A Holistical Connection: Classwork and Patient Care
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Introduction
As I moved through undergrad, taking one semester at a time, I had the opportunity to explore a wide range of courses, both within biology and in areas that aligned with my future goals. These classes helped me build the foundational skills I’ll carry into my career as a medical professional. One of the most important skills I developed was a holistic approach to understanding complex ideas, shaped by the combination of my science coursework and the humanities classes in my Medical Humanities minor. Learning to interpret information from multiple perspectives gave me a broader, more integrated way of thinking. The courses that most strongly influenced this development were Cadaveric Human Anatomy Laboratory, Microbiology Lab, and Biochemistry, each offering a different lens that contributed to a more complete understanding of the human body and patient care.
Cadaveric Human Anatomy Lab (Spring '26)
The Cadaveric Human Anatomy Lab has strengthened my holistic approach to care by allowing me to visualize real pathologies and recognize that the human body does not always match the idealized images found in textbooks. This course has deepened my awareness of the anatomical variations that exist from person to person, as well as the emotional and ethical significance of working with a donor. In addition, the importance of team work and communicating with my group aiding in the development of my understanding.
“¡Y tenía corazón!” (1890) – Enrique Simonet Lombardo
This image shows that blends the the scientific distachment that can happen with cadavers and the underlying emotion and sentiment that that embodies the donor as well as the pathologist.
Honors Microbiology Laboratory (Spring '25)
My Honors Microbiology Lab experience gave me foundational insight into how antibiotics were first developed and allowed me to work directly with clinically relevant bacteria and microorganisms commonly associated with infections in healthcare settings. I can further apply what I learned in this lab to better understand how infectious diseases spread in a healthcare environment and to provide patients with clear, accurate education about their conditions.
This course also deepened my appreciation for why understanding the body is essential. Such as how the immune system responds, how pathogens interact with tissues, and why certain treatments work the way they do. Working hands‑on with cultures and diagnostic techniques strengthened my awareness of how lab tests are performed, what they reveal, and why they matter in clinical decision‑making.
These lab‑side perspectives also helped me understand the roles of other healthcare workers more clearly. Seeing how lab professionals analyze samples, interpret results, and contribute to patient care gave me a deeper appreciation for the teamwork behind every diagnosis. This awareness will be valuable as a future PA, allowing me to collaborate more effectively, communicate across disciplines, and understand the full picture of a patient’s care.
Honors Contract for Biochemistry Lecture (Fall 2025)
Lastly, my Honors experience in biochemistry lectures strengthened my critical thinking by deepening my understanding of the chemical processes that maintain the body’s homeostasis. Learning how reactions occur at the molecular level and how even small the biochemical changes can influence day‑to‑day function and helped me think more analytically about health, disease, and the mechanisms behind clinical symptoms.
Reflection
Overall even though being three different experiences each attribute meaningful purpose to the development of my critical thinking skills that I can apply in patient care.
My experience in the cadaver lab, I have learned how to be patient, to value small intricate details as well as to appreciate the difference that each individual person holds.
My honor's experience within the microbiology laboratory expanded my knowledge on how bacteria can affect humans, their mode of transportation, and importance of lab work in medicine.
Lastly, exploring other concepts within biochemistry deepened my understanding of how the biochemical pathways are connected in the body and what can happen when they go wrong.
Together, these experiences have shaped my holistic understanding of patient care. Grounded not only in the physical reality of the body’s structures, but also in the pathological and systemic factors that influence health as a whole
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