So in order to graduate, I have to do a 23-hour internship in something that I might be interested in in the future. I was able to intern with the Department of Pathology at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
And holy shit, this internship is only for three days, but even today, just blew away the three weeks I spent with a surgeon last summer.
In addition to the slides and surgical specimen that I was able to see, I got to see an autopsy on an infant that had died in open heart surgery (30 hours prior to the autopsy- so the body wasn’t even completely stiff yet). I admit, it was disturbing and heartbreaking to think of the child and the family. However, the autopsy experience was better than any anatomy class I could take, and it definitely taught me a lot since I could actually see certain anatomical parts (that weren’t preserved, etc) with helpful commentary from professionals. The doctor and PA took their time to explain to me about what and where incisions should be made, and then took out all the organs for me to see. I also got to see the brain and spinal cord taken out (it surprised me how big the brain actually was). This was different from my surgical internship, where some anatomical structures could not be viewed clearly on monitors during operation, etc).
I also was able to see a dissection of a fetus (with facial, neurological, and other physical abnormalities), and the doctor I was shadowing for this activity was working on the heart and lungs. Under the microscope, I was able to see the inside of the arteries and veins, along with the different valves. I could even see the holes along the inside of the artery walls, where the capillaries were connected.
So yeah… even though the cases may have honestly disturbed me, (especially my sentimental side) and I didn’t have time to eat for 8-9 hours straight, I was fascinated and excited over what I had the opportunity to experience (and learn!). Tomorrow is my last day, but I hope it’s another interesting one. :P
Graduation in Saturday. So excited!!
edit: LOL had to take some stuff out cause they were either too graphic/disturbing or too specific (dw, no identification shit— I signed the HIPPO agreement and know my responsibilities, but I’m just trying to cover my ass).
