December

This semester has been awesome! I learned more than I thought possible and I got to explore New Orleans. I had a great time volunteering and had many memorable experiences. I look forward to the spring!

Happy holidays!

Volunteering:

Total: 63 hours

December:

KIPP: 4 hours

November:

Tulane Medical Center: 3 hours

St. Anna’s Clinic: 8 hours

October:
KIPP: 5 hours
Tulane Medical Center: 3 hours
St.Anna's Clinic: 9 hours
Habitat for Humanity: 9 hours

September:

Habitat for Humanity: 16 hours

St. Anna’s Medical Mission: 6 hours

November

This month has been incredibly busy for me as I juggle MCAT preparation, courses, volunteering and research.

I finally got to begin working in Dr. Kadowitz’s lab! On Tuesdays I go to the lab for four hours and get to help prepare drugs, observe surgeries and record data. The math behind drug preparation can sometimes get a bit mind boggling, but the surgeries have certainly been very interesting to watch.

MCAT preparation has really absorbed most of my time, even more so than courses. I have found that I learn best through practice, so my study method involves many problems. Although time consuming, the MCAT material is actually kind of interesting and many of the problems pose intriguing challenges.

I have continued to volunteer at St. Anna’s and the Tulane Medical Center, both of which continue to be great experiences.

Aside from all that I tried to make sure I found some time to meet up with friends and see more of the city. For Thanksgiving I stayed in New Orleans (I did not want to go back to 20 degree weather and snow in CT). A friend of mine was gracious enough to invite me to his family’s Thanksgiving celebration where I enjoyed good food and engaging conversation.

It has been a great month, if a bit a busy for me, but I really cannot complain!

Volunteering:

Tulane Medical Center: 3 hours

St. Anna’s Clinic: 8 hours

Part 2

Wow what a month it has been! We started a new class called Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology which has been very interesting! We’ve been learning a tremendous amount about physiology, experimental procedures and cell and molecular biology. In our other classes we had the ANS/CV block which was very challenging but also incredibly interesting. We learned about how to treat heart failure, high blood pressure and arrhythmias. We also covered the renal block which was also very fascinating.

For volunteering I’ve continued to help build houses with habitat for humanity. I helped to lay sod and with painting. I’ve also helped the local community at St.Anna’s clinic and the Tulane hospital. I got to take blood pressure, blood glucose, patient histories and help educate people about high blood pressure and diabetes. At the Tulane hospital I volunteered in the Neuro ICU where I spoke with many patients about their experiences and brought them various things they needed. I also got to observe as the doctors and nurses worked. I also volunteered at KIPP primary where I helped the teachers prepare various things for the students and helped set up for Halloween!

 

Overall it has been a great month. I had lots of fun and learned a lot!

Volunteering:
KIPP: 5 hours
Tulane Medical Center: 3 hours
St.Anna's Clinic: 9 hours
Habitat for Humanity: 9 hours

Beginning

     THIS PROGRAM IS AWESOME! New Orleans has been an exhilarating new beginning—it has an amalgam of cultures, a mélange of different people, a variety of places to visit, a myriad of things to do and an endless supply of eateries. And yes, it has beignets. Even after two and a half months in New Orleans I still have so much left to explore!

     Class is incredibly interesting. The professors are captivating and the material is enthralling. I have not just learned a tremendous amount of pharmacology; I have learned how to study effectively and efficiently. I think the key has been to constantly work on improving and to never be completely satisfied. Studying in groups with friends has been a very productive experience.

     The city is amazing and the classes are riveting, but what really makes this program so great is the people! Everyone in the program is friendly and helpful and we have even coordinated volunteering together for Habitat for Humanity. Over the two Saturdays we spent working on houses, I got to caulk, install insulation, do yard work, paint and assist in wood work. I have also begun volunteering at St. Anna’s Medical Mission, Tulane Hospital, and KIPP. Helping the people in the city has been truly rewarding and an invaluable experience.

     For fun we’ve explored the city, listened to Jazz, enjoyed new foods, experienced the nightlife, competed in trivia, and had a couple of movie nights! Best of all, I had a terrific birthday dinner with new friends!

I look forward to a crazy, exciting, wonderful year!

Volunteering:

Habitat for Humanity: 16 hours

St. Anna’s Medical Mission: 6 hours

Until next time ^_^

-Neelesh Jain