I’ve wrapped up my second week of research at the neurosensory center, and I’m still loving it! In spite of repeating the exact same experiment every day, the two ENT residents I’m working with make it incredibly enjoyable. Plus, no two cochlear outer hair cells (OHCs) are alike.
I got to the lab extra early on Friday to prep so the team could have a longer break. We went to the Luby’s at BCM (*insert nostalgia from basic sciences*) and discussed the training students receive at Baylor Med vs. state schools over breakfast. One resident attended BCM and the other a state school for medical school, so opinions were split but justified. The general consensus seems to be that residents should voluntarily subject themselves to tremendous work hours, because once they’re licensed and practicing independently, experience will be their most valuable asset. That sure sounds good… until you’re the one working 100 hour weeks. 😉
So if there’s one thing I’ve learned in medical school, it’s that being a geek will automatically provide one with a niche amongst his or her peers. In the last week, I designed a basic software template which cut the residents’ data analysis workload (typically, all of Wednesday) down to roughly 20 minutes. Later that afternoon, I showed the lab director how to sync up PDF documents to his shiny new iPad. Ah, the utility of a measly medical student. I’m so glad I’ve been able to be useful here and there, and hopefully my last two weeks will be just as purposeful. 🙂
Here are some random pics I snapped Friday morning.
