Today we kicked off the day with our very first lesson of biology. Our instructor, Professor Crouch, told us that he could have either given us "steak" (normal biology) or "sizzle" (interesting, new biology). Of course, we got "sizzle!" Professor Crouch introduced us to neurobiology, which turned out to be a very rapdily advancing field filled with new innovations and breakthroughs. To make it more relatable, we studied the neurobiology of learning. Professor Crouch said that the best things we can do for our memory are sleep and exercise. I've decided to make a goal to go to bed by midnight. I think it'll make me more studious and focused, so I don't waste time.
However, for me, one of the most interesting things we learned was the ethics behind genetic testing. Our speaker was a lawyer and genetic counselor. What a cool combination! I already knew that some people could get genetic testing to test for deadly genetic combinations, but today's issue presented me with a critical issue: what next after the test? How does a genetic counselor break bad news? Or suggest that some extraneous variable could be causing unexpected results, like a child born from an affair or an unmentioned previous marriage? What should parents do if something turns out to be bad? I learned that genetic counselors must be sensitive and smart, as well as careful. Today's lecture helped me see why genetic testing could be so controversial.
I regret to say that I have no interesting pictures from today to share. Tomorrow is clinical skills day (aka "Pretend You're a Doctor Day"), so I should have better shots to put on here! Stay tuned!
However, for me, one of the most interesting things we learned was the ethics behind genetic testing. Our speaker was a lawyer and genetic counselor. What a cool combination! I already knew that some people could get genetic testing to test for deadly genetic combinations, but today's issue presented me with a critical issue: what next after the test? How does a genetic counselor break bad news? Or suggest that some extraneous variable could be causing unexpected results, like a child born from an affair or an unmentioned previous marriage? What should parents do if something turns out to be bad? I learned that genetic counselors must be sensitive and smart, as well as careful. Today's lecture helped me see why genetic testing could be so controversial.
I regret to say that I have no interesting pictures from today to share. Tomorrow is clinical skills day (aka "Pretend You're a Doctor Day"), so I should have better shots to put on here! Stay tuned!