MCAT and road to Medical School

After effect of Marijuana

2011-01-28T12:30:00.000-08:00

New Studies have found that smoking marijuana at a younger age can damage developing brain cells. teens as young as 16 years are still developing brain cells. but studies also show that smoking marijuana at a older age as young as 17 years old does not have as much effect as teen before the age of 16 years. in matter of fact it acts as a therapy for some: but if are to smoke without any therapeutically intentions, then that person will also be killing his/ her brain cells. studies have proctored where doctors and researchers took in group of young teens and group of adults that smoke and group of young teens and adults that don't smoke. the non-smoking group acts as the control group for the experiment. the show that teens under the age of 16 years scored less on the cognition test proctored. And adults that smoke over the age of 17 years had less deterioration in the brain. Most of the results have been gathered as according to giving the cognition test and taking MRI of the brain itself. many countries and states have legalized marijuana but they have not put a age restriction yet. Many believe they should put a age restriction and that they have to be at least 18 years to smoke.

Source: Marijuana by nytimes

Early published, unknown, later found became huge

2010-06-09T19:12:00.000-07:00

A lost written paper by Mendel the father of Genetics has been found. The paper has survived many years through many crucial eras in history. During Mendel’s year his papers were mainly ignored and wasn’t that famous.The missing paper was a manuscript on the laws of heredity. The missing paper that Mandel submitted to the Brunn Natural History Society (BNHS), was published but not famous and was considered priceless by the editors of BNHS, so the BNHS decided to discard of the paper. A teacher happened to spot the paper and take it out of the garbage bin. The paper stayed in the high school professors briefcase for many year until World War Two when the where abouts of the paper was lost. The paper later turned out to be in a safety deposit box of Erich Richter, who is also Mendel’s descendant, and also a Monk known in the alias as father Clamens. Other family members are also trying to claim the rights to the paper and so is Erich Richter. The paper is currently in the custody of their lawyer who will be holding it until the court decides if the paper will go to either parties or the paper will be sent to Universities for further study.

The original paper by New York Times in Science Times June 1, 2010 : A Family Feud Over Mendel’s Manuscript on the Laws of Heredity

Books to use as a reference for the MCAT

2010-05-20T21:10:00.000-07:00

My Kaplan professor have recommended these books take a look:

Organic Chemistry by McMurry

Physics by Cutnell and Johnson Vol. 1

Vol. 2

Human Anatomy and Physiology by Marieb Hoehn

Kaplan MCAT kit

Biology by Campbell Reece

Biochemistry 4e by Lippencott

Cardiologist

2010-05-14T13:50:00.000-07:00

Cardiologists are highly trained physicians who specialize in the study and treatment of the heart and blood vessels. They work alongside internal medicine providers, pediatricians, cardiac surgeons and other specialists to care for patients. Physicians trained in cardiology care for people at all stages of life, from newborns to the elderly. Cardiologists focus on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of many different heart and blood vessel conditions, including coronary artery disease, heart arrhythmia, high blood pressure, peripheral arterial disease and heart failure. They use standard tests such as electrocardiograms to make diagnoses, and they may use treatments such as balloon angioplasty and pacemaker installation, conferring with cardiac surgeons when major surgeries are deemed necessary.

In addition to caring for patients in their offices and in hospitals, some cardiologists perform research, publish their findings and make presentations at professional conferences. Some cardiologists see adult patients and are knowledgeable about conditions common to adult hearts. Other cardiologists, known as pediatric cardiologists, see children with heart conditions. Neither cardiologists nor pediatric cardiologists perform major surgeries on the cardiovascular system. Instead, these are performed by cardiac surgeons or cardiothoracic surgeons.

Cardiologists may work as solo practitioners or may be one of a group of physicians operating a medical practice together. They may also be employed by hospitals, health maintenance organizations or medical schools. They spend their days in a variety of places, including examining rooms, hospital rooms and conference halls. According to LocumTenens.com, in 2007 the average annual compensation of a cardiologist was $373,089 a year.

Anesthesiologist

2010-05-14T09:56:00.000-07:00

Definition and Nature of the Work

Anesthesiologists are physicians who focus on surgical patients and pain relief. They administer anesthetics, which are medicines to prevent patients from feeling pain and sensations; closely monitor patients' vital signs during surgery and adjust anesthetics accordingly; monitor patients through the first recovery stages after an operation; and administer appropriate medications during recovery. In addition to helping patients through surgery, anesthesiologists may also help treat patients with conditions causing chronic pain. Many specialize in specific types of problems, such as respiratory or neurological illness. More than ninety percent of the anesthetics used in health care are administered by or under the direct supervision of an anesthesiologist.

An anesthesiologist's first contact with a surgical patient is usually during a "preoperative interview." At that time the anesthesiologist reviews the patient's medical history and medications, discusses the upcoming surgery, and reviews the options for anesthesia and pain-killing drugs. The anesthesiologist also becomes familiar with the patient's preexisting medical conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, and plans how to manage those conditions during surgery.

The anesthesiologist is responsible for a patient's life functions as the surgeon and other members of the medical team operate. In the first phase of surgery, the anesthesiologist applies the anesthesia. During the middle phase, as the surgeryactually takes place, the anesthesiologist uses sophisticated electronic equipment to carefully monitor the patient's vital signs, including heart rate and rhythm, blood pressure, breathing, and brain and kidney functions. As the surgical procedure progresses, the anesthesiologist may have to adjust the patient's anesthesia to compensate for changes in the patient's physical state.

When surgery is finished, the recovery phase begins. The anesthesiologist administers medications to reverse the effects of the anesthetic, returning the patient to consciousness if a general anesthetic has been used. After surgery, patients are moved to a recovery room, where the anesthesiologist is still responsible for the patient's vital functions. In the recovery room, nurses and other specially trained staff closely monitor the patient under the supervision of the anesthesiologist. Eventually, the anesthesiologist determines when the patient has recovered sufficiently to leave the recovery room.

There are three main types of anesthesia administered during surgery: general, regional, and local. General anesthesia renders the patient unconscious and unable to feel pain or any other sensation. Many general anesthetics are gases or vapors administered through a mask or breathing tube, whereas others are liquid medicines introduced through a vein. Regional anesthesia numbs an entire area of the body requiring surgery. Local anesthesia is used to numb a specific part of the body (such as the foot or hand). Both regional and local anesthetics are administered via injections. In addition to anesthetics, patients requiring regional and local anesthetics often are given sedatives to help them relax during surgery and put them to sleep.

A anesthesiologist can make a salary up to Median—$321,686 per year

The decision of seeking help when experiencing a stroke

2010-05-10T19:02:00.001-07:00

According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), three out of ten people never get the medical attention they require while having a mini or minor stroke. If left without proper medical care, these minor strokes become full-on strokes which lead to major health issues such as permanent brain damage. A major stroke occurs when the brain does not properly receive oxygen because of a blocked or ruptured blood vessel. People often do not get the help they require simply because they may not recognize the warning signs.

According to NIH the number of reports by hospitals and primary care doctors, of mini-stroke incidents have increased over the past year. Doctors refer to these strokes as Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIA). Doctors and hospitals all over the world should educate their patients about the symptoms of TIA. In addition, patients should be aware of the signs themselves. According to NIH, the symptoms of TIA are:

-weakness or an inability to move all or part of one side of the body

-feelings of numbness or tingling on one side

-visual disturbances

-trouble speaking and understanding others

-dizziness and fainting

Age and gender do not affect whether or not you are susceptible to TIA. Anyone experiencing symptoms similar to the ones listed above, should contact their physician. The earlier these signs are noticed, the easier it is for one to seek medical attention and possibly prevent a major stroke-- so spread the word!

Summer Enrichment Programs

2010-05-10T19:01:00.000-07:00

This is a resource for anyone who is looking for a program for the summer, go to the link provided below and you can search for a program in different states.

Summer Programs <<-- Click here

Summer Pre-Medical Program.

2010-05-10T18:59:00.000-07:00

This program is called the Summer Medical and Dental Education Program (SMDEP). It is provided by the AAMC.

You can take the programs in these different Campuses.

- Case Western Reserve University

- Columbia University

- Duke Univerity

- Howard University

- University of California- Los Angeles

- UMDNJ- New Jersey Medical and New Jersey Dental

- University of Loiusville

- University of Nebraska

- University of Virginia

- University of Washington

- University of Texas- Houston

- Yale University

Requirements:

To be eligible for SMDEP, an applicant must:

be currently enrolled as a freshman or sophomore in college;

have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0, with 2.75 in the sciences;

be a U.S. citizen or hold a permanent resident visa; and

not have previously participated in SMDEP.

Other factors considered in the admissions process include whether an applicant:

have a critical reading SAT score of at least 500, mathematics score of at least 400, and a writing score of at least 490 or an ACT score of at least 19;

identifies with a group that is racially/ethnically underrepresented in medicine and/or dentistry (as defined independently by each program site);

comes from an economically or educationally disadvantaged background;

has demonstrated interest in issues affecting underserved populations; and

submits a compelling personal statement and strong letters of recommendations.

To apply go to:

Apply Here <<--Click here

List of Medical Schools In different states

2010-05-10T18:58:00.000-07:00

Go to the link provided below:

Medical schools <<-- Click Here to view

Fee assistance Program

2010-05-10T18:57:00.000-07:00

Many of us may have a hard time paying that high price MCAT, well no need to worry they also have a program for the needys too. If your or your family income is low you may be eligible for a fee waiver for the MCAT, if you think that you fit into the category they say then you should apply, it'll save you and your parents money. Never deny the opportunity to save money, you may need it later.

Fee Assistance Program <<---- Click here it will redirect you to a AAMC website

Registration Fees for the MCAT

2010-05-10T18:56:00.000-07:00

Here are what you have to pay for the MCAT and any other extra fees they require.

MCAT Fees <<-- Click here to view

MCAT registration tips

2010-05-10T18:55:00.000-07:00

Here are some registration tips provided by the AAMC.

AAMC Tips <<--- Click Here to View

2010 MCAT Exam Dates

2010-05-10T12:40:00.001-07:00

Hey guys here is the list of dates the MCAT is taking place and the deadlines to when to apply by and when you will receive your grades.

EXAM Dates <<---Click here to View

MCAT Verbal and Math by Exam Krackers

2010-05-10T12:39:00.001-07:00

Here is a book and practice for the MCAT

MCAT Verbal and Math <<---Click here to view or download

MCAT Organic Chemistry by Exam Krackers

2010-05-10T12:38:00.001-07:00

Here is a book and practice book for the MCAT

MCAT Organic Chemistry <<--- Click here to view or download

MCAT Physics by Exam krackers

2010-05-10T07:14:00.000-07:00

Here is a review book physics and questions for the MCAT.

MCAT Physics <<---Click here to view or download

MCAT General Chemistry by Exam krackers

2010-05-10T07:13:00.000-07:00

Here is a book on general chem, its a review book and has few questions to go with it too.

MCAT General Chemistry <<-- Click here to view or download

MCAT Verbal Reasoning by Exam Krackers

2010-05-10T07:09:00.002-07:00

Hey guys I am still uploading more books, Hope the studying is coming good. You can also download these if you can't view them.

MCAT Verbal <<-- Click here

Study method

2010-05-10T07:09:00.001-07:00

There are many ways a person can study, but there are also many different form of distractions to prevent from one to study enough. Now or days technology has become a big distraction to many. You may not have a TV but you sure have the internet to watch all your shows that you may have missed or use it as your TV. How can you prevent yourself from doing so? Here are some methods:

- Turn off all distractions

- Turn off TV

- Turn off that computer (but still take your time to read my blog)

- Set yourself a goal you want do and accomplish for the day

- Don't put too much on your list knowing you may not be able to complete it

- If you are a student you should study your class requirements first, for each subject for at least for one hour on each subject. After you complete your class stuff you should take a small break, stretch out, get something to eat, or watch like a 30 min show.

* Realize that how painful something is to study is directly proportional to how much you need to study it.

* Go to every class—and stay awake.

* Read all of the material, painstakingly slowly, at least three times over.

* The “gist” is useless; memorization is what counts.

* After you think you’ve memorized something, try writing it all down on a blank sheet of paper. Hmm, maybe not as well memorized as you thought?

* When you quiz yourself, which should be often, make sure you get all of the answers right three times in a row.

* Beware the mnemonic. Mnemonics only work in very specific circumstances. For instance, “NAVY” is a handy mnemonic for remembering the order in which one encounters the important structures in the groin: Nerve, Artery, Vein, Ying-Yang. Most mnemonics, no matter how clever or bawdy, just inspire one to invention. Does that I in “PILES of POOP” stand for Ischemic? Infectious? Iatrogenic? Ipsilateral? Italian? Who the hell knows? I found that making up a memorable saying works much better. For instance, if you drink enough alcohol to affect your liver, there is a tell-tale pattern to the increase in the liver enzymes: the AST, aka the SGOT, is usually twice as high as the ALT, aka the SGPT. I remember this by saying “You AST for it, you SGOT it.” (I know it’s stupid. But it works—I remember not only the pattern, but that AST=SGOT.) Corny tricks like the ones for remembering someone’s name (you know, picturing Mr. Heinz as a giant ketchup bottle, for example) work well also.

* You will never be hip again. Obviously.

* Get enough sleep. Cramming all night the day before a test does not work for science classes.

* Study similar things in proximity to each other. Calculus and physics go well together, for instance.

* If studying something is making you fall asleep, take a power nap.

* I said power nap. Do not let yourself sleep longer than 20 minutes.

* Colorful highlighters and tabs and note cards are festive and helpful—up to a point. Past that point, they become time-sucking OCD rituals.

Good luck following this. This is how my life goes now, no life just study.......

MCAT for Biology By Exam Krackers

2010-05-09T22:35:00.000-07:00

Here is a MCAT practice and review book that can help you with the MCAT. When I get more books on other subjects I will upload it. Good luck guys.

Click on the link below to view and download.

MCAT Biology <<-----Click here