Medical Research Intern at Berkeley Pharama Tech (2021)

 

As an intern on the Reversal of the Biological Clock team, I developed a research project with three other members. We held weekly meetings to discuss critical genetic and environmental impacts on human aging to choose a research direction. The product was a 15-page grant proposal suggesting a low-dose Metformin treatment for sarcopenia patients. Our work further defines the clinical problem and theoretically, strengthens the relationship between the mTOR gene pathways and aging. I cultivated my self-discipline skills as I spent hours scouring relevant literature and engaging in technical writing. More importantly, I built up my confidence and therefore delivered my ideas more coherently.

 

Medical Assistant at Happiness Pediatrics Clinic (2020-2021)

During the peak of the pandemic, I began working as a medical assistant at Happiness Pediatrics. To accommodate the local community, I had spent additional time learning medical terminology in Cantonese and Mandarin. In a rapidly changing environment, I had to think on my feet to address difficult situations, physically and mentally. It was fascinating to witness the growth that newborns experience and developmental milestones that they reach. As a medical assistant, I also listened to the challenges that our patients and their family encountered: unable to develop skills such as smiling for the first time, taking the first step, and speaking the first word. Although every child’s pace differs, it is crucial we identify the developmental delay and connect families to the appropriate help to ensure normal social, emotional, cognitive, and communicative development.