Week 2:
Baylor College of Medicine

June 10, 2014

Working at the Children’s Nutrition Research Center (CNRC) of Baylor College of Medicine has given me a unique opportunity to nurture my passion for medical research, to meet inspiring individuals, and to enjoy the professional working environment at one of the largest medical centers in the world- Texas Medical Center.

Two more weeks until the piglets arrive. The pressure in my lab is increasing every day. Part of it is because of the amount of logistic preparations for the experiment. However, I feel fortunate because besides learning new techniques in laboratory settings, I have a chance to follow the preparation for a study both in the lab and in the office. I am helping with organizing the task list for my postdoctoral and also am given a chance to participate in the process of writing and thinking.

I also started my first shift at Texas Children Hospital last Saturday. It was a precious experience when I am thinking back. I was able to take the patients and patients’ family to the destination they needed and to observe how care givers talk to the family. I realized that it must have taken the caregivers tremendous efforts and training to put themselves into the position of the families in order to stay calm and reasonable with anxious and worrying parents.

SMART Program is a multifaceted experience because it provides me with not only the laboratory experience but also the professional world, ideology, and people whom shares similar passion: to provide health care through various means, e.g. health care providers, physicians, scientists, to the people in need.

I cannot explain how much it means to me to be at the Medical Center of Houston, the most culturally diverse center in the United States, surpassing both LA and NY last year. Baylor College of Medicine is the crossroad where the world’s finest scientists collaborate. It has over 300 collaborations with other countries. It values and respects each and every individual’s idea, values, and abilities. This is a wonderful place to learn, to grow, and to succeed.