Weekly Blog 03-28-2025

This week my biomed class had the opportunity to practice moulage in preparation for USA’s mass casualty drill. It allowed us to practice creating realistic injuries using makeup, latex, and fake blood. We learned how to simulate wounds like lacerations, gunshot wounds, and bruising to make the drill feel as authentic as possible for first responders. Seeing the final results was hilarious, mainly because I learned that I am horrible at creating fake bruises, but somehow can create gunshot wounds. We were also tasked with creating a presentation on one of the Circus of Maladies conditions, mine was on Achondroplasia. Achondroplasia is a genetic disorder that results in a form of dwarfism. It is caused by a mutation in the FGFR3 gene, which plays a role in the development of bone and cartilage. This mutation leads to abnormal bone growth, primarily affecting the limbs, causing them to be shorter than average. Individuals with achondroplasia typically have an average-sized torso but shorter arms and legs, and their facial features may include a larger head with a prominent forehead.

I also had the chance to attend a Saads Rock Steady Parkinson’s boxing class, which was both inspiring and educational. The class focused on improving strength, coordination, and balance for individuals with Parkinson’s disease through boxing-based exercises. We were able to not only observe the class, but participate in the drills as well. The combination of footwork drills, punching combinations, and conditioning exercises not only helped with physical fitness but also built confidence and community among those in the program. I may not have had gloves on, like I should have, but being taught different combinations on an actual punching bag was incredibly fun. Overall, I left Saad's with bruised hands and a new found hobby.