Southern Pharm

      March 2020 was a month filled with many unexpected turns. For me & my fellow peers in the Tulane School of Medicine Masters of Pharmacology program, it began with the psychopharmacology exam. We learned about antidepressants, anxiolytics sedatives, and toxicology. One part of the module I found curious was the different sedatives like the melatonin agonist Ramelteon. I suffer with insomnia, so I found that lecture very compelling. Following the exam, we continued to study in preparation for the NBME. Within that week, the coronavirus began to spread to the US. Tulane began taking measures to combat the disease. The NBME was still set to continue as planned, so I was preparing myself to take reviewing all the material we had learned. The NBME ended up not taking place because all classes and tests were to be held online. I was sad that we didn’t get to take the NBME, but I am   glad that I was able to review the information as if we were taking it. We may not have taken the e

Will I ever be tired of king cake for breakfast, still unclear. The month of February was very busy here for us here at the Tulane School of Medicine Pharmacology Masters Program. It began with taking the Neurology Exam where we learned about drugs like opioids, treatment for various neurological diseases like Parkinson’s disease.     The Neurology exam went well beginning a great month. Next up, the psychopharmacology exam which will take place in the first week of March. New drugs have been introduced like antipsychotic, antidepressants, anxiolytics & sedatives etc. Like every module, it has been so rewarding to add on to our previous pharmacology knowledge. I enjoyed this module because it is based on drugs we often hear about, but were able to dive deeper into. One part of the module I found interesting was the sedatives. I, personally, suffer with insomnia and take an “off label” prescription drug. So, I was very intrigued to hear about all the different mechanisms of sedati

      With the start of the new year, we promptly began class on January 6th. In Louisiana, locals know that January 6th is all kings day. It marks the begging of Mardi Gras season. My favorite part about this day is bakeries begin selling king cakes. The past month flew by with numerous events happening each week. Jumping right in, we set out on our journey with the Endocrine Pharmacology module. Many new drugs were covered in this module including Hypoglycemics like Metformin (a DOC) and Insulin formulations. Also, some previous drugs were expanded upon in this module providing a great review in preparation for the upcoming NBME in March. The Thursday after the exam marked my golden birthday, which I was lucky to celebrate with many friends and family at a surprise party. My best friend flew in for the week, which was also a great surprise. The busy month has come to an end with the Neurology module and our first cellular control mechanism exam is approaching soon. In this neurology

           With a new season approaching, many changes are taking place. For my fellow peers at the Tulane School of Medicine Pharmacology Program, November was spent studying for the renal and pulmonary module. SABAs, LABAs, and diuretics were some of the many new drugs that was added to our repertoire. A much-needed break came over Thanksgiving allowing for a recharge. Unfortunately, my dog had to go to the vet for some heart problems; however, it was so interesting to be able to apply my knowledge of heart pharmacology including recently learned diuretics in action. Seeing the drugs, we have learned about, being applied was so intriguing. My dog had a pulmonary edema and was treated with a loop diuretic. I was able to converse to the veterinarian about treating her with this drug. In other local action, the saints played on Thanksgiving Day with a victory to follow. November was not only for feeling thankful, but also for making an impact on others. I chose t

       New Orleans is known for many things, the month of October being one of them. The changing of the weather notes a subtle view shift. For me and my fellow peers in the Pharmacology program at Tulane School of Medicine, the fall change led a new perspective on the human body. Instead of broad view like antibiotics, which looked at treating microorganisms, we have begun to isolate a specific organ - the heart. Thinking in terms of physiology of the heart can be somewhat of a fright   to me activating my sympathetic nervous system. Going through, the various pharmacology and physiology of the heart has led me to develop a better understanding of the system as a whole. Beta blockers, for example, have become a key drug in the past modules. Learning how they impact specific receptors has enhanced my view of the heart.             With October coming to an end, the cardiac system has begun to follow. However, drugs in one module often carryover to another a

Hey Y'all!       Beginning a new chapter is always a daunting time. Welcoming others comes second nature to a southerner. The pharmacology department demonstrated this by hosting a welcome week of events. The first gathering was Rock n’ Bowl with the Pharmacology department. From the first step into the party, the lovely ladies in the administration gave the warmest welcome. The welcome only kick started the many friendly faces to come. In mingling with other members of the program, I discovered many of my peers were not natives. So, I looked forward to helping others assimilate into the rich New Orleans culture. After the first test, I heard some friends relish in their first taste of a beignet. Although I did not get to witness everyone’s first beignet, I enjoyed hearing of their first encounter. School can be taxing, so it is important to find your niche and connect with others. Bonding over a culture and place I hold dear to my heart was a wonderful experience. To end the se