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Week 1 in learning about  curanderismo thru coursera.

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Week 1 in learning about  curanderismo thru coursera.

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Name, Matric Number, Date:
Mohamed Aiman Syakeer Bin Mohamed Mustakim, A168701,24/72022

what have you done?
In the first week which is the introduction week  i have learn basic concepts about traditional medicine and there are also videos of interviews on Curanderismo from scholars, Drs.Eliseo ''Cheo'' Torres and Arturo Ornelas and curranderas Tonita Gonzales and Rita Navarrete. From the interview i was able to recognize the influences, practices, historical background, and tools of Curanderismo. Besides i was able to identify the different levels of healing, mental, physical and spiritual and how a Curandero uses them and provide Information on the history, traditions, rituals, herbs, and remedies of Curanderismo. Lastly im able to explain how to use plants in water-based microdosis, alcohol-based tinctures, juice therapy, oils, and smoke. All these was based on the video shared to us and also from the quiz they provided.

Your feelings & thoughts
trough out the first week it was really exciting for me as the course really highlight the culture and approach to healing in a new way and perspective which have broaden
my view in treating someone in ways other than primary way which is by going to the hospital.

Any difficulties/concerns? How did you cope?
The only difficulty i faced was that everything is 100% online, however for the past two years i have been coping with studying online as the pandemic strike we were force to adapt with online classes.

2 words to describe elective posting progress so far
interesting and knowledgeable

Your plan for next week
Im even more excited now that i have completed the basic concepts about traditional medicine as for the second week of the courses i will learn about the origin of plants of the Southwest and their usage for the digestive system.

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I am measuring the patient's blood glucose level using the glucometer.

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Week 1 of Internship in Primary Care Clinic

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Week 1 of Internship in Primary Care Clinic

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1. Your name, Matric Number, Date
Emillia Elza Thomas, A174762, 31/07/2022

2. What have you done?
I am currently carrying out my elective posting as an intern/medical assistant in Klinik Famili Emma, Subang Jaya. My first week of elective posting was an exciting yet challenging journey. I was mostly assisting the doctor in the consultation room. The doctor initially briefed me on a few things I should carry out. For instance, if the patient is coming to the clinic for the first time I would have to measure their weight, height and blood pressure. Dr Emma taught me the correct technique to measure the patient’s blood pressure manually using a mercury sphygmomanometer before allowing me to do so on other patients. I was also given the chance to carry out history taking and the appropriate physical examination on the patient. She would also teach me relevant questions that I would need to ask the patients and to identify important differential diagnosis to rule out prior to managing the patient. Since the incidence of Influenza and Covid cases are on the rise, not to mention Dengue cases which is also prevalent in Subang Jaya, patients presenting with cardinal symptoms such as fever, sore throat, runny nose and cough were not allowed to enter the clinic but they were consulted outside to avoid transmission to other patients. I was also able to observe how the patient’s information is stored in a software which makes it easier to look at previous consultation records and also to aid in monitoring the progress of the patient. Dr Emma also taught me on how to use the Terumo Blood Glucose Meter to measure the patient’s blood glucose levels and also the subsequent management if the blood glucose level is abnormal. During my free time, doctor would spent time to clarify my queries as well as share her experiences in the medical field which is truly refreshing to hear. Fortunately, I also had the opportunity of witnessing a presentation from the medical representatives of GSK who came to promote their products (Avamys nasal spray and Seretide Accuhaler) towards treating allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma respectively. During the discussion, doctor also pointed out the pros and cons of each product based on her patients’ feedbacks.

3. Points to remember from Week 1!
The important points to remember throughout my first week is as follows:

Don’t solely focus on treating the disease but also manage the patient in a biopsychosocial approach because sometimes psychological issues may precipitate or be a root cause of the medical issue.

Medicine is a continuous learning process. We should always be updated on the latest news so that we will be able to give constructive explanations towards patients since most of them are well educated on their health and there are various myths that they believe that we as healthcare workers have to debunk based on evidence based medicine

With regards to blood glucose measurement, it is vital to wait till the alcohol dries before pricking the skin to collect blood prior to using the glucometer because the presence of alcohol can cause a deviation of the results

4. Your feelings & thoughts
It would be an understatement to say that I wasn’t nervous during my first few days since I was new to the environment and I wasn’t sure if I had adequate knowledge and skill to be a medical assistant in this clinic. However, I was taken aback as to how kind the doctor was towards me despite being stern in teaching me various skills that could make me a better doctor in the future. In addition, I also appreciate when she includes me and asks for my opinion while discussing management plans with her patient. Occasionally, she also asks me a few rhetorical questions for me to ponder about which makes every consultation more interesting and also a great learning experience.

5. Any difficulties/concerns? How did you cope?
The main difficulty that I faced was communicating with certain patients due to language barriers. I hoped to ask various questions but there were times where they couldn’t comprehend the questions I was trying to ask. However, I would try to make the patient understand my questions by using everyday items in the clinic which can illustrate what I am trying to convey.

6. 2 words to describe elective posting progress so far
Challenging and inspiring

7. Your plan for next week (Week 2)
During the next week, there will be a few patients who made appointments for vaccinations and medical check-up for pre-employment and overseas education purposes. I am thrilled to learn on proper vaccination techniques and also assist doctor in conducting health check-up for the patients.

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1. Hi! I'm Hashwin Singh (A174849) and the date today is the 30th of July.

2. I am about to write about what I did throughout the first week of my elective posting.
I am currently carrying out my elective posting as an intern in the Pharmacology department of PPUKM. My job scope includes 2 things which are to write a review paper regarding the effects of tocotrienol in dealing with arthritis (inflammatory and non inflammatory) and to carry out an experiment testing the effects of donkey gelatine in treating inflammation induced in SW1353 chondrocytes.
This week I was introduced to laboratory techniques in the labs on the 11th floor of the pre clinical department by a lecturer and researcher from Newcastle University. I was only required to watch and learn this week as my hands on experimentation will only begin next week. I was also given a tour of all the pharmacology labs by my supervisor for this elective posting.
I was given the opportunity to join my supervisor for two research writing workshops this week where he taught medical doctors from various departments in HUKM to write a high quality research paper and to eventually publish said papers in reputable journals. I also joined my supervisor in watching a proposal presentation from an international student who wants to further his masters studies in PPUKM.
Next I also started reading and reviewing the articles that I was to include in my review paper that studies the relationship between tocotrienol supplementation and arthritis.
Then, on Friday when I was done reading and reviewing the articles, my supervisor taught me how to transfer all relevant information into an evidence table that I will later use to write my article.

3. The points to remember from week 1 are:
a) For a successful experiment, good laboratory practices must be implemented.
b) Always think of a knowledge gap in a field that must be filled when looking for the suitable title for any research.
c) Being systematic and organised in reading, writing and collecting relevant articles is vital to produce a quality research.

4. I feel excited for Week 2. I feel curious about the field of research. I feel motivated to produce something meaningful through my efforts.

5. I have some difficulties when it comes to analysing research papers as some of them use complicated terms. I coped by consulting my supervisor who is an expert on all things research.

6. Endless potential.

7. Begin hands on experimentation. Finish filling up evidence table and send it to my supervisor for review. Complete laboratory reports for all hands on experiments by end of week 2.

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Name, Matric Number, Date
Augustine Sia Siew Hieng, A174685, 24/7/2022

What have you done?
For the first week, I did an online course on chinese medicine. Initially, I was introduced to the history of chinese medicine dated centuries ago through a series of videos. From there, I learnt about the development and evolution over the years. The course instructor then explained the fundamental concepts of chinese medicine and its application in the modern world. The instructor explains the relevant pathological process in chinese medicine, and I was able to appreciate the similarities and differences between Modern and Chinese medicine. After going through all the videos and supplementary materials, I attempted the quiz and was able to pass effortlessly.

Points to remember from week 1

Chinese medicine and modern medicine should not be related as separate entities. Numerous concepts of chinese medicine are inter-exchangeable.

Yin-Yang theories explains that two opposing forces should be kept in dynamic equilibrium to maintain optimum health. Interaction of Yin and Yang gives rise to Qi which travels through energetic pathway called meridian. The pathological process in chinese medicine is caused by an excess and deficiency of either Yin and Yang which leads to the disruption of Qi.

Five element theory is the fundamental in understanding the relationships of visceral organs to one another. Five Element consists of Metal, Wood, Water , Fire and Earth which nourish and suppress one another. Disturbance in dynamic equilibrium of any element is detrimental to health.

Your feelings & thoughts

I felt amazed and shocked to see many concepts in Chinese Medicine are similar to modern Medicine. Many concepts were established few thousand years ago and still relevant and applicable in the modern world.

Any difficulties/concerns? How did you cope?
The difficulties I faced is the difficulty to apply new concepts I learnt such as the interaction of elements and the visceral organ it represents. The method I cope with this issue is I to browse through examples in the internet to familiarise myself with the concept and try to relate what I learn in medicine to Chinese medicine, this makes the whole learning experience and engaging.

2 words to describe elective posting progress so far
Exciting, amazing

Your plan for next week
My plan for next week is to learn further on the the balance and interaction of five elements, preventive health in chinese medicine and the use of tonifying herbs in chinese medicine in restoring health.

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WEEK 1 OF HERBAL MEDICINE ONLINE COURSE.

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WEEK 1 OF HERBAL MEDICINE ONLINE COURSE.

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1. Name,Matric Number,Date
Neetyaa Sre A/P Paranthaman, A175173,
24/7/2022

2. What have you done?
In the first week of my elective posting I have choosen to do an online course which is about Herbal Medicine. For the first week in the course I have been introduced about Herbal Medicine. I was introduced to the roles of Herbal Medicine in the healthcare system and the example of it in the markets  now. I also got to know the uses of herbal medicine and my role as a healthcare provider in Herbal Medicine. In the content of this week, the lecturer has taught on assessing patients that there are suitable in opting out Herbal Medicine, educate and giving proper advice to the patients.She also taught on relevant research conducted in this field and how botanicals are regulated around the world.I have learned through series of videos and articles provided by the lecturer. I have also done a quiz at the end of the week and got a grade of 80%.

3. Points to remember in Week 1.
In week one,there are several points in need to remember.First,I need to remember the role of Herbal Medicine which it is important in managing mild symptoms and not significantly curing a disease which is always misunderstood by the users. The second point to remember is always to refer to certified reseaexh article in order to give proper information on certain herbs before reconmending to a patient and its always important to rember to assess whether a patient is suitable for Herbal Medicine as an alternative,educate and advice the patients on the uses and potention side effects and contraindication of herbs/botanical that are being use.

4. Your feelings & thoughts.
I first felt skeptical in taking this course as there is always a downside in Herbal Medicine but at last its wrong as I felt the first week going through this course has made me to change my mind about Herbal Medicine and also to realise that we have been practicing it throughout my life such as drinking cranberry juice to prevent me from getting urinary tract infections. I also feel this course would prepare me to advice my patients in the future when they come up with questions on Herbal Medicine.

5. Any difficulties/concerns? How did you cope?
One of the difficulty I faced is not able to have and interactive session with the lecturer since she was really resourceful hoewever she covered most of doubts in the articles and reference sheet she provided.Otherwise there are no other difficulties faced.

6. 2 words to describe elective posting progress so far.
Resourceful and fun.

7. Your plan for next week (Week 2).
My learning plan for next week would be learning on methods of preparation of herbal medicine and the role of herbal medicine in mental wellbeing, role in woman healths and musculoskeleton pain.

Thank You.

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This is the place where I go to everyday from Monday to Friday (8am to 5pm).

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Name, Matric Number, Date
Teoh Yu Xuan, A174444, 23/7/2022

What have you done?
Overall, I am exposed to various fields and projects that are being done at the Integrative Pharmacogenesis Institute (iPROMISE). There are many experts and postgraduate students here who are willing to share their knowledge with me. I had attached to some of them to learn about the field that they specialize in.
I have particularly learned more about bioinformatics where I was taught to computationally discover variant genes in the databases of the human genome and also computationally analyze the effect of the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) present. All of these are mainly done in the Linux terminal, which can be assessed using Ubuntu. Thus, I also need to equip myself with computer skills to be able to execute this task.
Furthermore, the experts there were kind enough to give me lectures on various topics, namely bioinformatics workflow, aptamer, and metabolomics.
Other than that, I also helped in taking care of the zebrafish which the iPROMISE kept to be used in various studies. They are mainly using zebrafish instead of lab mice.

Points to remember from week 1
In my opinion, the points to remember throughout week 1 are:

The importance of genetic studies and their applications as demonstrated by various projects conducted in iPROMISE. For example, the development of point-of-care diagnostic devices using genetic materials which yields faster results and better outcomes.

There are various fields (Genomics, Proteinomics, Metabolomics) in the research of diseases, especially genetic diseases, to develop better diagnostic tools or better treatment. This is particularly relevant as we are moving into the age of precision, personalize health and also more incorporation of technology in the medical field.

Your feelings & thoughts
Throughout the week I also had times feeling scared and worried as I am in a new environment. However, I also feel fortunate to be given a chance to attach to iPROMISE and have exposure to the field of studies and the projects that are going on here. I think the knowledge I learn here will be relevant for my future, not only in terms of research but also in that I know about the insights of cutting-edge medical research.

Any difficulties/concerns? How did you cope?
For me, the difficulty is that this is a new field, thus I need time and effort to catch up with the methods or workflow in this institution. This also involves a lot of reading literatures to comprehend the theoretical part of everything. I think the best way to cope it is to ask the seniors or supervisor whenever needed and be diligent to read articles to broaden my knowledge.

2 words to describe elective posting progress so far
Exciting, Challenging

Your plan for next week
I plan to continue learning more on the hands-on part of bioinformatics workflow in details.
I would also wish to come out with a research proposal about the genetic variant I am trying to look at.

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The staff in the clinic is looking through the patient record at the reception area of the clinic.

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Week 1 as a medical assistant in a clinic 

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Week 1 as a medical assistant in a clinic 

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1.  Your name, matric number, date

Anchita A/P Mottiakavandar, A175104, 23/7/2022

2.       What have you done?

In the first week of my elective posting as a medical assistant ,I have learned on how a private clinic actually works. I mostly assisted the doctor in the consultation room. Here the doctor even gave me a chance to take history and do appropriate physical examination on the patient. I had the chance to learn on what are the vital and specific points in history that have to be emphasized in the point of view of a family doctor .I was able to observe how the patient information are stored in a software called ‘Doctor Assist’. I was also able to observe on how wound dressing  will be carried in the surgery room of a  private clinic. On free time, doctor would chat with me sharing upon his experience. He always mentions that its very important to treat all the patients equally and told that  as doctors its  always important to show a good attitude to everyone be it the patient, doctor or even colleagues.

3. Points to remember from week 1!

Points to remember on my first week would be on the appropriate method of managing the   patient data. Since there will be around 60 patients each day its vital to check on every element of patient profile before storing it in correct folder .As the doctor would immediately key in the medication to be prescribed to the patient in the folder itself its very important for the person in charge at the dispensary area to be alert so that none of the medications are left out .

4. Your feelings & thoughts

For the first three days I was feeling scared since I am so new to the environment and was quite worried on how the doctor will treat me. But I was so  surprised that  doctor was actually very friendly to me and even allowed me to be with him in the consultation room to observe the interaction of a doctor with a patient. Most of the time there were patients back to back. Even then doctor will take some time to teach me some tips. I was quite happy as the staffs working there are also friendly and will teach me and correct me if I’m making any mistakes.

5. Any difficulties/concerns? How did you cope?

In general, there were no difficulties faced. However, I were told not to take pictures from the clinic. Since I had an idea of including some pictures from the clinic I asked if I could take 2 to 3 photos just to include in my report. Later the doctor do allowed me to take few pictures. However, overall I was treated so well by the doctor and the staffs working there.

6. 2 words to describe elective posting progress so far

Exciting and enthusiastic

7. Your plan for next week (Week 2)

Since next week there are few people from a company made appointment to the clinic for blood testing as an annual screening I am  eager to learn how the blood will be collected from patients and what documents to prepare before sending to the lab for testing.

Thank you.