Children’s National Hospital – Dep of Pain Medicine & Anesthesiology
My first day at Children’s National Hospital was chaotic from the start. Despite waking up at 4 am, an hour before I needed to leave, time slipped away as I struggled with last-minute decisions.
The Morning Rush
Last Monday, as I debated what to do with my hair for the week, I fell into a bout of analysis paralysis. Finally, I decided to twist out my coils and add some product, leaving my hair wet as I rushed out the door. With a snack packed in my backpack, I began the 30-mile journey to the hospital. The drive was surprisingly smooth, likely due to the national holiday reducing traffic.
Upon arrival, I was relieved to find ample parking, unlike my visit the previous week to the NIH Bethesda campus, which was like a secluded kingdom of scientific innovation surrounded by a moat of poor road construction. The $16 parking fee was a shock, however. Determined to find a more affordable option, I quickly parked, knowing I would search for a free spot later.
Navigating the Hospital
Walking up from the underground parking lot, I saw two energetic physicians chatting, which puzzled me, given the early hour. I proceeded to check in, where the front desk staff were kind but somewhat confused about my observer status. After some back-and-forth and checking emails, I received the necessary instructions to head to the OR.
The elevator system was a surprise, operated by a tablet rather than buttons. After a minor mishap, I found my way to the OR, greeting nurses and doctors along the way. My initial challenge was finding the charge nurse for my scrubs, which led to a bit of a wild goose chase.
Securing the Scrubs
The charge nurse redirected me to the front desk, who then sent me to security. During this quest, I met several people outside the department, hoping these connections would benefit me in the coming days. A security guard, listening to gospel music, led me to the linen room where I finally found the right scrubs with the help of the linen room operator.
With my scrubs in hand, I prepared for my upcoming shadowing days in various hospital departments. I left the hospital, paid for my parking, and searched for a free spot for future visits.
The charge nurse redirected me to the front desk, who then sent me to security. During this quest, I met several people outside the department, hoping these connections would benefit me in the coming days. A security guard, listening to gospel music, led me to the linen room where I finally found the right scrubs with the help of the linen room operator.
I left with my scrubs on, paid for parking, and sought to discover free parking in preparation for my upcoming shadowing.
Settling In
I headed to a nearby coffee shop, Creative Grounds DC, known for its blueberry muffins. Unfortunately, they were out, but their chocolate chip muffin was a decent substitute. I settled in to work, reflecting on the day’s adventures and anticipating the week ahead at Children’s National Hospital. For more, search “An Ultimate Confirmation” for my daily recounting.
National Institutes of Health – NCATS Stem Cell Translational Laboratory
This Monday marked the beginning of an exciting chapter in my life as I embarked on my research journey at the Stem Cell Translational Laboratory (SCTL) at the National Institutes of Health’s Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS).
The Journey Begins
The day started at Uncle Julio’s in Woodbridge, where I was onboarding and learning about the company’s brand, mission, and history. Before heading to Rockville, I had to quickly stop at home to grab a lock for my brother’s e-bike, which he had left unsecured. Navigating heavy traffic and taking a wrong exit stressed my drive, but a quick call to my PI, David Castellano, eased my worries.
Upon arriving at the Alexandria campus for Life Sciences, I was momentarily confused by the road construction (it looks like both NIH campuses had deplorable road conditions) and the presence of other biotech companies like RegenX. However, David’s precise directions led me to the right spot. Though typical from the outside, the buildings were surrounded by green spaces that enhanced the location’s ambiance. David greeted me at the courtyard entrance of Building C, and we began.
Inside the Laboratory
David and I hit it off immediately, bonding over our family backgrounds, academic journeys, hobbies, and Christian faith. As a new father, David spoke about balancing work and family life, a struggle made easier with the help of his and his wife’s parents. His stories about playing in a multi-generational pickleball team and his love for music resonated with me (particularly bossa nova and jazz), as did our friendly argument over who would pay for lunch.
Our tour of the SCTL was nothing short of awe-inspiring. The state-of-the-art equipment, reminiscent of the tools I first encountered in TJ’s Prototyping Lab, filled me with wonder. From CNC mills and routers at TJ to specialized devices for cell examination among tens of millions in other specified equipment, the sheer scale of SCTL’s resources was impressive. David’s passion for his work was evident as he introduced me to various equipment and protocols.
Meeting the Team
When we walked back to the building, David introduced me to his colleagues, including Carlos Tristan, the director of the SCTL, and Vukasin Jovanovic, who played a key role in helping David acclimate to the lab’s resources. Meeting these accomplished researchers, whose papers I had read, was exhilarating; their dedication and support reinforced my excitement about joining the team.
David explained various equipment, including his solo-rigged single-neuron electrode apparatus for measuring electrical activity in sensory cells. He explained the differentiation protocol for sensory stem cells and discussed ongoing projects, such as creating organoid models and studying protein pathways for rare diseases. The complexity and significance of his work at SCTL was thrilling – I left excited to start walking come next Monday.
Reflecting on My Purpose in the Lab
Throughout the day, David and I discussed the importance of finding one’s purpose and passion. Like many friends, he could have pursued an MD but chose a path aligned with his heart. His advice resonates deeply with me as I embark on my pathway into regenerative medicine.
This day at SCTL was just the beginning. Over the coming months, I look forward to delving deeper into my research, learning from these brilliant minds, and contributing to the groundbreaking work at the lab.
Stay Connected
For more about my experiences and ongoing journey, visit the research submenu. I’ll be sharing weekly updates about my research, insights, and the connections I make to guide other ambitious students as they strive for opportunities to fulfill their goals. Join me as I navigate this exciting path and work towards a future where regenerative medicine transforms lives from the macro (global health)- and micro (basic science)- scale.