This week, Dr. Lawal has a “service” week. The daily schedule on a week like this encompasses a morning filled with procedures followed by patient visits in the afternoon. These patient visits involve meeting with them in the hospital to check in with their symptoms and treatment. Interestingly, today there were numerous procedures done, all focused on EGDs (esophagogastroduedenoscopy) which involves inserting a scope down the esophagus and into the stomach. Attached are pictures that depict healthy and unhealthy portions of the esophagus and stomach. A condition I was introduced to today was esophageal varices, swollen veins along the lining of the esophagus. If the varices become too invasive, small bands can be placed around some of the tissue, cutting off blood supply and preventing extensive bleeding (or perhaps the esophagus even bleeding out). I specifically thought our trip to the intensive care unit was the most interesting. I had never been in an environment like this before and being introduced to the different technology and care provided to patients was reassuring. I am excited to meet more patients outside the OR, so hopefully I will get more exposure to them tomorrow.