Exploring Post Recaps 2014–2015
April 27, 2015
Mark Johnson, M.D.
Dr. Johnson, Associate Professor of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics, spoke about neurology, its practice, and the steps required to become a neurologist. He first talked about the MCAT, medical school (pre-clinical and clinical rotations), and residency. Then he described key practices and their thought processes when helping a patient during a stroke and other neurological emergencies. He explained F.A.S.T. (Face slouching or droop, Arms are unable to be held up symmetrically, Speech difficulties become apparent, Time to act fast because every second counts), an often used checklist when determining if someone is having a stroke. He also described other neurological exams such as mental status, coordination, and gait.
Dr. Johnson also explained different lesions in the brain and how they affect the patient. The three types of lesions were pyramidal, extra-pyramidal, and cerebellar, each affecting either hand and foot control, posture, and motor skills respectively. Afterward, he stayed to answer many questions.
March 23, 2015
Sarah Oltmann, M.D.
We had many interested students attend our meeting on March 23, where Dr. Oltmann, Assistant Professor of Surgery, introduced us to the surgical side of medicine. The meeting’s attendees had the opportunity to hear about her career path, a day in the life of a general surgeon, as well as different types of surgeries. Afterward, the students had the chance to ask Dr. Oltmann questions about her interesting career path. Following the lecture, the group moved on to the 2015-2016 Exploring Post officer elections! After several very close elections, it was decided that our new officers for the 2015-2016 school year will be Jason Mendoza, Maya Reddi, Sasha Thomas, and Irma Zamarripa.
November 17, 2014
Kritikaa Agnani, Lilian Nwora, and Carol Reyes, Clinical Nutrition students; Maria Ruiz, Medical School student
At our November meeting, explorers had the opportunity to hear from two different speakers. We first heard from Kritikaa Agnani, Lilian Nwora, and Carol Reyes (Clinical Nutrition students), who opened their presentation with an exciting game of nutrition-themed Jeopardy.
The students went on to discuss appropriate portion sizes and the importance of healthy eating habits.
We then heard from a STARS summer research program alum who explained several phenomenal opportunities for students interested in medicine or science, including the JAMP program and the HPREP program. She then explained her college and medical school experiences, leaving time to answer questions from curious audience members.
October 20, 2014
Jason Quick, NRP, LP
We had a very enthusiastic audience attend our meeting on October 20, where Jason Quick, NRP, LP, who is an EMT, paramedic, and Assistant Instructor of Health Care Sciences, discussed the various aspects of a career as a first responder. The meeting’s attendees heard countless stories about Mr. Quick’s varying careers, including that of a firefighter, and watched video footage of EMTs and paramedics responding to a distress call. The audience also learned about the educational pathways required to become an EMT or a paramedic, as well as the variety of career opportunities available for those who hold these distinctions.
September 22, 2014
Joel Goodman, Ph.D., Professor of Pharmacology and STARS Director
We had our biggest group of 120 people attend our Open House on September 22. Joel Goodman, Ph.D., Professor of Pharmacology and STARS Director talked about the STARS program and its free programs and resources for middle and high school students. He then talked about his professional pathway to receiving his Ph.D. at UCLA and his current role as a research scientist at UT Southwestern Medical Center studying lipid droplet assembly and the role of lipodystrophy proteins in the process. Throughout his life Dr. Goodman has been able to pursue his passion for science and music. He is also an amateur classical pianist and has performed in piano competitions, most notably as a featured soloist with the Fort Worth Symphony.