Wow! I just got back from my first visit from the Cleveland Clinic- one of the top hospitals in the world. I was so impressed by everything there! From classical music playing from the classy walkway between buildings to the open and inviting reception rooms for patients, this was the most impressive place I've ever been to. And all the restaurants inside! It was like it's own self-contained village!
The reason for my visit was to meet with a faculty member in pathobiology who specializes in asthma-related research in the clinic. I didn't expect to be so overwhelmingly welcomed and invited. Within a few hours of my email expressing interest, we had a meeting time set up. A busy physician scientist, the man I met with spent over 1.5 hours with me! I planned on 30 mins top so imagine my surprise!
It felt really nice to be so welcomed and accepted based on my prior research and current status as a med student. I didn't feel like I had to prove that I deserved to be there, quite a difference from med school interviews! I was really impressed by the clinic and lab. I would love to work there! I will have to consider how much time I can REALISTICALLY spend doing research while in med school, but time constraints aside there is nothing I would rather do (nerd alert!). :)
I am really excited to have the opportunity to do research in a subject matter that means so much to me. Being diagnosed with asthma really floored me; I hope that learning more about asthma will be a way to become empowered. :)
