University of South Alabama Field Trip

(October 24, 2024)

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This week we had the opportunity to take a trip to the University of South Alabama. We had a list of activities planned for us such as going to Radiological Sciences, Occupational Therapy, Simulation, Speech Path & Audiology, BMD, Emergency Medical Services, Physical Therapy, Physician Assistant, and the Biomedical Library. I was only able to attend the Radiological Sciences, OT, and the two simulations before I had to leave unexpectedly.

In Radiology, we learned how to work an x-ray machine and the ways you have to line up the body part with the lights of the machine or you will not receive an accurate picture. In radiology, operating an X-ray machine requires careful attention to positioning to ensure high-quality images. Proper alignment of the body part being examined with the X-ray beam is crucial. It was really fascinating that if the body isn't lined up perfectly and the patient is not as still as they can be the results will not be the same.

In the occupational therapy building, we learned about this type of therapy. Occupational therapy (OT) is a type of therapy designed for individuals recovering from physical or mental health issues, focusing on rehabilitation through everyday activities. During our activity, we wore different pairs of glasses that altered our vision. Our task was to find a way to get up, walk across the room to grab a cookie, return, and then add icing and sprinkles. It was quite challenging; I had to hold the cookie close to see anything. It was frustrating to realize that many people experience such difficulties daily, and OT plays a vital role in helping those with disabilities regain a sense of normalcy in their lives.

The last activity I was involved in was the two simulations. Our first simulation was a female named Lucy, who was pregnant and we were in charge of delivering her baby. We had to make sure our patient was comfortable and pop the shoulder to get the baby out. The second patient was a patient who came to the hospital with chest pains and later went into cardiac arrest. We had to intubate, compressions, and give medicine to him to help us resuscitate him.

This week we have also started working on our papers. We had our thesis, introduction, and first five pages of our paper. I was able to start my paper easily because of all of my research when we did notecards. I have also loved the experience because it has helped me grow my love for orthodontics and being able to learn more has made me more invested.