My Time At Harvard Medical School and The Importance of Reading

Me standing on the Quad in front of Gordon Hall, Harvard Medical School's Administrative Building

Hey, long time no post.  Last Thursday, July 28, 2011, I, along with my mom, my dad, and cousin went on one of Harvard Medical School's summer tours.  We drove from New York to Boston.  It took three and a half hours.  But the arduous drive was worth it for me.  I learned and saw some interesting things there and got to converse with three intellectual people, two of whom are Harvard Med Students.  For those who are interested in getting to know more about Harvard Medical School, you're in luck because I took some picture while I was there.  Though not comprehensive as the tour I took, my pictures, I hope, will help you get a clearer picture of HMS as a school of great resources.  

HMS's campus resides next to Boston's Children Hospital.  Banners hung down from the nearby hospital lampposts stating that  the hospital was ranked #1 in the nation, according to US News & World Report.  Not only is HMS affiliated with the children's hospital, the school is connected with about 16 other hospitals throughout the Boston area.  

In the picture above, the white building with several colossal columns in the background  is Gordon Hall.  It contains the offices of financial aid, academics, and admissions.  My family and I went up to the third floor and waited for the assistant director to begin the tour.  Two lovely Harvard medical students  volunteered their time to help us better understand the school.  I felt thankful.  After introductions among the several people that came to tour were made,  we walked into the medical library.   

Banner of HMS I found on my way up the Third Floor of Gordon Hall

Harvard Medical School's Identification on Gordon Hall

Skull of Phineas Gage

                               At the fifth floor of the medical library, various objects were put up on display.  Above, is the actual skull of Phineas Gage.  In the 1800s, Mr. Gage was a railroad worker who miraculously survived  a railroad spike that impaled the back of his skull.  In the picture above, the top of Mr. Gage's skull has noticeable protrusions made  from the spike.  According to friends and peers, his once happy demeanor changed into a grim, sullen personality after the tragic incident.  This stark change of his temperament after the head injury prompted scientists to study Mr. Gage in order  to find the connection between a specific part of the brain and one's personality.

SimMan

      SimMan above looked like a real man at first glance, but on closer inspection, I realized he was a dummy.  A seemingly alive one, though.  SimMan, as Harvard Med students call him, can breath, speak, and even urinate.  Students come to see the Simman in order to diagnose any problems he might have after seeing his chest xray or hearing his complaints about any pains.  As costing around $50,000, I like to call him the embodiment of my college tuition.

Painting depicting the first surgery where Ether was used for 

                   This painting depicts a monumental event in history: the first administration of anesthesia in a surgery.  

A Massive Facial Tumor of a Man

             The white object is the facial tumor of a man, whose portrait lies left of it.



To talk to  some of the smartest people in the world was an incredible experience.  How they communicated impressed me.  Every word spoken had a purpose and no unnecessary words were used.  I wish to do that too.  By reading, I believe, can communication be clearer.

I advise anyone who is interested in the medical profession to book a summer tour of Harvard Medical School.