As we have discussed in the previous blog posts, the Hearts In Motion program encompasses a variety of practices expected of those who want to get into medicine. Considering that a large portion of the group going to Guatemala with us are all interested in a potential career in this field, getting hands-on experience conducting examinations is a sure benefit for those involved.

 

 

 

Today, everyone gave blood. Students practiced blood test on one another by poking either their ring or middle finger. This process was first demonstrated by Dr. Kathy Beerman, a professor in the school of biological sciences. We all learned what poker to use depending on the age of the patient, as well as how to effectively draw blood from a finger and capture the blood in a small tube that would be used for further testing. After the blood was drawn from the couple-dozen candidates, and the tubes of blood were safely sealed in their respective tubes, they were put into a machine to separate the blood. The machine spins until the red blood cells separate from the plasma in the blood, giving the conductor of the experiment experience documenting the results.

            This practice was obviously a big help for all the students involved because it got them used to conducting a process that they will do literally hundreds of times once they are in Guatemala. This process and the information retrieved will provide a better idea of the health and wellness of the region of the country of which we are going.

           Overall, this was the most hands-on day we have had and we look forward to watching these med students put these skills to practice as the countdown to our departure comes sooner and sooner.

 

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