February in Review

Happy February to All,

These past 4 weeks have seemed to fly by for a multitude of reasons. We covered 2 separate modules in a span of 28 short days and seemed to hit the ground running from the first week of the month. While our designated "Mardi Gras break" was far from the traditional festivities that occur all week long, it provided a much-needed rest following our Neurology module. This module covered topics ranging from the cell cycle, the neurobiology of stroke, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Seizures, and Addiction to the effect of opioids and alcohol on the brain. My favorite of these topics would have to be Parkinson's given its complex neuropathology and pathogenesis involving the nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathway. My second week of the month was hectic, to say the least. One test and 3 presentations covering a varying degree of topics: COVID-19 and stress, clozapine and schizophrenia, and finally, emergence agitation as it relates to general anesthetics. Not only did these group presentations allow me to collaborate with new members of the class, but I strengthened my skills in dissecting and delivering my personal reflection on medically relevant issues. 

While COVID-19 has restricted our public outreach for the semester, we have found creative ways to engage both the New Orleans community and elsewhere. Given the short duration of this month in addition to the scheduled break, I did not find much time for volunteering aside from repairing a few rackets for our Kids Serving Kids New Orleans chapter.

Service Hours: 16

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