Pharmaceutical Scut-Monkey

This is not a nice term for what I do, however, it is not completely untrue. Currently I oversee all the drugs that come into and go out of a pharmaceutical testing and development company. Soon I will be moving on to the all-important job of buffer making! Please hold your applause until the end. Why in the world am I willing to do this? Because I want to work in the electrophysiology department without having to obtain a degree in electrophysiology. This way, if I have to hang-out here for another year while trying to get into medical school. . .again, at least I'll be doing something interesting.

What the heck is electrophysiology? I'm glad you asked. It is (in my case) testing the effects of pharmaceuticals on heart tissue (in certain ion channels). Basically, we want to know if the drug that company X would like to put on the market is going to kill you. Pretty neat, huh? So we take a heart, cut it into pieces, stimulate Purkinje fibers with electrodes, add drug, and analyze. I especially like the dissection part. And, because I am essentially a softie for critters, I would do my best to never waste any hearts.

Do not try this at home.

The photo shows Purkinje fibers

Medical School Rejection Collection

6 down. . .9 to go! I have successfully been rejected by 4 schools, and failed to complete 2 applications. It is at this point, being that it is already February, that I am getting quite nervous. If I don't make it this time around, I will try one more time. I know there are things I can improve upon, and after a second attempt, I would suppose that it is not meant to be. I worry that if it's that hard to get in, could I pass the boards? Knowing me I'd be too damn stubborn to just give up. I'd probably find a way. However, my home state (where I grew up) did reject me - that was a bit of a shock.

Humor - Ohio State sent me an application form for scholarships, which is rather funny since I've not been asked for an interview. Sigh. . .

In an attempt to not be out of touch while I'm dwelling in the world of pharmaceuticals, I will be volunteering at a local hospital doing palliative care. It sounds really interesting - I'll be going to a family's home and helping them while their family member either finishes treatment and gets better or passes away. I thought it would be a great way to help me learn empathy - which is something people often complain about doctors lacking.

Critter news - I got two baby rats to add to the pack. The one had pneumonia, but with a good vet and our own enginuity, he has recovered (he had less than a 50% chance of surviving). Baby food is the key! It has enough water to keep the little one hydrated, and it takes almost no effort to consume. Emmett highly recommends the peas.