Blog 27: Self Reflection

1) Positive Statement

I was able to make my presentation both engaging, and fun. I feel that i was able to present otherwise dry material in a fun and effective manner; students were entertained, but they were also thinking throughout the presentation. Students showed that they learned the content from my presentation when groups made the patient portfolios.

(2) Questions to Consider

a.     What assessment would you give yourself on your 2-Hour Presentation (self-assessment)? Why?

I would give myself an AE assessment for my 2-hour presentation. I was able to provide a presentation with rich information. My activities were engaging and fun; they had students thinking about the answers that I had presented, and overall, students were engaged.

 

b.     What assessment would you give yourself on your overall senior project (self-assessment)? Why?

AE. I went above-and-beyond throughout my senior year. I have 230 hours of community service (only 50 are required).  I've been told by my house teacher throughout the semester that my research and interviews have been of AE quality, and i have been able apply this senior project towards my life in many aspects.

(3) What worked for you in your senior project?

 

Students were given so much freedom and independence throughout the school year. We were to independently find a place to do service learning, to find our own interviews, and to do our own research. This allowed us to think outside of the box and to create a purposeful and meaningful senior project. I believe that the freedom and independence that we were given "worked."

 

 

(4) What didn’t work for you in your senior project?

 For me, the exit interview didn't really work. Ideally, the exit interview should be the last thing we do senior year, after 2-hour. But instead, it is done before product presentation and 2-hour; we are given the impression that we are done with high school ("exit") when in reality, there is still a long way to go. Also, i personally didn't do well on my exit interview due to the fact that my time slot was bumped down significantly. I was supposed to do my exit interview at a 1:10 time slot, but to my surprise, i had to perform mine at 8:20 am. I was taken by surprise, and i ended up performing poorly on my exit interview. waSo on a personal level, exit interview didn't work for me.

(5) Finding Value

Through research, service learning, and interviews, I have made a final decision on my career path, which is to become a psychiatrist. At the start of senior year, I wasn’t quite sure what career I would seek. While I knew that I wanted to work in a “helping field,” I was torn between psychiatry, endocrinology, and psychology. After doing my senior topic on psychiatry, which basically served as a 1-year internship, I have come to the conclusion that this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. Without senior project, I wouldn't have been able to make this huge decision and I could have possibly pursued a career that I would end up hating.

Blog #26: 2-hour presentation.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FP-lcJ9A0s5L6rWE0sabXiPpCbELIvmZTXd8hT4q8wM/edit

Blog 25: Service Learning

Content:

(1) LIA Response to blog:

    Literal

Log of specific hours with a total: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Alm-Z8n5yVdZdHpOUDFMN0s0TndwdW1makk5RFlHSUE

Kathy McIntire- 323 783 8109


At the Kaiser LAMC emergency room, I shadow Physicians, Nurses, and EMT's as they do their job. As a volunteer I also help keep the hospital running smoothly by restocking different materials such as linens and medical supplies in hospital rooms, I take specimens to labs, I assist with different tests such as EKG, blood pressure, and blood oxygen monitors.

    Interpretive

     What is the most important thing you gained from this experience? Why?



At Kaiser LAMC, I have gained valuable experience in the medical field. I was able to watch MD's, Nurses, and other health professionals do their jobs, and I had a unique experience to asssist, watch, and observe their daily lives.
By spending time at the emergency room, I have gained a much stronger understanding for what the health profession consists of. I have learned medical terminology, gained a better understanding for human anatomy, and I have noted some valuable advice from my service learning mentors.

   Applied

My time at Kaiser has helped me with my essential question because I had the opportunity to see psychiatrists and other specialists at work every week. By seeing them do their jobs, I  had been able to back up and confirm my final answer to my EQ.     


How did what you did help you answer your EQ?  Please explain.

Blog 24: Independent Component 2

Link to my hour log:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Alm-Z8n5yVdZdHpOUDFMN0s0TndwdW1makk5RFlHSUE




Literal
(a) “I, John Shahin, affirm that I completed my independent component which represents over 30 hours of work” 
(b) For my Independent Component, I have done an excess amount of service learning, which entails 8 hours of volunteering at Kaiser Los Angeles Medical Center's Emergency Room, for the last 9 months. At the Emergency room, I shadow Physicians, Nurses, and EMT's as they do their job. As a volunteer I also help keep the hospital running smoothly by restocking different materials such as linens and medical supplies in hospital rooms, I take specimens to labs, I assist with different tests such as EKG, blood pressure, and blood oxygen monitors.


Interpretive

My service learning has reflected 30 hours of work because I have continuously attended my Sunday shifts since the first week of senior year. On Sundays, I drive down to Los Angeles to complete my 8 hour shift which begins at 8am and ends at 4pm. Provided below, is my monthly sign in sheet which reflects 104 hours of work, just since the month of January. I plan to make it 112 hours this sunday

Applied
This service learning/independent task has helped me to achieve my goals of answering my EQ  (What are the best ways to becoming a successful psychiatrist) because I am able to get a hands-on, as well as a spectators experience. Through service learning, I am able to use what I have learned from my extensive research and interviews, and incorporate it on my weekend shifts. One specific experience that has truly helped me get closer to a definitive answer to my EQ occurred on one of my volunteer days; A man, who was tied to his wheelchair, was admitted to the hospital by 4 paramedics who were trying to keep him contained. The man was in an absolute rage, screaming at the top of his lungs. After he was admitted, he was placed in a secured hospital bed which kept him strapped down. Nurses and Doctors expected him to be under the influence of PCP, but the man refused to take a urine test. The nurses and doctors seemed annoyed and rude making comments such as "kids, dont do drugs" After hours in his room, a psychiatrist was called in to do a simple evaluation. After 20 minutes alone with the patient, the psychiatrist was able to get the patient unstrapped and seated upright without any retaliation. The patient was speaking in a normal tone and he even took a urine test, followed by a handshake with the psychiatrist. 

 To me, this was an example of a successful psychiatrist. Through a clinical, yet intimate evaluation, the psychiatrist did his job in a swift and effective manner. The psychiatrist didn't talk down to the patient, but rather, he treated him as an actual human being. I think that the experience i gained just on that day, has helped me to achieve an answer to my EQ.

Blog 23: Interview 5

(1) What ideas do you have for your senior project and why?

• their answer

I have 2 ideas

a) Alopecia-brother and sister are affected by it-emotionally and physically. 

b) Homelessness-How people become to the state of homelessness. Why they choose to be on streets rather than homelessness. 

• What feedback did you offer when you heard the topic ideas?

a) I really like this. You will be working with your topic for an entire year, you might as well do it on something you are passionate about. Alopecia has had a direct affect on your family, so i would look into possible jobs that deal with the treatment or study of Alopecia 

b) It seems like you are interested in the psychological trends in homeless victims. Perhaps you can do research on possible professions such as psychologists or social workers that work in homeless shelters.

(2) What do you plan to do to complete the 10 hours of service learning (working with an expert) which is due prior to senior year starting?  Note: They also have to complete the 50 hours during the school year.

their answer:

a) Cosmetic aspect-where my sister get's her wigs. Emotional-nonprofit organization for Alopecia patients

b) Find a volunteer job at a homeless shelter.

What feedback did you offer them in response?

a) I don't really think that the wig shop would be a good place to get first hand experience with your topic. Anybody with any type of hair loss would go there, not just alopecia clients. I really like the non profit organization; i feel that you can get the best first-hand experience with the topic at-hand.

b) I was going to do an independent component at a homeless shelter (psychiatry). A huge percentage of the American homeless population suffer from some for of mental disorder, specifically schizophrenia. Since you are focusing on the psychological aspect of homelessness, i would definitely consider this option. Also, people working at homeless shelters are some of the kindest people you will ever meet. Their job is to help their community, and i think you will have an overall good experience with  this service learning task.

(3) What do you hope to see or expect to see when watching the class of 2012 present their two hour presentations?

• their answer

I want to see passion, and to see people that know what they are talking about. I also want to see what a bad presentation looks like so i know what not to do next year.

• What suggestions did give them regarding how they should approach watching the 2 hour presentations?  

Really pay attention to the quality of the presentation. Where they confident? Did they know what they were talking about? Also, look at their essential questions. That is a huge aspect of senior year. I didnt realize the importance of my essential question until midway through senior year. It's vital

(4) What questions do they have about senior project?  What additional recommendations would you give the 2013 student about senior project?  Be specific and note what you told them.

• questions they had.

What are some components that i really have to worry about next year.

• What additional recommendations did you give them?

Science fair: It's the first time you really work on a project alone in the last 4 years. It's tedious, as well as difficult. Also, you have to present in front of professional in the field. 

2-hour: Takes preparation. Only advice: just go up there and do it.

Blog 21: 3-column chart

located on my blog.

Blog 20: room creativity

For my 2 hour presentation I plan on...

Blog #19: Answer 2

Blog 18: The Product

Every weekend for the last 7 months, I have volunteered at the Kaiser Los Angeles Medical Center Emergency Room. By volunteering at Kaiser LAMC, I have become desensitized when observing human injuries. This will help me in the future because I believe that a doctor shouldn't become emotionally affected when treating a patient.

Blog #17: Fourth Interview Questions

1. Personal life ever interferes with your professional life in what sense...? 

2. Besides treating patients, the type of work you do in the office are...?

3. Why do you think that there is a higher percentage of specialists working in hospitals rather than owning their own private practice?

4. The advancements of modern technology play what role on psychiatry...?

5. Way a psychiatrist becomes truly great...?

6. In this day of age, how would you recommend pursuing a career in medicine? 

7. they type of mindset a psychiatrist should have in order to treat a patient efficiently is...?

8. What kind of impact do you believe you have left on the community?

9. The legacy you want to leave behind is...?

10. Things you do to stay updated in an era of technology are...? 

11. The type of technology you use in your workplace that wasn't available a few decades ago are...?

12. A good book that has helped you in your line of work is...?

13. The best location in southern California to own a private practice is...?

14. Things you can do as a psychiatrist to stand out from the rest, positively...?

15. Do you work with any colleagues? What qualities do you look for in a colleague?

16. Some flaws of psychiatry compared to the rest of the medicine...?

17. Some perks of psychiatry that you don't get in other fields of medicine are...?

18. What do you say to critics that claim "psychiatry is a dying field"

19. In 5 years, do you see psychiatry just eventually merging into neurology with today's technology?

20. Some particular stories of success that you would like to share...?

Blog 16: Independent Component 2 Plan Approval

1. For my Independent Component 2, I plan on doing an excess amount of service learning 
2. Every Sunday, I do an 8 hour shift at Kaiser Los Angeles Medical Center. If I continue working on Sundays, i will easily fulfill the 30 hour requirement.
3. My Independent Component relates to my EQ because I am trying to discover what the best way is to become a successful psychiatrist. By volunteering at a hospital, i am able to combine what I have learned throughout the year from research into my service learning. Also, through first-hand experience, I am able to get a better feel for the medical community, which i believe, is very important to becoming a successful psychiatrist.

Blog #15: Independent Component 1

Log of hours: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Alm-Z8n5yVdZdHpOUDFMN0s0TndwdW1makk5RFlHSUE

1. Literal:
• I, John Shahin, affirm that I completed my Independent Component which represents 30 hours of work.
• For my Independent Component, I have done an excess amount of service learning, which entails 8 hours of volunteering at Kaiser Los Angeles Medical Center's Emergency Room. At the Emergency room, I shadow Physicians, Nurses, and EMT's as they do their job. As a volunteer I also help keep the hospital running smoothly by restocking different materials such as linens and medical supplies in hospital rooms, I take specimens to labs, I assist with different tests such as EKG, blood pressure, and blood oxygen monitors.
2. Applied: 
• My service learning has reflected 30 hours of work because I have continuously attended my Sunday shifts since the first week of senior year. On Sundays, I drive down to Los Angeles to complete my 8 hour shift which begins at 8am and ends at 4pm.

Here is a scanned image of my signed/approved sign in sheet for the months of November-January. As you can see, I have consistently attended my shift.

3. Interpretive

•  This service learning/independent task has helped me to achieve my goals of answering my EQ  (What are the best ways to becoming a successful psychiatrist) because I am able to get a hands-on, as well as a spectators experience. Through service learning, I am able to use what I have learned from my extensive research and interviews, and incorporate it on my weekend shifts. One specific experience that has truly helped me get closer to a definitive answer to my EQ occurred on one of my volunteer days; A man, who was tied to his wheelchair, was admitted to the hospital by 4 paramedics who were trying to keep him contained. The man was in an absolute rage, screaming at the top of his lungs. After he was admitted, he was placed in a secured hospital bed which kept him strapped down. Nurses and Doctors expected him to be under the influence of PCP, but the man refused to take a urine test. The nurses and doctors seemed annoyed and rude making comments such as "kids, dont do drugs" After hours in his room, a psychiatrist was called in to do a simple evaluation. After 20 minutes alone with the patient, the psychiatrist was able to get the patient unstrapped and seated upright without any retaliation. The patient was speaking in a normal tone and he even took a urine test, followed by a handshake with the psychiatrist. 

 To me, this was an example of a successful psychiatrist. Through a clinical, yet intimate evaluation, the psychiatrist did his job in a swift and effective manner. The psychiatrist didn't talk down to the patient, but rather, he treated him as an actual human being. I think that the experience i gained just on that day, has helped me to achieve an answer to my EQ.

Blog #14: Presentation 2 Rough Draft.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1qjCP78AcM6tml7ytEBQ6UkGK0wxaHH2rv6ZdaMwFS7g/edit

Blog #13: Answer 1

 EQ: What are the best ways to becoming a successful psychiatrist?


1) What is answer 1 to your EQ? Be specific in your answer and write it like a thesis statement.


Always conduct your business with a sense of empathy, humbleness, and humility–professionally and personally.


2) What possible evidence do you have to support this answer?


-Through my interviews, I  was able to come much closer to answering my EQ. I learned from my interview with Dr. Owen K Tsuchiya that “It’s [psychiatry] uniquely personal and yet detached; it’s a curious balance." My service learning mentor chose the field of psychiatry because it is such a humanistic and personal sub-specialty of medicine. He explained to me that in order to succeed in psychiatry, you can't treat your patient from a strictly scientific point of view; you must be empathetic to truly understand a mental illness.


-Through my endeavors in my service learning and research, I took great strides towards answering my EQ. I learned that a successful psychiatrist should have awareness that a psychiatric diagnosis is the most unique way of diagnosis because it is so subjective -- there is no definitive diagnostic blood or imaging (CT scan, MRI, etc) test that can confirm a diagnosis.  Knowing this, a psychiatrist should always know that no matter how confident they are of their initial diagnosis of a patient, the diagnosis will always be provisional and subject to change. You must also be able to consider the fact that many common treatment don’t really suit a particular patient.

Personal humility, I have learned, is practiced when a psychiatrist approaches patient with the constant awareness that the patient, even in his worst stage of mental illness, is an equal to him as a human being. "That but for an accident of birth in a family with different genetic risks, and different social, economic or cultural background, he could very well be suffering from any of the illnesses that afflict his patients."

3. What source(s) did you find this evidence and/or answer?

Service learning at Kaiser LAMC and with Psychiatrist Owen Tsuchiya, and interviews with Dr. Shahin and Dr. Tsuchiya.

 

Blog #12: Service Learning

Q:Where are you working for your service learning?

A: For my service learning I am working at Kaiser Los Angeles Medical Center: Emergency Room. The head honcho in charge of my service learning is:

 

Kathy McIntire

Director, Volunteer & Chaplain Services

Kaiser Permanente, LAMC

Q: What is your contact?

A: Phone: 323.783.8991

Q: Services performed?

A: For my service learning I shadow doctors who do their rounds in the Emergency Room. So I basically follow them as they go from room-to-room. By shadowing these professionals, i learn many things such as medical procedures, techniques when dealing with patients, and I am even allowed to do hands on medical assistance since i received my basic first aid training from Red Cross. That means that I am allowed to take blood pressure and blood oxygen, place EKG machines on patients (and decipher the patients condition), and I help with bandaging. I watch as Doctors and nurses do surgical procedures in the ER (I have seen 4 penile catheters being inserted), and i learn how and why each procedure is done. Other than that, I chat with doctors, nurses, and EMT's and get a basic feel of the medical and helping profession.

ESLR Blog

Through this senior project, I believe I have grown significantly on many levels. The skills that I have been gained can be described through Ipoly's ESSLR's listed below.

1) Effective learner: Through my 12th grade project, I have demonstrated great skills in learning effectively. I had to take responsibility for my own personal learning such as good quality research, finding a service learning mentor, and learning independently for the sake of bettering my understanding for the world around me.

2) Effective communicator: Through senior project, I have bettered myself in the ways of communication. From my 5 minute presentation to my two different interviews with professional, I have gained valuable skills in terms of being an effective communicator.

Blog #11: Third Interview Questions

1) What form of treatment is best in the treatment of patients with mental illness?  
2) "What are the best ways to becoming a successful psychiatrist?" (EQ)
3) What is a "rough day at work" for you?
4)What influenced you to become a psychiatrist?
5)What makes a bad psychiatrist?
6) Do you need above average "people skills" in order to succeed as a psychiatrist?
7) Can you acquire or improve these skills over time through training or practice?
8) Do you believe that the pharmaceutical industry is a corrupt, capitalist industry?
9) What do you say to those that say that psychiatrists are just "pill pushers?"
10) Do you treat a certain demographic of patients?