Download File - laleh pandole

From the 30th of April to the 8th of May I worked as a research intern at the
Genetics and Assisted Reproduction lab at Jaslok hospital. My job entailed
observing the experiments and procedures taking place and analyzing the
genetic karyotypes to come up with a diagnosis.
I worked under several doctors who made a conscious effort to teach and explain
every procedure they did and welcomed questions regularly.
On the first day after meeting the doctors I was to work with, I was given a
medical genetics journal to read in order to familiarize myself with the
intricacies of the procedures and the science behind them for a better
understanding.
The following day I watched as doctors compiled the reports and analysis into a
karyotype chart to display the chromosome defect and the various images of the
sample taken. The lab studied three types of samples: amniotic fluid to diagnose
pre-natal diseases ,blood and bone marrow for detection of cancer or inheritance
of a genetic trait. In order to study each fluid, different chemical tests were
performed to prepare a solution along with the fluid from which a slidewas
prepared to study under the microscope.
The lab performed 2 kinds of diagnostic tests for example, the karyotype chart
(artificial arrangement of chromosomes according to similar size and shape)
used for accurately showing the patient how their defect affects the chromosome
and the region affected as each chromosomal defect causes a different disease.
FISH testing (Fluorescence In Situ hybridization) is another method of testing. It
involves adding a probe to the sample and testing it under the microscope.
Observing specific colour markers indicate a particular disease.
Once I was acquainted with the equipment and procedures I was able
understand their duties better and even managed to study a leukemia sample of
a 19 year old boy and a pre-natal amniotic fluid sample of a high risk down’s
syndrome fetus.
Apart from my daily work at the lab I also visited the IVF ( In-Vitro Fertilization)
lab and observed two procedures. The first step in IVF is when an embryo is
cultured for 5 days using maternal and paternal egg and sperm samples and then
implanted into the uterus for fertilization. I was fortunate and had a chance to
see both the culturing process and the insemination process.
I thoroughly enjoyed the days I spent at the hospital. This internship further
ignited my curiosity for biology and medical research and taught me a lot not
only about the subject I enjoy but also helped me gain valuable skills such as
patient care and people skills.