Galen once said, “The physician is only nature’s assistant.” Words mark the path of every medical student, doctor, and specialist as it’s a noble profession, putting us in the service of those in need, stricken by ailments and disease. Medicine and the workings of the human body have long been the obsession of well-minded individuals who strive for perfection and have an innate desire to help and be of help. Since ancient times, we’ve come a long way in understanding sickness, microbes, what causes disease, and profound discoveries (such as penicillin) that cured once seemingly deathly infectious diseases. Those who seek to become doctors soon understand the importance of “lector et emergo” as we emerge from the struggles and obstacles we face while navigating the complexity of human anatomy for the better good of the world.
If you, like many, seek to emerge and walk in the footsteps of Galen, Vesalius, Hippocrates, Al-Zahrawi, and others, the essay below will discuss some interesting courses you can choose and enroll in the quest for knowledge transcending the decades to come.
Anatomy and Physiology
Though challenging, studying the human body, its structure and function, fundamental principles, inner workings of the smallest little organism we are composed of, and more can be rewarding and an excellent career path for the future. Both courses take a deep dive into the intricacies of the human body, covering a broad range of topics from organ systems and cellular biology to basic physiological processes. Courses in anatomy and physiology provide you with the groundwork necessary to grasp the medical field and later on become an expert in a specific field. But first, let us distinguish and explain the basic differences between the two.
Simply said, anatomy is a medical field that refers to the internal and external structures of the body (muscles, bones, tissues, ligaments, tendons, organs, etc.) and their close physical relationship, while physiology refers to the study of the functions of those structures. Both fields are practically inseparable in a wider context, so whichever course you enroll in will give you a good understanding of both at some point.
Medical Terminology
Have you ever wondered what specific terms mean and what they tell you about your health and condition when getting back the doctor’s results from your last examination? Usually, we need the help of medical professionals to decipher the complex terminology in front of us and tell us the “ highlights” in a more comprehensible way.
The field of medical terminology is a vast landscape. If you choose to enroll in some of the courses, you’ll equip yourself with the language of medicine, making it possible for you to communicate effectively within a healthcare setting. A solid understanding of terminology is indispensable for navigating the complexities of the wider medical field, including as nowadays technology is an inseparable part of the medical field. We could dedicate a whole essay on these courses alone and their relation to your future career choice, as the medical field is becoming the ambition of many tech-driven individuals who seek to somehow merge their passion for everchanging technological advancements and their love for caring and helping others by curing them. Medical billing and coding courses can also be on your list of choices, but without making too much of a digression, it’s safe to say that the field of medical terminology does it all. It gives you, most of all, the proficiency to enhance documentation, patient care, and collaboration among healthcare teams.
Introduction to Pharmacology
Usually, the term BIG PHARMA has a negative connotation for many as, through the years, the widespread misinformation, lack of proper knowledge about pharma research, and the idea that the capitalist narrative found its way into medicine created a stigma around pharmacology. Yet, enrolling in these courses gives you a chance to understand it a lot better, as the study of drugs and their effects on a living organism is the reason why we have vaccines, pills, and many other therapies, making it possible for many to live their life despite being struck by ailments.
The course teaches you about principles of drug actions, drug classification, mechanisms of action, and pharmacokinetics. Understanding all these is crucial for general healthcare and lowers the risk of adverse drug reactions.
Medical Ethics and Professionalism
I shall do by my patients as I would be done by; shall obtain consultation whenever I or they desire; and so it goes, the doctor s oath every healthcare provider takes while embarking on the journey of helping and caring for others. Ethical considerations are a paramount and fundamental principle of medical practice. These courses dive into the intricate dilemmas of patients rights, confidentiality, professional conduct, and more. Believe us, the courses foster ethical awareness and critical thinking. Why does it matter? As a doctor, the number of you’ll encounter in your clinical practice can be staggering. You’ll have to make decisions based not only on intuition but also on your understanding of what is “right or wrong” in a medical setting.
Pathophysiology
In short, this specific field in medicine gives you an understanding of how certain functional changes happen in the body and are affected by disease. The courses give you a great examination of how these function on a micro level, how they operate within the body, and what kind of changes they trigger, and you’ll understand the progression and manifestation of diseases.
Medical Microbiology
Last but not least, medical microbiology courses are specifically constructed around microorganisms and their importance to our health and overall well-being. This field explores the diverse world of microorganisms, from bacteria to viruses and fungi. The field offers you several career opportunities, and the courses cover the groundwork and basics you’ll need later on.
The courses will allow you to become proficient in medical microbiology and the study of microbial pathogens, antimicrobial resistance, and more.
Why consider enrolling in these courses? Why even go into the medical field? That’s something you’ll have to ask before even considering a medical career, but the courses themselves give you a comprehensible groundwork of the different fields that comprise the complex landscape of medicine.
