Andrea Vo: Endoctrinology Research Skills BACK

Published by AFAR

After two weeks already in the MSTAR program, I feel like I have been granted a deeply personal and exciting look at clinical research and endocrinology/geriatrics. I am currently working with Dr. Jill Crandall, an endocrinologist, in a study about resveratrol, which is a natural substance found in red grapes and wine and believed to increase longevity. The purpose of the study is to see if resveratrol would lower blood sugar levels in pre-diabetics aged 50 to 80 and therefore prevent diabetes. As simple as the hypothesis may seem, there are so many facets to the clinical research study itself to deal with on a daily basis, and I am thrilled to be a part of it.

Although I cannot conduct physical examinations or perform certain procedures such as muscle biopsies, I am able to sit with the research associates and fellows as they perform the necessary tests. Realizing that this experience is as hands-on as I can make it, I request to train in as many procedures as possible. For example, I now know how to do a bio-impedance assay to measure percentage body fat and EKG, which is something that I learned about in theory in cardiology class but have never practiced. Understanding the study, and the science behind it, makes medicine much more real and intimate. It made research engaging and (dare I say it) fun!

Working with many different research subjects has encouraged me toward the geriatric field as well. Because I have recently trained to handle phone questionnaires, I have spoken to several elderly people who called to find out more about research studies. These are usually people concerned about their health or who simply want to help the medical field by graciously volunteering.

Furthermore, I thoroughly enjoyed working with the research team. My PI, Dr. Crandall, and the research fellows have all been extremely welcoming and encouraging to all my questions. I am hoping to begin shadowing them at their respective clinics and obtain some further experience about different medical specialties outside of the research, such as endocrinology and geriatrics. I am excited to see where the research study leads and what I can learn from it!

Andrea Vo
Albert Einstein College of Medicine

 

"Diary of an MSTAR Student" follows scholars in the 2011 Medical Student Training in Aging Research (MSTAR) Program, highlighting their summer experiences. As they continue their path of research, training and clinical practice, read their daily thoughts at www.afar.org/mstarblog. New diary entries are posted every day, so check back soon.