PROJECT ONE
Dr. Vricella Interview and background research
Vintage images of early cardiac surgery and surgeons - |
WHY PROJECT 1-3I am in the unique situation that all of my projects cover the same topic. Thus I have written the paragraphs below describing why I chose to try and understand this topic and while its more briefly mentioned my main goal of this year through both the classes I am taking (This class, an internship and CHS Politics) was trying to really narrow down my future career and I think it is pretty safe to say I will probably end up somewhere in either medicine or art - while two vastly different fields they seem to offer the most in terms of what I am looking for in sense of long term prospects.
From project one I told the story of the Blue Baby Story. It has had a profound impact on shaping my career path and fueling my aspiration to become a cardiologist. This unique project allowed me to delve into the captivating journey of a baby born with a congenital heart defect known as Tetralogy of Fallot, commonly referred to as the "Blue Baby." Through extensive research and documentation, I gained an understanding of the complex anatomy and physiology of the heart, as well as the intricate surgical interventions required to correct such conditions. As a blue baby myself it has given me a better understanding of my own anatomy as well as learning about how complex the original surgeries were and how far we have come. Witnessing the resilience of the Blue Baby and the following life-saving surgery performed to restore their health triggered an immense fascination within me, drawing me towards the ever-evolving field of cardiology. Moreover, telling the story of the Blue Babies has provided me with invaluable exposure to the realities of cardiovascular medicine. By closely following the efforts of cardiologists, surgeons, and other healthcare professionals. I have gained a firsthand understanding of the wild amount of trials and failures of this field especially when you're pioneering the surgery. This exposure has inspired me to pursue a career in cardiology, where I would have the opportunity to contribute towards diagnosing and treating individuals with various heart conditions, ensuring their well-being and quality of life. The project has allowed me to reach out to Dr.Vricella and discuss the surgery with him and how it has changed in almost 80 years. For English I annotated the script from said interview - defining characteristics that the average person may not be able to work through without an in depth understand the medical terminology. |
Interview with Dr, Luca Vricella, Professor of Surgery, Director, Pediatric Cardiac Surgery, Advocate Children’s Hospital, University of Chicago Medicine
PROJECT 2
Dr. Murphy Interview and perspective |
Interview with Dr. Anne Murphy, Pediatric Cardiology, Johns Hopkins University
Part 2 - Trip to Johns Hopkins and ArchivesFor english and art combined by Interviewing both a mother of a baby who underwent heart surgery and a cardiologist offers a unique opportunity to gain a multifaceted perspective on the medical journey. The mother's perspective is deeply personal and emotionally charged, providing insight into the human aspects of the experience. She can describe the fear, hope, and resilience that come with watching her child go through such a life-altering procedure. Her narrative might touch on the challenges of caregiving, the emotional rollercoaster of uncertainty, and the joy of witnessing her child's recovery. Her perspective highlights the emotional and psychological toll that heart surgery can take on families and the strength required to navigate it. In contrast, the cardiologist's perspective is grounded in medical expertise and knowledge. They can offer a clinical understanding of the condition, the surgical procedure, and the potential complications. Their insights provide a broader context for the medical decisions made during the process, such as the assessment of risks and benefits. By comparing the two perspectives, we can see the emotional and personal aspects of the journey from the mother's point of view alongside the medical and scientific considerations from the cardiologist. This duality of perspectives serves as a reminder that healthcare is not just about treating a medical condition but also about providing support, empathy, and holistic care to patients and their families.
I also was lucky enough to explore the Chesney Archives at Johns Hopkins. I'm waiting for the photos to be delivered but I found many primary source documents and photos which should be featured in the documentary and next project. This along with the interview were my main products for art. |
My English script from my interview with my Mom |
Full Circle -
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PROJECT 3
Common Application Essay, Tours, and video documentary
Part 3 - Video, Essay, and ToursFor project three I continued my exploration, diving into all but finishing my video and writing my common application essay for English. I also made my resume which is below and toured Villanova University - taking the photos seen below. The video, which Youtube has deemed age restricted, but you can view it by clicking the "Watch on Youtube" button.
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PROJECT 4
Researching the first heart surgery at Johns Hopkins has been an enlightening journey that not only shown the marvels of medical innovation but also ignited my passion for medicine. Diving into the historical context, surgical techniques, and the impact on patients' lives has given me a great appreciation for the intersection of science and compassion in healthcare as well as shown me on a personal level how lucky I am to have the surgical team I do. Seeing the determination and dedication of the medical pioneers at Johns Hopkins advanced my desire to contribute to the field, inspiring me to pursue a career in medicine where I can make impact on people's lives.
In creating a short video essay that merges my creative ideas with my research on the first heart surgery, I discovered how the power of storytelling to show complex medical narratives can enlighten and show people who have never heard or thought of "blue babies" why is is a attention worthy cause. This project not only allowed me to communicate the significance of medical breakthroughs but also shifted my world view by emphasizing the importance of bridging creativity and science. It revealed that effective communication is a vital aspect of healthcare, transcending technical jargon to reach a broader audience. This experience has shaped my aspirations, motivating me to pursue a path that seamlessly integrates my passion for medicine with my creative skills, ultimately aiming to contribute to the advancement of healthcare through both scientific and communicative endeavors. |