeping me busy, productive, motivated, and healthy, this year is looking pretty good so far.
