September Blog 2025

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 prescription. I am able to understand the drug mechanisms and the knowledge that it takes to choose a drug based on various factors.  

I faced the most challenges in principles of pharmacology. I need to spend more time on studying reactive oxygen species and microorganisms. The information from the microorganism lecture was familiar, but with a few new concepts. I need to focus more on applications for microorganisms. Reactive oxygen species was a taught area, as it had a lot of reactions and equations to remember. I am happy with my level of performance on the medical pharmacology exams. I feel like I need to improve my performance on principles and molecular pharmacology exams.

I have not volunteered in the month of September. However, I have signed up for free standing communities and Tulane’s neuroscience community engagement.