Most wonderful time of year...By: Phil Koehler

Hey everyone…once again it’s getting to that time of the year…midterms/finals! I remember this time last year, stressing over balancing classes and spending time with my family. It is funny how all you want is a break and your family starts asking you medically related questions. Believe it or not, after 1 semester of experience I was looking at blood test reports on Christmas day.

Medicine and school is my life but it is extremely important to take a break and enjoy the holidays. Last year I made the mistake of telling myself “I will study everyday over break”. It was the wrong attitude to have because I never gave myself time off mentally and accomplished the same amount of work as if I did take a couple days off. It is especially important because second semester is challenging due to the quantity of work. Therefore, my fellow bloggers asked me to share some insight on my experience with Histology….

The difficulty of Histology usually takes you by surprise. I believe success in the course has to do with your ability to recognize structures, which is generally a new skill to learn. It took me a while to learn how to study for this. By the end of the course I realized you couldn’t develop that skill in a few days and how important it was to look at as many slides as possible. The sources that helped me the most were using the Histotime CD (available through the library), multiple books/atlas, Vbrick videos, and using slides from lab. Be as efficient as possible in lab because it is easy to neglect the time and sources available.

Good luck with midterms. I hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday! All I want for Xmas is an Eagles Superbowl victory, but it looks like that won’t happen…maybe next year.

Out With the Old, In With the New... By: Jameel Shareef

Hello everyone. I would just like to congratulate all of the first year Biomeds for completing the fall term. There is still plenty of work to be done, and the remaining courses are not to be taken lightly, but in my personal opinion, the worst is over. After hitting the ground running shortly after school started, I know most are looking forward to the break next week as much as I am. The break is much needed and well deserved, but at least for the next few days I encourage you to remain focused. Letting up between now and then could set you back a bit when you return, and that is the last thing you want to have happen. Anatomy and histology are “monsters” in their own right, but the hands-on aspect of the courses certainly makes learning the material a little easier.

Anatomy was my favorite course of the Biomedical Sciences program, mostly because of the lab component of the class. At first, the idea of working with a human cadaver may be daunting to some, but for me, it made the course exciting and intriguing. Being able to examine the intricacies and inner workings of the human body first hand was an amazing experience that I thoroughly enjoyed.

A few words of advice: the key to success in anatomy is to LIVE in the lab. It’s true that everyone has different ways of learning, but just speaking from my experience, lab time is invaluable. The lab is open most of the day, including weekends, except for the day of exams so I encourage you to spend as much time there as possible. I would also suggest that you study with some of the cadavers that belong to the other groups, as long as you have their permission. Key tissues or structures in certain cadavers may have been damaged or removed altogether during the dissection, but if it is listed in the lab manual, you must be able to identify it on the practical. If anyone has any questions about the course please do not hesitate to stop me and ask when you see me around campus. Good luck to everyone, and I wish you all continued success in the program.

An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away: Old Wives Tale or Old Wise Adage? by Alexis Mark

The other week I was in the supermarket waiting to pay for my groceries when I noticed the person behind me with a cart full of apple juice bottles (literally, her cart was filled ... I’m not exaggerating!). Now, despite realizing that apple juice was on sale that day, I still thought it a bit odd at the quantity being purchased. Perhaps seeing my bewildered expression, my fellow consumer explained to me about the wonders of the apple that resulted from drinking apple juice. After her daughter was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, she tried numerous drug and physical therapies to manage her pain. Some of the medications made her ill with unbearable side effects, some made the pain worse. After reading about the possible link between pain reduction and malic acid, a compound present in the apple fruit, she asked her daughter’s physician about the validity of this claim. Her physician recommended giving it a try. She says it has helped immensely with minimizing her daughter’s aches and increasing the quality of her daily life.

Intrigued, and maybe a little bit skeptical, I did some background research. Although complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is not new by any means, the validity of these therapies and treatments is constantly being questioned. A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial study, performed by Russell, Michalek, Flechas, et. al described in the Journal of Rheumatology, analyzed the effects of a therapy consisting of a combination of 600 mg of malic acid and 150 mg magnesium versus a placebo. The therapy was administered twice daily over the course of four weeks. It was found to be safe, but no improvement was seen during the randomized-controlled phase of this study. However, after two months, pain and tender point scores markedly improved. Improvement was also seen after six months in tender point scores.

One article from 2001 in Current Rheumatology Reports discussed CAM options for treatment of fibromyalgia, some of which include magnesium, ginseng, valerian root, acupuncture, and osteopathic manipulations. Many of the effects of these therapies were believed to be short-lived but with low risk for serious complications. The authors noted the need for conduction of longer-term studies to adequately assess the benefits of various therapies and/or supplements.

So in this case, does an apple a day really keep the doctor away? For me, the jury is still out for the treatment goal of pain reduction. But with that being said, I am looking forward to discovering the possibilities alternative medicine has to provide for pain alleviation of fibromyalgia and other chronic illnesses. I think it’s important to stay open minded to learning something new, whether it is inside or outside of the classroom. Happy learning!

Congratulations! by Alexis Mark

I just want to start things off with a couple of congratulations. Firstly, best wishes to the PCOM D.O. class of 2015 on receiving their white coats yesterday! I truly admire your dedication toward reaching the goal of becoming a physician. Good luck with your pursuits over the next four years! Secondly, congratulations to the first year biomeds on completing their first Molecular Basis of Medicine (MBM) and Infectious Process (IP) exams!

The other week I was reminded of that time last year when I was studying for the first MBM test and the IP midterm as I ran into a student who was in one of the smaller orientation groups I led just two months ago. Time flies when you’re busy studying, so use it wisely! IP was a class I truly enjoyed because it allowed me to connect some of the things I learned while working at MSKCC (www.mskcc.org) with more specific information on the processes at work in the immune system. One caution for learning the material for this class: IT’S EASY TO GET LOST IN THE DETAILS! This is especially true for the lectures leading up to the final, as you will soon experience. My tip would be to look at the big picture and THEN understand the building blocks that compose it. So as you’re going through cellular reperfusion and inflammatory pathways, try to first understand why and when this happens, and then how. To reiterate Susan’s first post of the blog, make the material your own. For me, I’m really a hands-on learner, so lecture-based classes can be challenging for me, but I will make topics into a project of sorts so that I can get a deeper understanding of what was covered. For someone else, “making the material his or her own” can mean coming up with mnemonics that make it easier to recall the order of certain processes, or making outlines, or drawing out diagrams and charts, but the bottom line is the same: do what works best for you.

BIOMED and the MCAT... By: Phil Koehler

Hey everyone!

It is hard to believe it is September already! This summer went quickly and was fun yet busy. Like many of my classmates, I spent the summer preparing for the MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test) or other entrance exams. For me, preparing for the exam was a challenge because it tests many of the basics sciences I learned 6-7 years ago as an undergraduate. The exam is one of the most important aspects of medical school applications, so I invested a considerable amount of time preparing. Preparing for the test was one of my biggest concerns when deciding on a program to continue my education.

About a year ago this time I struggled over the decision as to whether or not to enroll at PCOM or another post-bac program. To me, the greatest advantages of the program at PCOM was the medical school level courses and the possibility of graduating with a certificate or Masters degree. The only drawback to me was that the courses were not designed to directly prepare you for the MCAT. Other programs advertised this as their main goal, which influenced their successful placement of students into medical school.

After finishing the exam, I can say once again that I am very happy with my decision to go to PCOM. The courses over the past year thoroughly prepared me for the Biology section (most important section) of the exam. Furthermore, I have heard from alumni of the Biomed program, that it helped them prepare for boards in medical school, definitely an added bonus!

It has been hard, but I have learned that although becoming a physician is a long process, it is important to look at the time as an opportunity to learn and master the profession. School, exams, and other requirements seem like part of a big checklist you need to complete, but I hope I remember to keep focus on the goal of becoming a great physician and not just a physician. It has been extremely encouraging and rewarding seeing classmates and alumni go on to do great things with their education!

Orientation & the Start of a New School Year... By: Susan Ramirez

Hey guys! I know I went on and on last time, so tonight I'll keep it short, and give you a summary of the past couple of weeks. 

August is a busy time for incoming Biomed students.  Many are moving into a new place, feeling out their surroundings, getting used to their classes, and meeting new friends. The 2011-2012 biomed certificate class attended orientation on Tuesday August 9th. They were welcomed by our school's president, Dr. Matthew Schure,  the Assitant Dean for Student Affairs, Tina Woodruff, and the Biomed Certificate Program's director, Dr. Ruth Thornton. Students then came up with creative ways to introduce themselves during break-out sessions, and shared their introductions with the class over dinner.  The night was filled with laughter, and ended on a (sugar) high note with an ice cream bar =D  


Monday, August 15th marked the start of the school year for 1st & 2nd year biomeds, as well as 1st and 2nd year D.O.s. Campus has been bustling now for well over a week, and will to get even busier after tomorrow's resource fair.  It feels a bit strange to watch all this unfold, and to transition into my 2nd year here; my first flew by like the blink of an eye! Although I'm nostalgic for my own PCOM beginnings, I'm excited to check out more student organizations tomorrow, and to dig my roots a little bit deeper into the PCOM community in this new year.

Warm and Welcoming... By: Jameel Shareef

Hello everyone, my name is Jameel Shareef. Like my colleagues and fellow blog contributors I am also a second year Bio Med student following the research track here at PCOM. As I will describe in further detail shortly, PCOM is a very warm and welcoming school with people from all walks of life and the Bio Medical Sciences Masters Program is an amazing opportunity that allows future science and health professionals to get acclimated to graduate level school work after entering the working world for a time or it can act as resume or GPA booster for graduates interested in applying to professional school, but first let me share a few things about me.

I earned my Bachelors Degree in Biology from the esteemed Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA. I originally entered Morehouse with the intent to pursue a career in medicine. I had always been interested in science and from my early childhood years. My father worked as a pharmaceutical sales rep, which introduced me to various health care professionals at a very young age and provided me with various shadowing opportunities as I got older. During the summer before my senior year, I obtained an internship at the Atlanta Veteran’s Administration Hospital in the inpatient pharmacy. This opportunity intrigued me opened my eyes to another potential career path in the health care industry that I initially had very little knowledge of. In my time there, I gained invaluable experience as health care provider and knowledge on the intricacies of hospital pharmacy and various techniques such as IV prep, dosing, and dispensing. I also made the rounds on the patient floors with the medical team on several occasions. In the summer after I graduated, I also work as an intern at the Association of Black Cardiologists (www.abcardio.org) in Atlanta, GA, a non-profit organization committed to the study and eventual elimination of cardiovascular health disparities amongst minorities. While working there, I completed various administrative tasks, such as, compiling and organizing data from surveys taken at various community events around the country into spreadsheets, applying for logo patents, and created company profiles for the executive officers of ABC for potential corporate sponsors. I also began laying the groundwork for a mentorship program for high school and college students interested in careers in medicine.

The VA internship helped me to secure a position as a certified pharmacy tech at Dekalb Medical Center in Decatur, GA, where I worked for a year and a half after finishing at Morehouse. Here I expanded my knowledge of previously learned techniques that I could not perform as an intern such as handling narcotics and preparing chemo meds in the IV room. I enjoyed my time at Dekalb in my expanded role in the pharmacy, but I began to see that my true passion in patient care was in role of a physician. These realizations reignited my passion for medicine and fueled my desire to become a physician. I chose to move back home and focus on getting into school, preferably a post baccalaureate or masters program to help boost my credentials and compensate for my time away from school and it was here that I learned of PCOM and the Biomedical Sciences program.

From the first time that I walked through the doors at PCOM as visitor, I felt welcome and knew that I was in the right place, and even now as I am entering my second year those feelings still exist. One person who is primarily responsible for the warm atmosphere at PCOM is Ms. Debbie who works the front desk in Evans Hall. She remembers almost everyone’s name and greets everyone with a big smile. No matter what kind of day you are having she always manages to put a smile on your face. This same warmth is an integral part of the culture at PCOM and is also shared by staff, faculty, and fellow students.

When classes finally started, there was a bit of an adjustment period for me having been out of school for close to three years. It is true that we only have class three days a week but the amount of a material that I received in each four hour lecture was unlike anything I had ever experienced. Two things that are extremely important in this program or any other program for that matter are time management and keeping your priorities in order. Taking it easy for a day could set you back several days in terms of the material. Keeping your head above water is very doable; it is just a matter of finding a balance between school and personal life and doing what works for you. To all the incoming students I look forward to meeting you and welcoming you to PCOM. To prospective students interested in coming to PCOM, I hope that this post has been informative and has been helpful in your decision to attend. Until next time.

Medical Decisions by Alexis Mark

Of all the professional arenas one could choose from, health and medicine calls to me the most. You might ask what is the attraction to medicine, as I too often ponder the reasons why I have decided to commit to this field and think about where I’m heading. Well, the simple answer is, I like it! The bit more involved one requires my learning more about myself and the fact that I am intrigued by science's endless possibilities to discover more about the human body and its intricate functions. My experiences over the first year of the Biomedical Sciences program here at PCOM have deepened my passion for further understanding the application of science to medicine. Currently I am pursuing the research track during the second year of the Biomedical Sciences master’s degree. Over the next few blog posts I will discuss classes in the first year in more depth and my experience with the research track.

But FIRST, allow me to introduce myself: my name is Alexis, and I am also a contributor to Biomedventures... welcome to joining our journey! Here is a little bit about me and what I have done before arriving at PCOM:

2007 - present: Medical Missions for Children Volunteer (www.mmfc.org)

I have been a volunteer with this incredible organization that is dedicated to providing medical care to global populations that do not have access to adequate medical care. Groups of healthcare professionals headline missions, which focus on surgical cases involving repair of cleft lip, cleft palate, and microtia, as well as skin grafts for burns patients. During the spring of 2008, I participated in a mission to L’viv, Ukraine and photographed patient cases and surgeries. Currently, I assist with procuring donations of medical supplies for future missions, and with donations for auctions at annual benefit galas.

2007 - 2010: Clinical Research Study Assistant, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), NY, NY- (www.mskcc.org)

My position at this preeminent cancer research center focused on clinical trials within the Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) service. I worked with several principal investigators of studies to monitor regulatory processes, and was involved in ensuring trials were conducted according to FDA and sponsor rules and regulations. In addition, I created patient progress reports for those participants enrolled in BMT trials. MSKCC was a wonderful experience during which I had the privilege to work with highly-esteemed oncologists that affirmed my commitment to working in the medical field.

Summer 2007: Alpha One Foundation, Dublin, Ireland (http://www.alpha1.ie/)

My internship after graduating from college took me to the Emerald Isle! :) As a clinical research assistant I participated in many facets of the organization. I helped with recruiting potential candidates in clinics around Dublin for the Targeted Screening Detection Program with the head Clinical Research Nurse. The recruitment process entailed assessing patients’ medical history for respiratory illness and providing the patient with a brief summary of the condition Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. By shadowing the scientists in the lab on site, I assisted with minor experimental procedures. I thoroughly enjoyed working with the team at this foundation and seeing firsthand the medical system of another country.

Spring 2007: Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA

During the spring semester of my senior year at Boston College, I was a health communication research assistant. I assisted in the development of studies, for a principal investigator in the Communication department, by collecting audio documentation of interactions between medical school students and standardized patient educators (SPE) within the context of a routine doctor’s visit. After each recording, I analyzed segments of dialogue between medical school students and SPEs for verbal and nonverbal communication behaviors. The results of this data collection and analyses by myself, other research assistants, and the principal investigator have been used in several health communication research publications. This area of research particularly exciting for its relevance and useful applications in fostering more productive medical visits.

Finally, I truly encourage all readers to post comments, feedback. Let us know how we all can help in answering questions you might have. And, if we don’t have the answer, we will work to find someone who does! Welcome to discovering more about PCOM and best of luck in your exploration of professional studies!

The PCOM Family... By: Phil Koehler

Hey everyone, my name is Phil Koehler and I am a second year Biomedical Science Student at PCOM. I hope through my posts I convey the incredible experience I have had during my time at PCOM thus far. Essentially, like many of you, I consider myself a non-traditional student as I spent a couple years working in between undergrad and grad school. I decided on PCOM after committing to the process of improving as a healthcare provider, student, and medical school applicant.

After graduating from Lehigh University in 2008 I went to work in Manhattan for the world’s leading healthcare advertising company (CDM), working in the consulting division as a project manager. I learned about the business of science and was exposed to the world of pharmaceutical marketing. More importantly, I learned that I wanted to do something else with my career. After a year and a half I came across a position working as a Medical Assistant for an Anesthesiologist’s private practice in Brooklyn. My job mostly consisted of taking patient history and assisting in the OR during minor surgical procedures. Quickly I became energized by the feeling of helping others and confirmed that I wanted to continue on my dream of becoming a physician. After being accepted to the Biomed program I moved back home to the area and am now completing the second year in the research track of the program.

There are many things that I have enjoyed and gained from the program. One of the great advantages of the program is that it has been an opportunity for me to solely focus on my studies. As an undergrad I wrestled for a top 10 division I program, earned a music industry minor, and played in many small jazz/rock groups while studying biology. Undergrad was a great life experience, but I am not sure I ever realized my academic potential because I couldn’t focus my energy only on my studies. PCOM’s program has helped me commit to the process of learning and not just earning good grades. I have learned how to take my studying to the next level and focus on mastering one area of my life. I also learned to balance my personal life, as I got married in the middle of the first trimester. So far, my best word of advice would be to do your best to enjoy the process of learning and focus on improving as a healthcare provider and not just an applicant. There are many projects throughout the year that helped me do this. In MBM we completed a family tree of health history and team-based-learning (TBL) excercises, in anatomy we had to complete an autopsy/analysis of our cadaver and presented a lecture to the class, and in neuroscience we presented to the class on neurological diseases. All the projects enrich the curriculum and were welcomed breaks to the rigorous coursework.

A second word of advice I have would be to take advantage of the PCOM family. You will quickly learn that the quality of people associated with PCOM is second to none. I found the professors have an incredible passion for medicine and teaching, and take great pride in producing great healthcare providers. I served as Secretary on the Biomed Student Council, which was a great opportunity because I was able to connect with many of my classmates. Having classmates with similar goals, values, and life experiences helped me push myself and reach my potential. The amount of people that are involved in the PCOM community is simply awesome. There are an insane amount of groups, clubs, extra-curricular activities, volunteer opportunities, etc. The alumni network is vast, as there are always physicians who you can shadow and want to help you achieve your goals. There are research opportunities in almost any discipline imaginable, and they are available to all types of students. I truly believe that the quality of people at PCOM creates an atmosphere that brings success.

In the beginning... By: Susan Ramirez

Hello! I'm Susan, one of the 2nd year Biomeds contributing to the blog.  If you'd like to read a little about how I came to be a Biomedical Sciences student at PCOM, check out the "About me" section of my Blogger profile.

For this first post, I'd like to give you an introduction to the Biomed program, and a closer look into our very first course, Molecular Basis of Medicine (MBM).

• PCOM Graduate Program in the Biomedical Sciences:

The Biomed program starts as a one-year certificate program, wherein we take 7 courses worth 29 credits. The school year starts in mid-August, ends in late May, and is broken up into trimesters. The first trimester consists of Molecular Basis of Medicine (MBM), and Infectious Process (IP). The 2nd trimester consists of Gross Anatomy and Histology, and the 3rd trimester consists of Neuroscience, Medical Pharmacology, and Physiology. All courses are taught in the evenings, three days a week, and your classmates are your fellow Biomed students. If you wish to complete a second year in pursuit of a Master of Science in Biomedical Science degree, you can undergo an internal application process in the Spring of your certificate year, and if accepted, start either during the Summer immediately after the certificate year, or during the Fall. PCOM does a much better job of describing the nitty gritty here.

Now, prior to my first lecture I was advised to have fun but to work hard because this is a rigorous program... yet for the first few weeks, I couldn't help but look back to my undergrad days and think, "I only start with two courses, I can keep working as much as I am now, see friends all the time, and still do well."
 
Grad school is a whole different ball game. The Biomed program is a full time program. The coursework is not insurmountable but I had to make sacrifices in order to meet my goals and keep up with the lecture material. I set high expectations for myself; I didn't simply want good grades, I wanted to become one of those students that knew enough background info that I could manipulate the lecture material as it was being lectured... I wanted to learn the material, and use it to try to understand some of the prevalent diseases we hear so much of on the news.

Even though there were nights this school year when I had to remind myself, time and again, of the reasons why I wanted to push myself to do well, anytime an old friend would ask, "how's school going?" I couldn't help but smile and tell them, "I'm sleepy, but I've never been happier." Truth is, I love learning about the life sciences, and in this program I am surrounded by 70ish others just like me. For the first time in a long time I was internally driven to learn, I was excited about my schoolwork, and I didn't have to hide my excitement for molecular mechanisms.  With all that to gain, what's a little sacrifice every now and then?

• MBM:

The course name says it all! We learned some molecular biology, biochemistry, and genetics in a clinically relevant manner. You won't learn diagnosis, or too much pathology, and you won't see patients. What I mean by clinically relevant is evident in some of the topics covered: Hormones, Human Molecular Genetics, Generation of Energy from Dietary Carbohydrates, Diabetes Correlation, Hemoglobin... the list goes on. Plus, you will have a few Team Based Learning (TBL) exercises to do with your assigned groups. TBL assignments consist of a made-up patient case that is relevant to the material recently covered in class, which you and your team try to solve. You will be provided with physical exam findings, patient complaints, lab reports, etc., have a designated amount of time to research and meet with your group outside of class, and then meet in-class to take a quiz and answer questions. It's SO MUCH fun!!

This course, as most courses in the program, is taught by various lecturers. Each lecturer will post a handout and a powerpoint presentation on Blackboard before his or her lecture. Sometimes this is posted a week or more in advance, sometimes you only have a day or two advanced notice. I benefited from previewing the posted material before class, even though it was a time-consuming study method. My hand was much less tired of writing, and I had a better understanding of the information at the end of class, when I took the time to read through the handout, compare it to the powerpoint, and make a rough outline (maybe with a few questions) of the material before class.

 
Although the course is taught by different professors, lectures build upon the information provided by previous lectures, and a lot is covered during a class period. A few missed classes can sometimes feel like a month's-worth of missed material; it was to my advantage to keep on top of my readings and studying, and my previewing practices helped me connect the new material back to the older information.  I spent many a late-night (not only before an exam) previewing, reviewing, making note-cards, checking online textbooks, e-mailing professors, etc. You'll hear this next line again and again, and I don't mean to sound preachy but: the majority of us can't learn all the material the night before an exam (or the weekend before).

With that in mind, MBM taught us to study both for factual knowledge AND for a deeper understanding. Oh how many of us wish we had known to do this before the first exam! Facts are great for some types of tests (such as quizzo) but they may not be very useful if you can't apply that knowledge to new situations (read: such as with developing a thesis topic); the reverse is also true. I learned best when I studied the facts, studied the context in which they appeared, and then changed the situation and asked myself, "How do the facts apply? What have I changed, and how will that affect the outcome?" You'll see what I mean when you get to the metabolism lectures. =)

One concept that was foreign to me prior to my time at PCOM is this: Don't be afraid to ask the lecturer for clarification. I used to be the type to keep my confusion to myself and work furiously alone to try and figure it all out; it was a tiring and frustrating endeavor. During the fall trimester, I quickly learned that PCOM has an open-door policy, and our professors really believe in it. This means that you can walk into their offices, and if they're not in the middle of something else, they will sit down with you to talk or help you out. Cool right? They genuinely want us to do well, and enjoy sharing knowledge.