Week 2- Nathaniel Wright

This week has been busy as I begin to analyze various images for the GLS in the RA from echo. This poses a challenge as learning to read echos is not always clear or simple in what corresponds to which portion of the heart. While difficult, the many fellows within the cardiology department are willing to assist in learning and to teach what they have learned themselves. This is a unique chance to interact with physicians who do this work all the time to diagnose patients and save lives. Besides this project, I have worked on calculating volumes within the left ventricle using MRI images. This allows for a method to calculate the ejection fractions with high accuracy due to the improved resolution of MRI compared with echo. The EF of patients is an effective method in order to understand the functionality of a heart but more recent research has shown the use of GLS in detecting problems of the heart earlier within patients.

Additionally, I have been able to observe many different clinical aspects of cardiology as well. This week I was able to follow doctors in the cardiac ICU to better understand their day, visit the EP lab where various kinds of pacemakers are placed and arrhythmias corrected, visit patients that are being admitted to the cardiology department from various aspects and learn with fellows, as previously mentioned. These experiences have each been unique and interesting as each parts allows for learning but also the chance to notice what can be improved. There are many tools, while they are able to function for their intended use, that can be changed to better allow for more comfortable use for doctors, or to be more effective in their intended uses. This could mean a simple change, or some change from another discipline.

While I was in the EP lab I was able to meet with the vice president of research from Medtronic. He was there to watch one of the operations but I was able to talk with him and learn many of the ways they are looking to improve their technology. It was a great experience to meet him and discuss the procedure that was taking place. Overall this week was busy but exciting.