Another project's aim was to image cortical activity of genetically mutated mice. A final example is a project with the aim of developing an entirely novel technique that would allow for ultra-high resolution imaging of quantitative blood flow changes within the depth of the cortex. Overall, after my time as a graduate student in the Medical Scientist Training Program, I have become skilled in scientific techniques. In third and fourth year of medical school I have gained more pragmatic experiences with human illness and therapeutic intervention. I was both moved and saddened by my Neurology rotation, where I realized that compared to other medical specialties, many illnesses such as Alzheimer's disease, not only have no cure, but have poorly defined standard practice parameters.
Neurology is a field that presents many opportunities for research and clinical innovation.
The development of more clinical applications for functional brain imaging. The development of novel therapeutic interventions for neurological afflictions. For example, the delivery of drugs across the blood brain barrier to specific regions of the brain, may be feasible via techniques of Interventional Neuroradiology using novel pharmaceutical compounds. Such a technique may be helpful for both acute and chronic diseases such as stroke, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease. Ultimately I hope to be part of the introduction of such novel modes of treatment for the care of neurological patients.