WEEKLY PROGRESS UPDATES
09/25/20
Over the past few weeks in ISM, I have begun my initial research on the topic of dentistry. I’ve always had an interest in cosmetic dentistry and I thought it would be useful to begin my research there. Upon diving into the realm of cosmetic dentistry, cosmetic maxillofacial surgery immediately caught my attention for several reasons. Not only do cosmetic maxillofacial surgeons have extensive knowledge in dentistry, but they are also one of the only doctors to administer anesthesia aside from anesthesiologists. Additionally, I believe the demand for cosmetic surgeons will continue to grow in the years to come due to the popularity of cosmetic enhancements in recent years. To continue my research in dentistry, I decided to divert my attention from cosmetic dentistry to a more mundane yet important topic: periodontal disease (gum disease). Through my research, I was able to understand that periodontal disease is preventable and as a dental care provider the most important task is to keep your patients informed and aware of gum disease before they may have to deal with its complications. Along with periodontal disease, I decided to look into the subfield of periodontal dentistry. This specialty would deal with the treatment of gum disease. While this may be interesting to some I quickly realized that I would find this subfield quite dull. That being said, I don’t think I will be researching it as extensively. In my opinion, I think I chose good topics to research first because I am more familiar with where I will be directing my research towards next.
10/19/20
October 19, 2020Â
This is the real deal- it’s time to contact professionals and ultimately find a mentor. We have been working on changing our voicemails as well as learning how to leave voicemails. I have noticed I have become fairly comfortable with sending and receiving voicemails. However, I am quite nervous to begin the process of contacting individuals. I am going to start by sending out emails because they require less contact, this may help ease my anxiety. Nonetheless, I know I will have to get comfortable with making phone calls, but I am not too keen on jumping in on them immediately. Another concern I have is finding a mentor during these times. Dental clinics have just recently been reopened, and I’m sure many dentists are occupied with an influx of patients. Regardless, I know I will find a mentor. During business symposium a couple weeks ago Mrs. Carey, one of my interviewers told me that one of the biggest setbacks in her career was due to her impatience. She said she often felt discouraged when she didn’t get a job she desired so badly, but at the end of the day, she got the job that was meant for her. Hearing an adult express these feelings to me has made me feel at ease as I am slowly beginning to realize that what is meant for me will come to be as long as I do my best to push through all the obstacles. I can’t let my anxiety get in the way, especially when I have accomplished so much.
10/19/20
October 19, 2020Â
This is the real deal- it’s time to contact professionals and ultimately find a mentor. We have been working on changing our voicemails as well as learning how to leave voicemails. I have noticed I have become fairly comfortable with sending and receiving voicemails. However, I am quite nervous to begin the process of contacting individuals. I am going to start by sending out emails because they require less contact, this may help ease my anxiety. Nonetheless, I know I will have to get comfortable with making phone calls, but I am not too keen on jumping in on them immediately. Another concern I have is finding a mentor during these times. Dental clinics have just recently been reopened, and I’m sure many dentists are occupied with an influx of patients. Regardless, I know I will find a mentor. During business symposium a couple weeks ago Mrs. Carey, one of my interviewers told me that one of the biggest setbacks in her career was due to her impatience. She said she often felt discouraged when she didn’t get a job she desired so badly, but at the end of the day, she got the job that was meant for her. Hearing an adult express these feelings to me has made me feel at ease as I am slowly beginning to realize that what is meant for me will come to be as long as I do my best to push through all the obstacles. I can’t let my anxiety get in the way, especially when I have accomplished so much.
01/11/21
The start of this new semester has been much more challenging than last. Due to this being my senior year, I feel far less motivated than I once did, but I know I need to push through. Winter break did not feel long enough, and I wish I could be at school experiencing my last semester in person, but I know that is not possible at the moment. I am still working towards coming up with a solid plan for my original work, but I need to speak with my mentor first. I have a meeting with Dr. Patel coming up, and I need to inform him about the mentor documents that he needs to fill out. I also have questions prepared for him tomorrow, but I find it challenging to have all my questions answered within one meeting without taking up too much of Dr. Patel's time. I need to run my original work idea by him and see if he has any critiques or ideas about the project. I am glad however that we do not have a winter showcase this year, because I know most of us were not prepared. While it is relieving at the same time, sometimes I wish I did get to have that experience.
01/18/21
The start of this new semester has been much more challenging than last. Due to this being my senior year, I feel far less motivated than I once did, but I know I need to push through. Winter break did not feel long enough, and I wish I could be at school experiencing my last semester in person, but I know that is not possible at the moment. I am still working towards coming up with a solid plan for my original work, but I need to speak with my mentor first. I have a meeting with Dr. Patel coming up, and I need to inform him about the mentor documents that he needs to fill out. I also have questions prepared for him tomorrow, but I find it challenging to have all my questions answered within one meeting without taking up too much of Dr. Patel's time. I need to run my original work idea by him and see if he has any critiques or ideas about the project. I am glad however that we do not have a winter showcase this year, because I know most of us were not prepared. While it is relieving at the same time, sometimes I wish I did get to have that experience.
02/01/21
The last week in ISM was personally, one of the most productive. I was able to finalize my original work, and what exactly I want to create. I am excited to see how my original work plays out over the course of the next few months, because it encompasses so much that I am passionate about. I prefer the dynamic of second semester in ISM because we as students do have much more freedom to study what we choose within our topic. It has been hard to be a senior during this time, but I finally feel motivated to get my work done once again. Not only have I been productive in ISM, but I have also been working towards being more productive in general. I find by having a set schedule, I am able to accomplish much more. I think this is an important skill that I will carry with me throughout my life. During this time, I've made great use of my planner. I find planning out my days gives me peace of mind, and it feels so good to finally be able to check things off a list. I am able to evaluate my day and see just how much I got done.
02/01/21
After speaking with my mentor last week, I have a better idea of what exactly my original work will consist of. Due to HIPPA laws, I cannot record a patient without their consent so it would be beneficial for me to record one of my family members. However, this will play into what kind of procedure I will be able to video tape as part of my original work. This could range from a routine cleaning to a cavity filling, depending on if one of my family members does have a cavity. Pursuing ISM while having a topic within the realm of medicine can be extremely difficult due to HIPPA laws and mentor's fears of crossing those boundaries, but I am making the most of what I have been given. Furthermore, I plan on including some kind of research within my original work. I want to display my research within the video through a white-board style explanation that has been quite popular in educational videos on youtube. I am glad I finally cleared my idea with my mentor and I think we are both looking forward to the outcome of my research and project. As for ISM, I am determined to overcome my senioritis and make the most of what this course has to offer!