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This is my last blog of junior year, the final one to conclude my weekly ISM updates every single Monday for the previous nine months. With Final Presentation Night right around the corner, I’d like to dedicate this final blog to a reflection on my growth and development as a result of ISM.
With the completion of my Final Product, reality is setting in. My junior year is almost over, and that means my focus will soon shift from a heavy course load and final exams to college applications and senior year responsibilities.
This previous week was packed with ISM related endeavors, whether it be mentor visits or the completion of my Final Product.
Another successful week in ISM has passed, an amazing week that provided me with the opportunity to observe surgery with my mentor. Reflecting back on the day, Wednesday was a big day of firsts for me: first laparoscopic procedure and first non-gynecologic surgery.
While I was unable to go observe surgery with my mentor in the hospital this week, I was able to make progress on my final product and prepare for Final Presentation Night.
After a week off from observation, this week I was back at Medical City Plano with my mentor on Wednesday for a rather eventful day.
While I was unable to observe surgery in the hospital this week, I utilized the extra time to develop my Final Product (which, I am happy to report, is coming along incredibly!).
Another week has passed, an incredible week filled with hours in the operating room and shadowing my mentor.
Over this past week, I’ve had two visits with my mentor, each presenting their own unique sets of opportunities and learning experiences.
March 10th through the 18th was Frisco High School’s spring break, and as I spent my entire break in Costa Rica I didn’t do much ISM related work. However, on March 5th I had yet another incredible visit with my mentor!
After another successful mentor visit this week, I can confidently say I absolutely love the mentorship I have finally obtained and could not be more enthusiastic for my visits to follow.
This past weekend I had the privilege of traveling to Washington D.C. and Baltimore, Maryland with my mom to go on several college tours, keeping my ISM topic in mind.
This week I was fortunate enough to have my second mentor visit, this one actually with my mentor!
While I did not have an official visit with my mentor this week, the week was spent ensuring I have all of the materials and items in order to officially begin shadowing Dr. Heffernan.
On February 1st, I had my first ever visit with my mentor, Dr. Thomas Heffernan.
I am ecstatic to announce that, as of January 19th, I finally have a mentor! Months and months of research, contacting professionals, and interviews have all lead up to this moment.
Wednesday, January 19th was the annual ISM Research Showcase: a convening of every student in the ISM program district-wide to come and display all of their primary research, mentorships, and projects from the first semester in ISM.
The primary focus of my previous week has been preparation for the upcoming ISM Research Showcase.
This past month in ISM has been entirely dedicated to one thing: my Original Work. After months of intensive research, learning, and dedication, I couldn’t be prouder of what I ended up with.
This week I conquered my public speaking fears and prepared for the quickly-approaching Research Showcase.
This week I had my 4th informational interview with Dr. Sheetal Patel, a bariatric and general surgeon at 360 Bariatrics located at Medical City Plano.
If you are unfamiliar with the research I have been conducting of late, it should be noted that it all has been focused on one major topic: the education of surgeons in the field of robotic surgery.
This past week consisted of preparing my research speech and continuing my search for interviews and a mentor, two tasks that appear very daunting at first glance.
This week I decided to take my research in a brand new direction upon developing a potential idea for my Original Work project.
This week marked the date of my third interview, conducted with Dr. Christian Royer, an orthopedic surgeon at Baylor Medical Center.
This week I had my second interview, conducted with Dr. Tom Heffernan, a gynecologic oncologist at North Texas Gynecologic Oncology at Medical City Plano.
This week I had my first interview, conducted with Dr. Heather Bellanger, a surgical OB-GYN at Plano Women’s Healthcare at Medical City Plano.
My week was one of the most exciting I’ve had over the duration of ISM; get ready to read all about the Business Symposium and my hands-on experience with the Da Vinci Surgical System!
This past week in ISM has been primarily dedicated to setting up interviews, contacting surgical professionals, and getting ahead on my research necessary for the weeks to come.
This past weekend marked my favorite project required by ISM thus far: mandatory shopping.
This past week was filled with research and resume drafting, a week of further inserting myself into the professional world.
Today, September 4th, marks the end of my very first two weeks in the Independent Study & Mentorship Program.