Pediatric Neurosurgery

This past Thursday I was able to meet with my mentor for the first time and with confidence I can say that I am truly looking forward to the rest of this semester. Initially I was a little bit discouraged because I have had my mentor since November but due to schedule conflicts and various other reasons, there were many times when our meetings had to be canceled. The fact that I had not met with my mentor since November combined with the extremely close deadline for Original Work had me quite worried -- especially since my Original Work was heavily dependent on information that only my mentor could give me. There was actually a moment when I considered changing my Original Work because it did not seem that I would have access to the necessary information in time to complete what I had initially planned for Original Work. But, it all worked out and it is safe to say that I am quite relieved. We made a few adjustments to what my mentor had originally proposed because that idea was quite extensive and required me to go through a vast amount of research to something that was a little more doable. Rather than researching all demographical aspects, I am choosing to focus on how many of each type of hydrocephalus was treated in the time span between 2013 and 2014. I have about one week left to go through all the data and compile it into a presentable and professional manner, but the fact that I am finally able to get started on this project has me motivated. After meeting with my mentor, I feel more at ease about what is to come and cannot wait to see what the rest of this semester holds!

Depressed skull fractures in newborns are caused mainly by the compression of the head during labor, and in the cases of infants, they are caused primarily by the head trauma. Depressed skull fractures may interrupt the growth and function of the brain and therefore, early treatment is imperative.

This past week in ISM has been kind of a lull. With Original Work due in just a few weeks, other students in my class have begun researching and surveying but I have absolutely no idea where to begin or how to start since my idea for Original Work is dependent on access to case files (which I have not gotten yet). This is somewhat frustrating but it has given me an idea of how procrastination in this class will only come back to haunt me. If I put off till the last second, I know I will be stressed out, scrambling to finish my project, and ultimately unable to produce quality work. My meeting with my mentor is scheduled for next week and hopefully once I meet with him, I will be able to get the ball rolling and start on my project. Initially I had planned on researching the demographics of hydrocephalus but seeing how the deadline for my project is very soon, I might have to change this to something that is a little bit more practical.
If there is one thing that I have learned this week it is that this next semester is not going to be easy. Getting an idea for Original Work was difficult enough, and carrying to completion seems to be even more difficult. I can only imagine how challenging Final Product will be. But, in a sense, this challenge is more encouraging than it is deterring. I am excited for what lies ahead because I know that it is going to push me to new extremes, force me to be creative, and to take initiative.

After a long, but well-deserved, winter break, it was exciting to come back to school and get started on my mentorship again. After a few canceled meetings and no response from my mentor, it is safe to say that I am starting to feel a little frustrated. With Original Work due in just a few weeks, it is quite stressing when I realize that I have not yet once met with my mentor. However, if anything, this is teaching me how to be patient and aware that as a pediatric neurosurgeon, he is probably very busy. I trust that he will make time for me, but getting the ball rolling proves to be a little harder than I initially imagined.

This past week, we worked on 2 things mainly. To start of the New Year well, I came up with a list of S.M.A.R.T. goals and this list included things that were related to ISM as well as other priorities. Initially, I felt that the assignment was pointless but after finishing my list, I realized that I have a lot to accomplish. It was a little daunting but as I began to ponder upon my list and figure out ways in which I could meet each goal, I began to understand the underlying purpose of this assignment. When you physically write down everything that you wish to do, you are forced to think about how you are going to do, when it will be done by, what your expectations are, and various other things. To some this can be overwhelming, but in general, when you have to think about the goals that you set in life, you come to the conclusion that it is completely possible - if you are willing to put in a little work and effort towards it that is.

Final Display Board at Research Showcase

Research Showcase took place on December 16th and I think it is safe to say that it was quite a success. Although my mentor was unable to come, the night was memorable for quite a few reasons. For starters, Research Showcase was the first time I was able to truly present all the research and work I have done over the past few months to people other than my peers. I estimate that I talked to over 60 people that night and though at the end of the night my feet were sore and my voice was hoarse, I was pleased. In every conversation that I had, I was able to share information about pediatric neurosurgery and, from what I could gather, I did so in a way that was interesting but not confusing. I had a model of the brain on the display table and I would reference that as well as diagrams on my board when explaining certain conditions and this seemed to help those I talked with understand exactly what I was describing. One of my favorite parts about this night was being able to share with friends, family, and teachers what I have learned thus far. I have mentioned ISM to them before but this was the first time that they were able to actually see what I have done. But moreover than that, the feedback I got was both uplifting and encouraging. Often times in ISM, it is easy to get buried under the assignments and deadlines and projects, and sometimes it is only when others point it out or when I force myself to take a step back and look at all that I have done that I realize how remarkable this journey has been. And the most exciting part is that I know the best is yet to come.