Research Assessment #1

September 13th, 2019

Subject
50 years of OB/GYN: Has practice changed for the better?

Analysis
In recent years, it is safe to assume that the medical field has changed rapidly. This cannot
be a truer statement when regarding the OB/GYN field. When reading the article ​50 years of
​ licia Gallegos shares the perspectives of multiple OB/GYNs, ranging from modern-day
OB/GYN, A
physicians to those that started practice in the late 1900s, on their opinion on the changes in
technology, liability insurance, and the patient-doctor relationship.

Throughout the article, one of the more prominent voices that Gallegos refers to is Dr. Gail
Barbson, a working OB/GYN since 1977. Dr. Barbson dwells on the general change of the OB/GYN,
stating how in the past an OB/GYN would have to treat all the complications their patients face.
However, with a new generation of specialized OB/GYNs, patients with high-risk complications,
such as cancer of the reproductive tract, they can be referred to a specialized OB/GYN that can
assist and heal them. Despite this, the changes in the job role have left an impact on the
patient-doctor relationship. Whereas in the past patients stuck with one OB/GYN throughout their
lifetime, the present has created a structure where patients are forced to change their physicians
frequently. The changes in insurance, movement of job location, and lack of connections also factor
into this lack of forming a strong bond with a physician.

Furthermore, another subject in the OB/GYN field is the change in paperwork. In the article,
Dr. Zeligs and Dr. Evan both agree that the volume of administrative tasks has increased
dramatically, allotting much more time than the patient visit itself. This can be due to the new,
meticulous federal reporting requirements with the integration of advancements in the health
record system. Though this process allowed for a detailed, recorded patient history, the time spent
on these tasks does not equivalent to the few benefits of this process. To add on, this lack of benefit
can be tied into liability coverages. Dr. Montgomery stated that his annual medical liability coverage
has increased from $25,000 in 1987 to $160,000 in 2003. Though OB/GYNs tend to pay slightly
higher rates when it comes to premiums, the legal climate of the medical profession has improved
in regards to this raise. According to Paul Greve Jr., OB/GYN is facing a decline in the frequency and
severity of lawsuits. Though several factors play into this decline, one prominent figure is the rapid
development of technology.

As stated, the technology from the late 1900s to the present time has improved for the
better. According to Dr. Evan, the advancement of integrating technology into the medical field has
allowed her to contact colleagues swiftly, research new developments and techniques provided by
the scientific field, and review a practice bulletin all on her iPhone. Dr. Barbson also supports this
claim through his experience in treating infants. In the past, if an infant faced premature birth, the
likelihood they would survive was slim. However, with the advancement of new equipment,
premature infants have new alternatives that allow them to grow safely and properly.

When reading this article, I faced a multitude of feelings. While I do enjoy learning about the
OB/GYN career field, I rarely take into account the personal anecdotes of physicians in the medical
field. Though Gallegos’ article focuses on the changes in the OB/GYN field, I was able to analyze the
work experiences faced by the modern physician. For example, the decrease of the patient-doctor
relationship disheartened me. One of the major reasons as to why I desire to pursue this career field
is the interactions OB/GYNs have with expecting mothers. However, knowing that this relationship
lasts for a select amount of years, compared to the lifetime commitment of the past, disappointed
my expectations. Not to mention that liability coverage for insurance can be as high $160,000 did
not settle well with me. Despite this, not all of the changes disheartened me. Reading Dr. Barbson’s
about the impact of technology on premature infants from the past to the present increased my
drive to pursue this career field. Knowing that the changes in equipment allow for a premature
fetus to continue living opens way for a variety of new technologies that can be integrated, which I
would be more than willing to research and aid in development.

Taking this information, I have now gained a variety of aspirations regarding the OB/GYN
field. One for which is increasing the amount of research in the study of obstetrics and gynecology.
As stated before, the increased development of medical technologies has allowed for premature
infants to continue to live and grow, compared to the past. This leads to the question of new
practices that can allow mothers to access such technologies at a lower price, or what new methods
of treatments or medicines can be created to prevent cases of premature births. Overall, when
reading this article, my desire to become an OB/GYN had further increased
MLA Citation
Gallegos, Alicia. “50 Years of Ob.gyn.: Has Practice Changed for the Better?” ​MDedge ObGyn​,
7 May 2019,
https://www.mdedge.com/obgyn/article/117734/practice-management/50-years-obgyn-has-pra
ctice-changed-better.
 Research Assessment #2
September 20th, 2019

Subject
Language Barriers and the Patient Encounter

Analysis
Bilingualism has a multitude of benefits, especially in the 21st century where our world has
become much more connected. Employers now look for potential employees that are professional
well-versed in two or more languages, seeing as they can communicate with a variety of people.
This can be said in the case of the medical field as well, where communication is vital. In this article
by Yolanda Partida, she discusses the role of knowing multiple languages in order to break down
language barriers.

In her article, Partida states there are three factors inherent in language-discordant
communication: One, language and culture are inextricably linked. Two, relationship building is
hindered with interpreter-mediated communication. And three, cultural competency and effective
communication are interdependent. When regarding her first factor, Partida goes back to the
concept of “frames” and “scenes” of the brain. This means that different “frames” of minds can
influence the “scenes,” or interpretations, played out in our subconscious. She states that since
language is highly connected to culture, statements can be translated in different ways depending
on a person’s background. One example she utilizes is the statement “put it down.” This could be
interpreted in a variety of ways, for example, put it on the table, put it on the counter, or put it on
the floor? The simple mistake of leaving out details can confuse a person who is not well-versed in
English.

The second factor she states brings language into that doctor-patient relationship. It is
essential for physicians to build a strong sense of trust and understanding between them and their
patients in order to properly diagnose their disorders. However, if an interpreter is participating in
the majority of the conversation, leaving the doctor to add some clarifications along the way, it
disrupts the formation of a proper relationship. The patient is less likely to be open with his/her
physician, and the physician is more likely to misdiagnosis because they have not received the
patient’s full background, aside for the medical charts. Despite this, not all hope is lost. Learning a
language can be beneficial, no matter if it is Spanish or French, and there is no specific age where
you cannot learn a new language. However, this does not mean that the journey of proficiency will
be easy. Going back to her third factor, in order to better comprehend a language, understanding its
roots and culture is essential. Though practicing the language in a professional setting can help
physicians to become more fluent in the language, it is learning about the culture from where it
originated from to boost confidence in your speaking skills, and to better interpret the words and
actions of a patient.

When reading through this article, I felt curious and excited. Of course, the doctor-patient
relationship still needs development. However, it is the steps in order to create a stronger
relationship that encouraged me. Learning new languages is one of my passions. Finding out how to
say different phrases in certain languages, understanding why a sentence is structured a certain,
and being able to communicate with another person aside from English relates my emotions.
Knowing that I will be able to combine one of my favorite subjects with my potential career field is
astonishing, and fills me with determination to pursue Obstetrics and Gynecology. I hope one day to
not only help those that speak English, but to also aid expecting mothers through the use of multiple
languages I will learn in the future.

MLA Citation
Partida, Yolanda. “Language Barriers and the Patient Encounter.” ​Journal of Ethics |
American Medical Association​, American Medical Association, 1 Aug. 2007,
https://journalofethics.ama-assn.org/article/language-barriers-and-patient-encounter/2007-08.
 Research Assessment #3
October 4th, 2019

Subject
ISM Business Symposium

Analysis
During the 2nd of October, FISD held its annual Business Symposium at Independence High
School. This event is specifically designed for ISM students to practice their skills in a professional
setting and gain feedback on their performances. I had the great opportunity to participate in this
event, and it certainly was eye-opening. Throughout the event, I was able to discover my strengths
and weaknesses, learn insightful advice, and create goals for myself.

When attending Business Symposium, all students were split into color-oriented groups. My
color group was Red which followed the basic schedule of professional networking, two interviews,
ISM networking, speaker presentation, and ISM alumni. During the first session of networking,
reality hit that I would be speaking to experienced professionals. Instead of losing my hope, I joined
a pair of ISM students, and together we were able to speak to 3 professionals. After brief
conversations, stations were soon put into a cycle. Seeing as I did not expect to participate in an
interview from the start, I was certainly nervous when holding a conversation with my
interviewers. However, they understood my timidness and said I should relax and speak with
proper articulation. With their responses, I was able to gradually gain confidence and speak with
clarity. Though brief, these interviews were useful since I gained advice from my interviewers. They
complimented that I had an answer prepared for each question and that I knew the steps needed to
become an OB/GYN. However, they stated that I can still edit my resume by adding color and
rearranging certain sections to make it perfect.

After the interviews, we were given a short break before entering the ISM networking
station. There I was able to properly meet the other ISM students in our group and network. I meet
plenty of students, even a few in my topic of interest, and exchange contacts with one another.
Furthermore, we shared our experiences in ISM, how our interviews went, and our plans for the
future. It was refreshing knowing that the hardships I am facing were shared throughout the
students I meet, and seeing their eagerness to help boost my confidence in finding potential
interviews. This confidence was once again amplified by the guest speaker, Mrs. Barrett. She
presented helpful advice on what techniques we can implement to brand ourselves and how we can
forge our futures. One specific point she brought up was her 5 P’s: Proper Preparation Prevents
Poor Performance. These five words brought into perspective the main theme of her presentation.
At this stage in our lives, we must build not only ourselves but the path we will take to accomplish
our goals. Once we properly prepare, we can effectively present ourselves to others to impress
potential employers and become the “CEO” of our lives.

Lastly, the Red group ended with the ISM alumni. During this station, students who took ISM
in the past gave guidance regarding ISM, school, and the future in general. One such advice was
about our high school experience. The alumni stated that multiple things we stress over in high
school will not matter in the future. Whether it be a breaking friendship or barely passing a class,
many events or subjects that tend to circulate our thought processes will not impact our lives or aid
our current predicaments. Instead of being diverted, we should focus on the things that hold
meaning to our future rather than insignificant conflicts. Another lesson that the alumni shared was
not to degrade yourself. Instead of seeing every accomplishment as a record, and creating anxiety to
break it, it is better to accept this improvement to gain confidence. Once we have acknowledged the
accomplishment, it is then appropriate to move forward to tune our goals and talents even further.
After a quick discussion, Business Symposium came to an end.

Overall, Business Symposium was an amazing experience. Not only did I gain new
knowledge, but I also gained confidence and motivation in myself. The interviews and speaker
presentation provided me with weaknesses that I need to correct and strengths that I can refine
even further. For example, I can improve my resume by adding color and rearranging a few of my
categories. However, my responses to interview-based questions are strong. They just need to be
slightly edited to make them flow and sound conversational. Furthermore, ISM networking allowed
me to connect with new students, and the ISM alumni gave beneficial advice regarding our
concerns. When looking over the day once again, Business Symposium was unlike any event I have
experienced in the past. It has certainly taught me memorable lessons that will permeate
throughout my life that will help me grow as an individual.
 Research Assessment #4
October 11th, 2019

Subject
Vaccines for Pregnant Women

Analysis
As we near the flu season, parents are quick to schedule flu shots for their children.
However, one group of individuals is overlooked when regarding vaccines: pregnant women. Seeing
as only 35% of expecting mothers in the United States get vaccines, multiple women are exposing
their infants to diseases by overlooking vaccines. In an article by the New York Times, Pam Belluck
explores the silent problem that plagues America.

Throughout the article, Belluck discusses two major vaccines: flu and whooping cough shot.
Although they are considered common illnesses among adults and children, they can be fatal to
newborn infants. This is in part due to the difference in immune systems. This important organ
system houses a variety of cells; the most common being leukocytes, or white blood cells. These
cells have receptors outside their cell membranes that allow them to detect foreign bacteria,
viruses, or substances. Once detected, the leukocytes will engulf the foreign species and “record” it
in its memory. Since the antibodies of vaccines act as a “model” for the actual virus, an adult’s
immune system is prepared to remove the virus if it enters the body once more. However, the same
cannot be said for infants. Since they are newborns, their immune systems have no “records” on
how to deal with a virus. This can be extremely detrimental if the newborn has a white blood cell
count below 1,000 WBCs per microliter, harshly below the average. This brings to count the
importance of mothers taking the flu and whooping cough shot while pregnant. The antibodies of
the vaccine transfer to the womb where the fetus can record the virus into memory. The statistics
can back this notion. Belluck states if women receive vaccinations “early in the third trimester of
pregnancy, it gives their newborns optimal protection and will prevent nearly 80 percent of
whooping cough cases in babies under two months old.”

Knowing the benefits of vaccines, a blaring question arises: why are women reluctant, or
even refuse, to get vaccines during their pregnancy? In her article, Belluck later mentions a new
CDC report regarding the subject. Of the women surveyed during the study, only three-quarters
stated that their providers recommended the flu shot and Tdap shot, a vaccine that preps for
whooping cough, diarrhea, and tetanus. When confronted for reasons as to why they did not take
the vaccines, mothers had two main arguments: the vaccines would be ineffective, or they would
harm the infant. Of the two, the later seems to be the most prominent. As stated by Dr. Jamieson,
“[expecting mothers] hear bad things about the vaccines, misconceptions that it makes you sick or
wasn’t safe.” She goes to reason that pregnant women are more likely to accept the Tdap shot
compared to the flu shot since it is recent and has fewer misconceptions. Even more startling than
the reasons for not taking vaccines is the shortage of information given to expecting mothers about
vaccines. African Americans, uninsured, poor, Southern, and older women (35 years of age or
above) were less likely to receive recommendations to get the vaccine. This aids the notion that
these groups of women are more likely to not receive the vaccines. Although the exact reason for
the limited information is not explained, it certainly arises a problem. As Dr. Jamieson states,
“maternal immunization rates have been steadfastly stuck about 50 percent,” with little to no
increase in the past decade. As fewer pregnant women are informed about the vaccines, the more
likely misconceptions will grow. And as expecting mothers give birth, the chances of their infants
gaining illnesses grow.

Though a solution is not as simple when regarding information, especially false rumors
spread across the internet of social media, OB/GYN’s can do their part in trying to control the
problem. One effortless step is informing your patients. If OB/GYNs can recommend these vaccines,
or hand out pamphlets encouraging these shots, patients are more likely to be confident and
encouraged to take the shot. Through these painless steps can we hope to raise the rate of pregnant
women taking vaccines.

MLA Citation
Belluck, Pam. “Pregnant Women Should Get Flu and Whooping Cough Shots, C.D.C. Says.”
The New York Times,​ The New York Times, 8 Oct. 2019,
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/08/health/flu-shot-pregnancy.html​.
 Research Assessment #5
October 18th, 2019

Subject
The Belly during Pregnancy

Analysis
During their pregnancies, mothers have a multitude of questions regarding their babies.
They want to provide and care for the infant before he or she is born so that they may have a safe
birth. However, a question that has arisen over the past decade is one regarding bumping your belly
during pregnancy. Is it safe to bump your belly during pregnancy, and what is the minimum
threshold before it goes out of hand? In her article, Dr. Patel explains the question in-depth,
answering the worries of many new, expecting mothers.

To being, the answer is a simple yes. It is more than likely that a mother’s belly will be
bumped into during pregnancy, especially if there are younger children in the house. However,
these bumps will not cause damage to the womb and harm the infant. This can be attributed to the
structure of the female body itself. An infant grows in the uterus of the female body. This is a strong,
muscular organ that gives the womb its structure, providing a barrier between the infant and the
outside world. Furthermore, the amniotic fluid that develops inside the womb during pregnancy
acts as a shock absorber for the infant. These two factors combined, with the additional weight
women gain during pregnancy, will make abdominal contact as terrifying as they first appear.
However, abdominal contact is different from abdominal trauma. These include extreme activities
that can harm the womb, such as a car accident, falling, or lifting heavy objects. Not only will these
events cause injury to the mother, but they can also severely impact the well-being of the infant.
After such traumatic events, it is advised that mothers seek out their physicians.

Nevertheless, there are still steps mothers can take in order to prevent such trauma from
happening. When regarding children, mothers should advise their children to be more gentle
around them. Rather than immediately jumping on the mother, they should walk up and ask if it is
alright for them to hug or touch the belly. The same can also be stated for pets. Though pets love
affection, there are lines to be drawn when concerning a pregnancy. A pet sitting on your lap or
pawing the belly will not harm the infant. However, the answer varies when regarding the weight of
such a pet. If the animal is below 40 pounds, namely a cat or small dog, they present more a tripping
hazard than anything else. However, if the pet weighs more than 40 pounds, such as a large dog,
they express more of a challenge to the infant’s well-being. If they are not properly trained, a pet
may try to jump on the mother or belly, presenting a case where the mother may fall over. In order
to prevent this, it is advised that your pet is properly trained to listen to commands when given in
order to prevent such a case. Furthermore, it is seen that pregnant women can handle housework
during pregnancy, such as washing dishes or vacuuming. However, tasks that require intensive
labor, or working on uneven flooring, can cause stress and fatigue, creating an unhealthy
environment for the mother and child. Dr. Patel advises that mothers listen to their bodies more
than anything. If you are feeling tired or sore, taking breaks is essential since it concerns the health
you and your child.

Nonetheless, there are still activities that require an increase in attention to avoid any
injuries. One specific example is driving. Dr. Patel states the number one reason mothers call her
office is regarding driving incidents. Either the seatbelt was too tight, leaving marks on the belly, or
the mothers hit their bellies on a steering wheel. In order to avert such accidents, it is advised that
mothers follow the proper procedure for wearing a seatbelt. This includes “[adjusting] the belt low
on [the] lap, below [the] belly…[positioning] the shoulder strap between [the] breasts,” which
allows the strap to move toward the side and away from the stomach. In fact, the ACOG advises
against putting the seat belt under the arms, behind the back, since this presents opportunities for
the seatbelt to leave marks on the skin. It is important to properly wear a seatbelt and sit a proper
distance from the steering wheel. Another activity that requires tactfulness is exercising. Although
it is recommended that mothers exercise during their pregnancies, there are modifications that are
needed. One such incident includes lifting weights. It is advised that mothers limit the amount of
weight they are lifting, prevent lifting from their backs, and checking your form to prevent further
injury. When regarding a treadmill, it is asked that mothers stay near the middle or back of the belt
in order to prevent contact with the treadmill’s handles. For extra measures, it is critical to clip on
the emergency stop pulley in case there is a chance of falling. However, specificities arise when
discussing yoga. Yoga is a common activity performed by expecting mothers in order to maintain
physical activeness during a pregnancy. Even so, Dr. Patel advises against hot yoga, a method yoga
that requires participants to exercise in hot and humid environments. This can be due to the fact
that too much heat during pregnancy can ultimately harm the growth of the infant. Despite this,
mothers are still encouraged to pursue yoga in moderation.
 When reading this article, I came across a thought that barely enters my mind. When
regarding pregnancies, I overlooked one of the essential parts of them: the belly. Learning that
mothers are now starting to ask “is bumping the belly safe” increased my curiosity in the subject.
Reading that not all types of yoga are acceptable surprised me. Seeing as yoga is a common practice
among expecting mothers, I expected that all yoga methods are acceptable. However, when reading
into hot yoga, the extreme environment it requires and the expected positions during the secession,
it is reasonable to infer that the exercise creates more harm than benefits for the expecting mother
and infant. Though I learned new information regarding the topic, it can be assumed that multiple
mothers do not have access to such information. I hope to take this knowledge with me in the future
when I become an OB/GYN. I aim to create pamphlets, short guides, or share brief videos with my
patients so that they are well-informed about their pregnancies and what behaviors are acceptable
during their trimesters.

MLA Citation
Patel, Shivani. “Can Bumpin​g My Pregnant Belly Hurt the Baby?: Your Pregnancy Matters:
UT Southwestern Medical Center.” ​Your Pregnancy Matters | UT Southwestern Medical Center​, UT
Southwestern Medical Center, 8 Oct. 2019,
https://utswmed.org/medblog/can-bumping-my-pregnant-belly-hurt-baby/​.
 Research Assessment #6
October 25th, 2019

Subject
Advancements in Spina Bifida Surgery

Analysis
When regarding pregnancy, multiple disorders can affect an infant. One in specific that can
leave a significant impact on the baby is spina bifida. Typically, treatments to heal spina bifida are
applied after the infant is born. In most cases, this degrades the nervous system since the disorder
has progressed for a prolonged time. However, through research and surgeries performed, there
have been developments in spina bifida surgery to prevent maternal risks. As John Hopkins
Medicine describes in the article, two maternal-fetal medicine specialists have discovered a new
method to perform surgery, before the infant is born, to treat spina bifida.

Before discussing the new surgery method, it is essential to understand spina bifida.
According to the CDC, it is a neural tube defect (NTD) where “the neural tube (spinal cord) doesn’t
close all the way,” allowing “the backbone… [to not form correctly] and close as it should.” In
essence, this means the gap in the spinal cord allows for fluid build-up, creating a lump on the lower
backside of the infant. The presence of spina bifida can be determined by an amniocentesis (a
sample of amniotic fluid), ultrasound, or measuring the amount of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) present.
AFP is a protein produced by infants during gestation that allows OB/GYNs to evaluate the health of
the baby. If high levels of AFP are detected in the mother’s bloodstream, there is a greater chance of
the infant having spina bifida.

Depending on the type of spina bifida, neural

damage can range from mild to extreme. For
example, spina bifida occulta, commonly known as
“hidden” spina bifida, is where the gap in the spinal
cord is typically small, creating no sac. The nerves
and spinal cord are relatively unharmed, so the
infant will not experience disabilities later in life.
However, the opposite can be stated for
myelomeningocele. This is the most severe case of
spinal bifida that can immediately impact the infant. When there is an opening in the spinal cord,
fluid instantly builds into a sac. However, the nerves and spinal cord around the area are brought
into the sac. This can damage the nervous system since the pressure of the sac creates tension in the
spinal cord. This tension leaves the potential for tears in the spinal cord. Depending on the impact
of spina bifida, the effects vary from moderate to severe disabilities. Some of these disabilities
include losing sensation in the legs and feet or not having the ability to move the legs.

However, all hope is not lost if an infant is discovered to have spina bifida. As stated before,
the most common way to treat spina bifida is after the baby is born. Once the sac is exposed,
surgeons perform surgery to minimize damage to the nervous system. However, maternal-fetal
specialists, Dr. Baschat and Dr. Miller have developed a new surgical procedure regarding spina
bifida. While the infant is inside the uterus, surgeons cut open the abdomen and reveal the uterus.
After the uterus is outside the body, surgeons install ports through the uterine wall to replace the
amniotic fluid inside with carbon dioxide. Once the ports are secured, cameras and surgical
equipment can now enter the uterus safely. From there, surgeons perform the same techniques to
treat spina bifida but inside the uterus. This includes dissecting the spinal cord membrane from the
edges of the sac and realigning it with the spinal canal, layering muscle and skin once realigned.
Nonetheless, the surgery does not come without requirements. Dr. Baschat and Dr. Miller state that
the spina bifida must be classified as myelomeningocele, with the sac falling between the T1 and S1
vertebra of the spine. Chiari II malformation, a condition where the cerebellum is pushed out the
skull and into the spinal canal, must also be present in the infant. If the mother has no known risks
with her pregnancy, and the infant faces no other disorders or abnormalities, it is appropriate to
conduct the surgery between 20 and 26 weeks of gestation.

So far, Dr. Baschat and Dr. Miller have conducted this surgery on 5 patients. None of the
infants have required additional surgery, showing the positive effects of the surgery. For further
examination, the babies will be observed for the next 30 months to compare their neurological
developments with those in the control group (infants who had surgery performed after birth).
Despite the new technique, only a fraction of mothers chose to opt for the surgery. This can be in
part to the possible risks the typical, after birth surgery presents. Approximately 10% of the
mothers needed a blood transfusion during the surgery, which may result in a scar that leaves the
uterus vulnerable to tears in future pregnancies. Nevertheless, the doctors stand by that the surgery
abolishes these risks since it is minimally invasive to the uterus.
 While reading the article, my interests in the surgical aspect of obstetrics arose. When
discussing the process of giving birth, our thoughts are primed to assume either delivery through
the vagina or C-section. However, we rarely consider if there can be surgeries performed on a
mother during gestation, or the infant before being born. Spina bifida has certainly brought this
concept into perspective. While reading the article, I did additional research on the specific disease
since I was not accustomed to the disorder. This led me to an article posted by the CDC regarding
spina bifida. One subject discussed on the page was techniques mothers can apply to prevent spina
bifida. One of such techniques is taking 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid daily, varying in the way
this is consumed each day. At first glance, it is reasonable to question why this specific acid is
necessary for a mother. However, when reading the attributes of folic acid, the answer becomes
clear. Folic acid is a specific type of vitamin B that aids in the production of nails, hair, and skin cells.
This plays an integral role in the growth of an infant since the folic helps develop the neural tube,
one of the basic units of the nervous system. Seeing as it is crucial for the growth of an infant, I
wondered where a mother could find folic acid and add it to her diet. Despite my wonders, folic acid
can be easily consumed through supplements and common foods such as bread, pasta, and rice.

When reviewing the new surgical technique for spina bifida, it brings into perspective the
progressiveness of the medical field. Surgeons and physicians alike are continuously researching
new techniques or alternatives to better treat their patients and future generations. Taking this
moral with me, I hope to use this as motivation to continue research for new surgical procedures,
medications, or vaccines after I have become an OB/GYN. Furthermore, I will remember to discuss
the importance of a balanced diet to my patients, emphasizing the role of folic acid. I can create
meal plans and share these with my patients to assure that they are properly informed about
pregnancy.
MLA Citation

“Folic Acid | CDC.” ​Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,​ Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention, 11 Apr. 2018, ​https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/folicacid/about.html​.
“Spina Bifida Facts | CDC.” ​Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,​ Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, 3 Sept. 2019, ​https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/spinabifida/facts.html​.
“Minimally Invasive Spina Bifida Surgery Has Fewer Maternal Risks.” ​Johns Hopkins
Medicine,​ 20 Oct. 2019,
https://clinicalconnection.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/minimally-invasive-spina-bifida-surgery-ha
s-fewer-maternal-risks​.
 Research Assessment #7
November 1st, 2019

Subject
A Day in the Life of an OB/GYN

Analysis
When discussing dream careers, it is natural to focus on each aspect of the career. In my
case, it is appropriate to state the same with my goal of becoming an OB/GYN. I did research on the
length and type of education, tasks the job requires, and the salaries OB/GYNs produce. However, in
my search to increase my knowledge, I happen to overlook what happens after becoming board
certified. Of course, you are able to examine females and help mothers give birth. However,
between all the responsibilities and work requirements, an OB/GYN’s schedule is not permanent. In
order to further my understanding of the true nature of an OB/GYN’s life, I read Bonnie R Morris’ ​A
​ here she followed Dr. Jonathan Scher to get an inside look at this
Day in the Life of an OB/GYN, w
rigorous career field.

From the beginning, it is evident that Dr. Scher wastes no time. As he begins to ascend a
staircase, he states that he must visit the maternity ward to check on his patients. In order to do so,
he frequently exercises and maintains a healthy diet. However, as he states in the article, it is not
that simple. Many times he must give up completing his meal in entirety in order to complete his
tasks. However, Dr. Scher does not dwell on this. He is sure to visit his four scheduled patients,
displaying the kind-hearted nature of the doctor. During one of his visits, a mother worries about
the pain under her right breast. She is sure that she must have harmed her gallbladder. Despite this,
Dr. Scher is sure to keep a calm disposition. He states that it is typical for mothers to strain their
intercostal muscles during labor, pointing to the base of her rib cage to identify the area in specific.
This is because, during the last trimester, the muscles can become tender due to the uterus pushing
back all the organs to expand for the growing baby, and the strain it causes when giving birth.
However, since the patient faces no concerning symptoms, such as blood loss, Dr. Scher advices his
patient to take painkillers and congratulates the mother about her new baby boy. Later, Dr. Scher
checks on his three patients that are still in labor. While there, he gives the mothers advice on what
to do before labor. One of which is laying on your side or stomach for 20 minutes. As a mother must
sit up in order to nurse her newborn, gravity naturally pulls any extra liquid retained from
pregnancy to the vaginal and rectal area. When turning over, the fluid will be reabsorbed into the
circulatory system in order to reduce swelling. Even so, the doctor cannot control when a patient
will go into labor. As one of Dr. Scher’s patients goes into labor, he must leave to check on other
patients but reassures her that he will be back to aid her giving birth. After spending time in his
office, Dr. Scher is yet again on his feet. He begins checking on yet another set of patients. This is
where the ‘soothsaying’ aspect of an OB/GYN comes to use. When a patient worries that she has a
rare, yet dangerous, case of an ectopic pregnancy, Dr. Scher is sure to calm her nerves. He performs
an ultrasound to display visual proof of the healthy baby and reassures his patient that what she is
facing is typical among all mothers. His words do pay off in the end as the patient’s face loses its
worry lines.

However, Dr. Scher’s responsibilities do not end there. From booking his patients
C-sections, and concluding his day with a successful delivery, it seems that Dr. Scher’s job is
something out of fiction. He is constantly on the move but maintains a positive energy throughout.
His daily tasks have certainly brought into perspective the true nature of Obstetrics and
Gynecology. Though the workload is extensive, nearing the point of no lunch, it is the end result that
matters most. Having the knowledge of aiding a mother through pregnancy, and seeing her give
birth to her child, is what is most important. Taking this information, I hope to use it as
encouragement in the future. There is no doubt that in med school I will lose my determination
from the course material and gain the greatest urge to quit. However, remembering that, after years
of extensive education, I will be able to experience the birth of life every day, it will allow me to
regain my composure and persevere through hardships.

MLA Citation
Morris, Bonnie Rothman, and Bonnie Rothman Morris. “A Day in the Life of an Ob-Gyn.”
Parents,​
https://www.parents.com/pregnancy/giving-birth/labor-support/a-day-in-the-life-of-an-ob-gyn/.
 Research Assessment #8
November 22nd, 2019

Subject
Pregnancies and Reality TV (Part 2)

Analysis
As seen from the last assessment, Dr. Jones gave insightful commentary on the realistic of
the pregnancies presented on reality TV. To learn more about pregnancies, I decided to continue
watching Dr. Jones Ob/Gyn Reacts series.

In the following episode, we follow Barbra, a 46-year-old woman who “got her tubes tied.”
Dr. Jones is sure to add her commentary about the surgery. She states it’s a misconception to call
tubal ligation, the surgical process, “tying your tubes.” In most cases, OB/GYNs take a segment of a
fallopian tube out. With modern advancements in technology, OG/GYNs are starting to take all of a
fallopian tube out. On occasion, an OB/GYN may use a clip or ring. However, Dr. Jones does not
prefer this method since it is less effective than removing the tube itself. This process makes it
difficult for the egg to fertilize. We continue after this to learn that women recently stopped having
her menstrual cycle, believing to have started her menopause. Dr. Jones agrees that this would be a
common conception in her cease. However, this could be a false diagnosis. The average of
menopause is 51. However, Barbra is 46. Though women can have menopause before or after 51,
there is still a chance of her being pregnant. Dr. Jones says she would advise her patients to take a
pregnancy test to confirm this is just menopause. As the video continues, Barbra notices weight
gain. She suspects that this is due to a tumor. In her commentary, Dr. Jones understands why Barbra
would come to this conclusion. In many of these cases, women tend to ignore the signs of their
pregnancy. However, Barbra has had a tubal ligation, so she is presuming that she cannot get
pregnant. However, Dr. Jones is also sure to advise her viewers. She states that even if you believe
there is something wrong, you should always consult your doctor about your problems. Though it
can be scary, denial will not make the disorder go away. In these cases, it would be best to check out
the problem rather than ignore it. After hearing about Barbra’s background, we see that Barbra is
having severe pain in her abdominal area. She is placed on a hospital bed where she truly believes
she will die because of the pain. Dr. Jones states, as in her last episode, that she understands why
this would be a terrifying situation. Being pregnant in the past, Dr. Jones understands how painful
labor can be. She too would believe that she was dying if she did not know she was pregnant.
However, Dr. Jones begins to talk about the effectiveness of tubal ligation. She states the failure rate
is less than 1%. Meaning it is an effective method of contraception. She also states the chances of
women older than 45 becoming pregnant is 3-5%, and the risk of miscarriage is about 50%. Despite
these odds, Barbra’s delivery is successful. She gives birth to her newborn son, and the ER
physicians are sure to take care of the mother and son.

When reading the story again, it is truly a remarkable case. Barbra’s situation would lead
her to believe that she was not pregnant, but the odds were against reality. Taking advice from Dr.
Jones, there are specific tasks I will perform as an OB/GYN. For example, before and after surgery, I
will be sure to explain the important effects of the surgery. As seen through Barbra, she did not
know a tubal ligation could still lead to a pregnancy. To avoid this from happening to one of my
patients, I will be sure to explain the after-effects of the surgery to my patients and answer any
concerns they may have. Furthermore, this has given me greater insight into the patient and doctor
relationship. In Barbra’s case, she was nervous to accept there was a possibility of her having a
tumor, so she avoided going to the doctors. However, this is not a wise decision since it can harm
the patient if a disorder is truly present. Holding this dear to heart, I will be sure to form strong
connections with my patients so that they may rely on me through their hardships and prevent any
harm befalling on them.

MLA Citation
Ob/Gyn Reacts: I Didn’t Know I Was Pregnant | 46yo Pregnant After Tying Tubes!?,​ YouTube,
26 Aug. 2019, ​https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zh4XcxPXCFA​.