For my last day of Work Experience, I worked with Viraj to start inputting new case studies from patients in the Czech Republic into the Independent Case Reports excel sheet. It was interesting to see the other side of the research and how data from real patients around the world are used in order to collect data and determine treatment for MASCs. We reviewed the importance of attention to detail and making sure I came to them with any questions, since it is important to be precise when inputting data into the excel sheet. I really enjoyed my time with the RDOD team and hope to possibly continue working remotely with them over the summer!
Category: Nina G – UNC Dept of Radiation Oncology
Day 7 – Continuing to Collect Data
As I continue my work on the Excel sheet, I’ve shifted my focus to the histology and immunohistochemistry (also known as IHC) categories of the data. Using my knowledge from the imaging and disease site sections I completed last week, I will find similarities between the diagnoses and create sub-categories for them, which will help Dr. Sud determine similarities between mammary analog secretory carcinomas. As stated previously, gathering and interpreting data is the most important step before reaching conclusions because it determines treatment plans, which supports the necessity of being extremely precise in my work for this stage. I’ve attached a photo of what the Excel sheet looks like that I organize.
Day 6 – Types of Imaging
This morning, I joined a call with Dr. Sud, Viraj, and Victoria (who are both on the RDOD team) and we went over the various types of imaging used in diagnoses. This included MRIs, CTs, and ultrasounds. It was very interesting to learn about how each of them work: ultrasounds dependent on the presence of sound waves, CTs using x-rays to determine the density of tissues, and MRIs measuring how magnetic something is by identifying the spin of atoms in the body. I had the opportunity to ask questions after the presentation about how the different forms of imaging function and how they play into the Case Listing Excel Datasheet that I have been working on throughout my time with RDOD.
Day 5 – Case Studies!
It was really exciting to learn about how case studies are utilized in organizations such as RDOD. Dr. Sud talked through as well as sent me articles about what case reports are and what elements are needed in each report, and I tied the information together by going through a few case report examples by myself. It really put into perspective how much focus and attention to detail is required in this profession. Reading through the abstract and the data of the report, I realize how important certain aspects – such as precision and eliminating bias – are in research-based jobs. I’ve attached a photo from one of the example case studies that include the number of affiliations (which is very impressive) required for the specific report (excluding 10 references previously mentioned).
Day 4 – Reading Resources
One of the tasks I completed today was reading articles & textbook notes referred to me by Dr. Sud. They helped me understand the origins, causes, and treatment of cancer.
Day 3 – Johns Hopkins Training
Today I continued my work with RDOD, completing a training course from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine on the biology of cancer. The virtual course is led
by Dr. Pienta in the department of Urology.
Day 2 – Organization
One task I completed today was organizing an Excel sheet of research with information on Disease Sites and Imaging Types, which helped me learn more about the meticulous notes required and the importance of this step to identify trends.
Day 1 – Intros!
During my meeting with Dr. Sud, one thing I learned about were the steps required to research mammary analog secretory carcinomas that RDOD completes as well as the importance of my work.
Pre-WEP!
I’m looking forward to learning more about the Rare Disease and Outcome Database (RDOD)!