The Big Issue Right Now

Aside from the obvious (MCAT), the big issue in my undergraduate education is research. Research= Good Research and Academia-Oriented Med School= Academic Medicine.

I took time off from my research lab because I want to focus on my tough courseload this semester and I want to prepare well for my MCAT this summer. I am returning to my deserted bench this fall semester with a project waiting for me- Dpp (decapentaplegic) signals in Drosophila melanogaster...I have yet to clear the scope of my project with my Principle Investigator, Dr. Elizabeth Eldon.

So I want to do really well in this project and hopefully get some quality data that will allow me to go present my research at forums without looking like a tool. Or a telemarketer talking about fake supplements.

What bothers me a lot is that although I enjoy this active research role in my lab, I really want to delve into biomechanics or anything related to cartilage/bone cell biology. I've bombarded the Orthopaedic Hospital in LA multiple times and I've got a reply from a ghost. I really need to look into it more. And even if I were allowed to infiltrate the great OrthoHospital as an unworthy researcher, the logistics will kill me. It's FAR! I remembered doing research at LA County-USC cancer research lab and not getting anything done since driving from Cal State LB to USC Health Sciences Campus was a bitch. It sucked since I was already designated a team in Dr. Landolph's Cancer Biology lab...would have been enjoying the nanoparticles team project.

So now, I have to do something about this. Maybe figure out a collaboration at the LB VA medical center. Or check out other local research powerhouses. Or hope for a paper to be published in our lab.