Tulane Pharmacology Blog

 March Hours: 11 hours Total Spring Hours: 16 hours  This semester is moving pretty quickly. The psychopharmacology module has been interesting to me. I feel like we are seeing increasing rates of drug-induced psychological disorders, and I wish there was more research on these topics. However, studying them can be difficult because many psychological disorders are not well understood themselves.  This month, I gave back to the community by feeding people experiencing homelessness and providing them with clothing. This experience was very fulfilling because it reminded me how fortunate I am and reinforced the importance of helping others. I also participated in the Saints/Pelicans STEM festival with Tulane's neurology department. We organized various activities for the kids, such as creating neurons, exploring ways to protect brain function, and a brain dissection station. I really enjoyed how interactive and engaging these activities were, making it fun for the kids to l...

February Hours: 2 hours Total Spring Hours: 5 hours This year, my Mardi Gras break was a refreshing pause from my busy academic schedule. While I didn’t spend the whole break studying, I did take time to relax, recharge, and reflect on my goals. Having that balance between celebration and responsibility made the break both enjoyable and productive. Neuropharmacology fascinates me because it explores how drugs affect the nervous system and brain function. I enjoy learning how medications can influence mood, behavior, and neurological disorders. Endocrine pharmacology is particularly interesting because it focuses on hormones and how medications regulate body systems like metabolism, growth, and reproduction. I appreciate how this course connects chemistry, physiology, and clinical applications all together. Overall, Mardi Gras break gave me time to recharge so I can stay focused and motivated in my courses. Each class strengthens my understanding of how medications impact the human body...

January Hours: 3 hours Total Spring Hours: 3 hours  Happy New Year! I spent a lot of time with my friends and family over winter break, which was really refreshing. I have a great feeling about this year and am excited to see what it has to offer. This semester feels different because many of my classes are more presentation-based. Although presenting has not always been a favorite of mine, I appreciate having the opportunity to practice and improve this skill. We recently had our first exam in medical pharmacology, and I think it went well, especially since there was some overlap with material from last semester. I am particularly interested in learning about neurological disorders and the therapies used to treat them. I am also enjoying endocrine pharmacology. Learning about stress and its effects on the body, while experiencing stress myself, has helped me better understand how to manage it. Although balancing school, work, and studying can be difficult at times, it pushes me to...

This past month has been the busiest for me so far. I attended the American Heart Association Heart Walk with a few of my classmates, where we volunteered alongside Tulane’s neurology team. Our booth offered fun and educational activities for kids, including brain hats, coloring books, and displays of animal brains. We also taught them how to make neurons out of pipe cleaners. I participated in the two-mile walk around Lafreniere Park, and overall, it was inspiring to see survivors of cardiac trauma and their family members coming together in support of heart health. My experience working with Freestanding Communities has also been unique and meaningful. I’ve been able to support underserved members of the community by providing care and creating a safe, welcoming space. It’s uplifting to be part of an organization that focuses on meeting the needs of unhoused individuals. Knowing that I’m making a difference in my local community feels incredibly rewarding. I’ve truly enjoyed my time ...

This month, I began my training with Freestanding Communities. During the first week, I became certified in several essential skills, including bleeding control and opioid reversal. In the second week, I learned how to take a patient’s medical history and accurately document it in an electronic health record. Having worked as a medical scribe for several years, charting came naturally to me, though it was helpful to receive a refresher. I also gained new hands-on experience by learning how to take vital signs, manually measure blood pressure, and perform glucose testing. Most recently, I was trained in point-of-care screenings and wound care. Additionally, we reviewed the fundamentals of ECG interpretation, which reinforced concepts I have been studying in class.  The autonomic nervous system and cardiovascular modules have been the most challenging for me. However, I appreciate how the material connects across topics and reinforces the practical applications we learn. I’ve gained ...

Over the past few weeks, I enjoyed the inflammation module the most. I am able to identify which medications work as an anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic, and/or analgesic. My perception of pharmacology has changed significantly. The lectures have given me a greater appreciation for pharmacology overall. It is interesting how our bodies respond to DAMPS and PAMPS with an inflammatory response. However, individuals with a compromised immune system may have difficulties with a response. For example, people with autoimmune diseases have a problem with inflammation and need medication for management. I have an extended family history of rheumatoid arthritis, so learning about it was informative and helpful. A lot of their treatments for RA changed often due to inflammation levels or side effects. I realized how understanding pharmacology is necessary in our daily lives, whether it's treating symptoms at home with over the counter medication or visiting the doctor's office for a presc...