iQsonics’ Post

We caught up with Amber Smith, a senior at Gardner-Webb University on her summer internship with Dr. Gretchen Lawrence in Shelby, North Carolina, on what she learned and about her plans for the future. Amber will graduate with her B.S. in Biology with a Biomedical Science Concentration and a minor in American Sign Language. Her internship included observing Dr. Lawrence during diabetic foot checks and toenail maintenance as well as shadowing her during surgery. She also took medical notes during appointments and learned the various positions and angles used for foot and ankle x-rays. "My internship experience was very immersive. Dr. Lawrence gave me the opportunity to jump in alongside her and be as involved in the patient’s care as possible. She cultivated my ideal learning environment by allowing me to gain hands-on experience that has taught me so much." She said that her favorite experiences were the surgeries that she observed. Amber said she learned about the importance of access to healthcare during her time in the clinic. "A key takeaway from my internship experience in particular is how important it is to advocate and care for underserved communities. Healthcare that is geographically, financially, linguistically, and physically accessible is so important and is a goal that should be continually sought to achieve," she said. What did she learn about podiatric medicine during her internship? "Podiatric medicine is interesting to me because the foot and ankle are both so important to how a person feels. It impacts a patient’s activity, overall health, and quality of life, making foot and ankle care paramount." #medicine #internship #podiatricmedicine #diabetes #surgery #doctors #surgeons #surgery

Dear Students As you stand at the cusp of completing your Optometry Internship, remember that this journey has been a profound testament to your dedication, resilience, and passion for eye care. You've navigated the complexities of optometry with grace and perseverance, always aiming to bring clarity and light into the lives of those you touch. The path ahead, filled with MOptom entrance exams, campus interviews, and job opportunities in eye hospitals, optometry colleges, optical retail, and eye care corporates, may seem daunting. Yet, it is your moment to shine brighter than ever. To get mentally prepared for the MOptom entrance exams, start with a mindset anchored in confidence and optimism. Believe in the wealth of knowledge and experience you've accumulated during your internship. Organize your study schedule to cover all necessary materials, while also allowing yourself moments of rest and reflection. Embrace a holistic approach to preparation, integrating physical wellness and mental health practices into your routine to keep stress at bay. As you prepare for campus interviews and job opportunities, remember that your unique journey in optometry is your greatest strength. Cultivate a narrative that reflects your dedication, your challenges overcome, and the moments of impact that have defined your internship experience. Research thoroughly about the institutions and companies you aspire to join, understanding their values, their work, and how you can contribute to their vision. Networking is invaluable. Connect with alumni, professionals, and mentors in the field of optometry. Their insights and guidance can offer you new perspectives and opportunities that you might not have considered. In every interview and interaction, let your passion for optometry and your commitment to improving eye care shine through. Be curious, ask questions, and show your willingness to continue learning and growing in this ever-evolving field. Remember, the journey does not end with passing an exam or securing a job. It's about continuing to evolve, to advocate for better eye care, and to make a difference in the lives of those you serve. Your commitment to excellence, your empathy, and your vision for a brighter world are what will define your career in optometry. As you move forward, know that the challenges you face are simply stepping stones on your path to success. Embrace them with courage and an open heart. The world of optometry is richer for having you in it, ready to explore new horizons and make lasting contributions to eye care. Keep learning, keep growing, and above all, keep believing in the incredible impact you can make. ©️ Venkataramanan Ramasethu

Introducing Anica Priestley - our new Optometrist at 1001 Optometry, Eastgardens! She recently completed her internship at 1001 Optometry, mentored by Margaret Lam. 𝟭. 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲, 𝗔𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮! 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘂𝘀 𝗮 𝗯𝗶𝘁 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗼𝗽𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗿𝘆? When I was younger my family went to Africa to help support some evangelical churches there and I was really impacted by it. I wanted to find a profession that I could use to care for people from all over the world and I thought optometry was a great option! 𝟮. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗼 𝗷𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝟭𝟬𝟬𝟭 𝗢𝗽𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗮𝘀 𝗮𝗻 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻? I was able to see that 1001 Optometry is a company that is patient focused and cares deeply about the eye health and satisfaction of their patients. 𝟯. 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗗𝗿 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗲𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝗺, 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗢𝗽𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗿𝘆? 𝗔𝗻𝘆 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗿 𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂'𝗱 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲? Dr Margaret Lam has such a good relationship with her patients and is very experienced and knowledgeable. She provided helpful insight on how to care for patients outside the appointment time by providing them with an email to contact if they have any questions as well as emailing patients a summary of the recommended management. 𝟰. 𝗔𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮, 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗽𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗷𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗽𝘁𝗼𝗺𝘀? It is a hard degree but it is worth persisting through. Make sure to surround yourself with people who will encourage and support you and think about what areas interest you that you could focus on during your career. Visit our Eastgardens store today to book an eye test with Anica! #1001Optical #1001Optometry #eyewear #eyetest #optometrist

As we enter March, I'm reminded of Endometriosis Awareness Month, and I'm excited to revisit my Senior Capstone project from my final semester at the Fashion Institute of Technology. My goal with this project was to redesign Endometriosis Foundation of America NYC Headquarters as an endo-friendly safe space for those suffering from endometriosis, where they could seek knowledge and learn techniques to manage symptoms, especially if they were unable to afford treatment or surgery. This project holds immense significance for me, as I battled the invisible illness of endometriosis while pouring my limited energy into it during long hours on campus, alongside maintaining a full-time job and internship. Post-graduation, receiving a proper diagnosis allowed me to regain some of the abilities I had lost due to the debilitating pain of endometriosis. This disease can significantly impact mobility, mental health, and overall well-being. To raise awareness and provide support, I recently launched an Instagram account to document my experiences and struggles with endometriosis; by.alyssamariie. Through sharing my journey, I aim to inspire others to seek medical assistance and remind them that they are not alone in their battle against endometriosis. Let's continue advocating for awareness and support within our society. (I wish I was able to share multiple images and videos but please enjoy the 3D rendering walk through of the space I redesigned) #endometriosis #endometriosisawareness #3ddesign #healthcaredesign #endowarrior #healthcarefacilities #pelvicfloorhealth #mentalhealthawareness

How to make the best use of college days while you can? I understand college is all fun and games and people generally do not want to work extra than what the curriculum is already making them do but if you want to stand out, you have to put in the extra effort. Start attending conferences as soon as you gain some knowledge of the subjects. And not just because it will be a good trip to Goa but do present. Participate in poster and paper presentations, winning at it is secondary but the participation itself will help you in ways you can’t even imagine. And this experience will help you during your post-graduation as well. Do as many patients as you can during your clinical postings. When your patient doesn’t come on the day of the appointment it’s the most joyous feeling but when you come out of the college and face the real scenario at clinics, that won’t be joyous. Join a private clinic during your internship. I won’t emphasise joining one during your 3rd year or final year because you won’t get to practice anyway and just looking at procedures without any theoretical knowledge won’t help a lot. Be curious to learn. There’s so much to learn in college and not everything will be spoon-fed by the professors. You have to keep asking questions until you’re satisfied with the answer. Over the past few months a lot of people have approached me on whether they should join a general dentistry fellowship programme or not after BDS so my suggestion would be, if you’ve already completed your internship and don’t feel confident then go ahead with the fellowship programme but if you’re still in college, make the most of your time. That’s what college is for, learning. #dentistry #dentallife #dentalworld #college #clinic #hardwork #knowledge

For my senior capstone project, I had the opportunity to research a potential "why" behind the United States' growing maternal mortality rate: maternity care deserts (defined as any county without a hospital or birth center offering obstetric care and without any obstetric providers). During this research experience, my objective was to explore whether there was an association between these two variables, and if this differed between regions. Despite the numerous setbacks I faced whilst researching the topic and conducting statistical analyses, these experiences have once again highlighted the frustrating yet rewarding realities of the research process. Major thanks goes to my professor and supervisor, Dr. Sylvia Rozario, for supporting me in my research endeavors. With her guidance, I was able to prepare a poster highlighting my findings--as seen below! 🙂 This is my second poster and my first time conducting statistical analyses for a research project. Altogether, I'm thankful to have taken on this topic and completed this research internship! #WomaninSTEM

Internship Opportunities for PSU Students are now open to collaborate on PUSH: Black Mamas Changing the Culture of Birth! This fall, CWL launched its Engaged Scholarship initiative, a new program that will connect and create learning pods of PSU faculty, students, and community members around consequential and mutually beneficial projects. The first project in the Engaged Scholarship series is Push: Black Mamas Changing the Culture of Birth, a theatrical piece by Roberta Hunte showcasing the inequities of Black perinatal care in Oregon. About Black Futures for Perinatal Health Project: In 2023 a working group of Black birthing people, birth workers, public policy, medical and public health professionals convened to develop core priorities of an agenda for Black maternal health in Oregon for the next 5 years. The Black Futures Initiative for Perinatal Health is a Black women-led collaboration to expand Birth Justice for Black birthing people through advocacy, research, power-building, and cultural transformation. We need a center for Black birth that is holistic, providing wrap around, culturally congruent, community care to meet perinatal and postpartum needs. We aim to build on the existing network of community-led support for families and to provide a needed anchor for this work. Gratitude to Portland State University, All Ready Network, and the Children’s Institute for funding support. 3 Project Components: ✨The establishment of a birth center ✨The passing of Momnibus legislation in the 2025 legislative session ✨Development and touring of Push: Black Mamas Changing the Culture of Birth a devised theater piece about Black maternal health experiences in US healthcare settings Learn more about the project and apply for *paid* PSU student internships at the link included here: https://lnkd.in/gfR7fNKR #internship #leadershipdevelopment #publichealth #orpol #birthequity #engagedscholarship #portlandstate

#knowyourdentist 5 I can say loudly that the best year of dental college is the internship period! (you might disagree!) Let me tell you why⬇️ ✅ you are confident enough to deal with real patients😎 ✅ you are equipped with all the knowledge needed😇 ✅ no more studies or exams (except the entrance exam for PG, if you wish for MDS)😄 ✅ finally you get a stipend (in government colleges only, mine was a government one)😍 ✅ teachers become friendly and guide you to every step😉 ✅ you are among the senior-most students in the college💪 But as they say, with freedom comes the responsibility: ▶️ you can't make mistakes as your patients are real humans🤭 ▶️ your juniors are watching you, be careful🫡 ▶️ teachers trust you now, behave responsibly🙏 ▶️ this will be the last year with your favourite people and college🥹 ▶️ finally stepping out of student life and surviving in the actual world😱 Nothing in life is permanent, everything good or bad has to come to an end! My advice: Live and enjoy every moment of college life, Kya pta phir se college (if only opt for MDS) jaane ka mauka mile na mile😜 PS: Should I make part 2 of series #knowyourdentist about the PG degree life in different dental specialities? Your honest feedback will guide me in shaping my future posts! Do comment. Do follow Dr. Pooja Siwach for daily insights on oral health! #internshiplife #bestyearofcollege #enjoystudentlife Pic credit: redbubble

Day 23 of 50: The Value of Practicing Self-Care in Speech Therapy In the journey to becoming a speech pathologist, it’s easy to get caught up in coursework, internships, and all the responsibilities that come with it. But one thing I've realized is that self-care isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s essential. The work we do can be challenging and emotionally intense, especially when working with children or individuals overcoming significant hurdles in communication. Building self-care into my routine has become a priority so that I can stay centered and bring my best self to each interaction. For me, this includes taking time to exercise, enjoy hobbies, and step away from screens when I can. Whether it’s a short walk to clear my head or making time for a creative activity, these moments help me recharge and approach my studies with a fresh mindset. I’d love to hear from other speech pathologists or students—what self-care practices keep you grounded? How do you find balance in such a rewarding yet demanding field?

Day 6/365 - Giving Chances to Others I mentioned before about letting go of opportunities, but today I want to dive deeper into what happens next—specifically, giving chances to others. This might sound a bit confusing, but bear with me. When you pass on an opportunity, it might end up with someone who isn’t the right fit. So, why not be kind and intentionally give that chance to someone who could really benefit from it? Here’s a little story from my recent internship in the Operating Theatre: On the third day, one of my peers (let’s call them "A") and I were assigned to a General Surgery (GS) operating theatre, to assist with cases such as hernia repair with mesh (a complex procedure, so I’ll leave the details for you to explore on your own 😄). My role that day was an AU nurse, while "A" was the scrub nurse. To pass our internship, each of us needed to scrub in on at least one case. "A" scrubbed for the first case, but didn’t plan to scrub for the remaining three. Before I left for lunch, I learned from the staff nurse that students might be allowed to scrub in for the last two cases. Since I had already scrubbed in, I passed this information to my clinical instructor (CI), suggesting that if any students hadn’t scrubbed yet, they could be sent in for the experience. Rather than letting "A" take all the cases or letting the opportunities slip by, I suggested giving others a chance to scrub in and meet their requirements. This is what I mean by giving chances to others. Some of you might think I took the opportunity away from "A," and that’s okay. I’m not here to seek agreement from everyone. I’m just sharing my perspective. If you disagree, it simply means we have different values, and that’s perfectly fine. We’re all on our own journeys. 😁 When passing on opportunities, be specific about who you want to give them to. Otherwise, it could be a waste. Don’t be afraid to nominate others for good opportunities if you believe they’re a good fit. But remember, don’t push opportunities on someone if it’s not their will—it can cause more harm than good. Don’t think you’re only benefiting others by doing this. Through this action, you may: 💓 Gain unexpected resources. 💓 Build stronger friendships. 💓 Increase your chances of receiving help when you need it. Help others when you can. May all be well :)