The Neurochemistry class at Concordia College has undoubtedly enhanced my college career in numerous ways that will be extremely applicable to my postgraduate studies and my prospective career. In order to properly articulate exactly how this course made a positive impact on my present undertakings and future goals, I will use the five goals of liberal learning at Concordia College, as this class provided me with fulfillment within each goal.
Instill a love for learning
Every week, I was given the opportunity to connect the topic at hand with an aspect of female reproductive health. As this particular area is my passion and the focus of my professional career in the future, I was extremely grateful to be able to connect neurological functioning to various reproductive health conditions and hot topics. Surprisingly enough, I was able to find well-supported, fascinating connections between each neurochemistry topic and women’s health. This class allowed me to facilitate greater understanding of the way in which female reproductive impacts countless aspects of neurological health and vice versa. This understanding, coupled with continued enjoyment of discovering emerging research within the realm of gynecology, will help me to provide my prospective patients with the highest standard of care.
Develop foundational skills and transferable intellectual capacities
Arguably the most important foundational skill I acquired during my time in this class was achieved through blogging. As I wrote each week’s blog, I was faced with the challenge of communicating in-depth scientific findings in a manner that could appeal to the general public. Although difficult, this skill is extremely valuable, as science-based policy requires the relevant science to be put into a form that is applicable to all in order to encourage positive change. This skill is also quite relevant to my professional goals as a PA, as it is important to communicate the medicine and physiology in a manner that the patient will understand. It is the duty of the provider to ensure that their patients are able to leave an appointment and understand exactly both the reasoning for and the outcome of the appointment.
Develop an understanding of disciplinary, interdisciplinary and intercultural perspectives and their connections
Over the course of the semester, it became clear to me that neurochemistry and its interdisciplinary fields can be applied to each facet of life, ranging from healthcare to public policy. With each topic in the class, social, racial, political, and economic implications inevitably tied into each subject. These implications, among countless others, included environmental risk factors for the development of neurological disorders, a comparison of cultural influences on each topic, and the myriad of ways a condition can progress within individuals. It is important to keep all of these implications in mind as we venture forward into our future aspirations.
Cultivate an examined cultural, ethical, physical and spiritual self-understanding
Through the valued perspectives and opinions of my peers, I am able to examine issues from a wider lens that encompasses the way in which others experience the implications of each topic. This strategy allows for a more complex, developed understanding of issues when you are encouraged to think critically about how various aspects of life affect each individual in quite distinct ways.
Encourage responsible participation in the world
As mentioned above, I plan on applying the skills I gained from the course to the way in which I will pursue my postgraduate program and my career as a PA. Additionally, I will also utilize my learning of various specific topics presented by this class in order to expand my professional objectives and BREW. For example, I plan on creating an ASD-friendly environment in the clinical setting in which I will practice. The healthcare setting can often be quite overwhelming to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) patients in general, due to sensory overstimulation among other aspects that may bring ASD patients discomfort. This discomfort is especially evident in women’s health, as the addition of uncomfortable gynecologic procedures can deter ASD patients from attending appointments, including wellness exams that include pap smears, therefore putting the individual at greater risk for serious reproductive conditions like cervical cancer. So, I hope to provide sensory tools (e.g. noise-cancelling headphones, sunglasses, tactile toys, etc.), clear diagrams that explain exactly what is happening and what to expect during the appointment, and constant communication in order to ensure my patient with ASD is comfortable. This accommodation is one of many that I hope to institute in the setting of my professional practice.
I am extremely grateful for my experiences throughout this course, as I learned a great deal about both myself and the intricate world that surrounds me. Thanks to my classmates and Dr. Mach for a wonderful semester!
