Weekly Report (08/21-09/4)

Heading into my second year of Independent Study and Mentorship, and I incredibly excited and ready to take on everything the year throws at me. I am fortunate enough to be able to continue my mentorship under the incredible Dr. John Mansour, Chief of Surgical Oncology at UTSW Medical Center. I am especially excited because I believe it will be very beneficial to already have an established relationship with Dr. Mansour, and as soon as I turn 18 I will be able to visit the operating rooms at Clement's University Hospital, an opportunity I've been hoping for since the beginning of this journey. This will allow me to further my education in the field of surgical oncology because I will be able to experience, much more personally, the surgeries that Dr. Mansour and I often discuss in clinic. The opportunity to watch him operate will also continue to grow me, as I will be able to visit on a more regular basis and will be able to watch the whole procedure. There is also the possibility of getting my writing published in a medical journal, an honor and a huge accomplishment. Although this is my last year in the ISM program, I know that it will be incredibly beneficial and teach me things that I will value far beyond my years in high school.