Buenas!
This week was very different from the usual. I had the opportunity to visit UCR’s Facultad de Medicina’s cadaver lab where I saw real bones and got an anatomy lesson from Dr. Bogantes using a cadaver. Though it was a little scary at first, I was able to learn SO much about the physical anatomy of different arteries, nerves, the brain, and the heart 🧠🫀. One interesting concept was seeing how scoliosis (curvature of the spine) affected the spacing between the ribs, thereby causing breathing problems. See the picture below to see how the spacing between the ribs is larger on one side compared to the other.
UCR Facultad de Medicina
Changes to Spacing of the Ribs due to Scoliosis
I also got the chance to discuss some possible innovation ideas with Dr. Bogantes. One idea we discussed is the automatic administration of anti-epileptic drugs via a drug delivery patch 💊. Some challenges Dr. Bogantes brought up is ensuring the right concentration of drug is delivered at the right speed to ensure effectiveness. On the other hand, one benefit he saw in this idea is increased patient acceptance and adherence to medication.
Over the weekend, I explored downtown San Jose! Me, Aiman, and Jade saw some pretty churches ⛪️, tried some unique helado 🍦 at the San Jose Central Market, stopped by the central park of San Jose 🏞️, bought some adorable sloth keychains 🦥, and ended at the Museo de Arte Costariccense 🎨. I hope to keep exploring CR 🇨🇷
Church
Ice Cream
A Different Church
Museum of Art