During MCAT preparation, biochemistry tends to feel manageable at first, then suddenly becomes more detailed as passages start integrating concepts. It is not tested as a standalone section; instead, it appears prominently in both the Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems and the Chemical and Physical Foundations sections. The challenge is not just knowing the material, but recognizing it in experimental contexts and applying it quickly under time pressure.

In 2023, the FDA officially approved Casgevy for the treatment of sickle cell disease (SCD). This marked not only a milestone treatment for SCD but also an immense step forward in the use of genome-editing technology, setting a new precedent in the field of gene therapy. Casgevy utilizes the revolutionary CRISPR-Cas9 technology. CRISPR-Cas9 was adapted from a naturally occurring system that bacteria use as an immune defense. When infected with viruses, bacteria incorporate sm

In the weeks following childbirth, the body and mind go through rapid, overlapping changes. Hormone levels shift abruptly, sleep becomes irregular, and daily life revolves around caring for a newborn. Even in uncomplicated situations, this period requires significant psychological adjustment. As a result, emotional changes after birth are common, but not all of them signify the same thing. The two terms that are often used interchangeably are the “baby blues” and postpartum d

When a patient walks into a doctor's office, they often carry with them a mix of hope and worry. In many cases, patients find relief and regain their health. However, there are times when traditional medicine cannot provide a cure, leaving patients feeling vulnerable and uncertain. In those difficult moments, healing takes on a deeper meaning. It goes beyond just addressing physical symptoms. It involves a profound understanding of the patient's emotions and experiences. It's

Nearsightedness and farsightedness, also known as myopia and hyperopia, are both common conditions that have affected humanity since ancient times. Unlike many chronic conditions that require surgery or precise medications to treat, these refractive errors can be corrected with lenses that magnify images properly through the eyes. Because of this, we can find evidence of corrective lens usage dating back much further than many modern medical treatments.  Polished magnifying l

A young patient was referred to Johns Hopkins Hospital for a major surgery that carried a high risk of blood loss. The family, being part of the Jehovah's Witnesses, declined blood transfusions due to their religious beliefs. In many major surgeries, especially in children, blood transfusions are commonly used to address significant blood loss. However, in this case, that option was not available. Instead of viewing this as a limitation, the medical team collaborated closely

The MCAT is the most important exam for pre-med students. Preparing for it can be stressful and demanding, making it essential to prioritize your mental health. Remember, the MCAT is just one part of your pre-med journey, and your score will not determine the type of doctor you will become. During your MCAT preparation, it’s vital to create a study schedule that suits you. Many pre-med students believe they must study eight hours a day, but such a strict schedule can quickly

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide, taking approximately 17.9 million lives every year. The heart is a powerful muscle, pumping about 2 ounces of blood with each beat and beating over 3 billion times in the average lifetime. Cardiovascular disease is the umbrella term for all disorders affecting the heart or blood vessels, including conditions such as heart attack, stroke, atherosclerosis (clogged arteries), and heart valve defects.  Many

When people hear that someone wants to pursue medicine, the response is often the same. “That’s a lot.” A lot of school. A lot of stress. A lot of money. What usually goes unsaid is why so many people still choose it anyway. Medicine is not appealing because it is easy. It is appealing because it matters. It is one of the few careers where the work directly affects people every single day. Patients are not assignments or numbers. They are individuals with fears, families, and

During college, premed students believe all their activities must be related to medicine, whether through clinical hours, research, or shadowing. However, non-medical activities are equally essential for premed students. One of the most paramount benefits of engaging in non-medical activities is preventing burnout. Premed students are constantly under pressure to maintain grades and build their resumes for medical school. When students' entire identity revolves around grades

Emergency departments are often hectic and stressful places filled with patients who are uncertain and scared, and healthcare providers who are overworked and overstimulated. Some patients are in the midst of intense distress stemming from both pain and the psychological aspects of anxiety, fear, anger, or hopelessness that are associated with an emergency. The emotions involved in the interpersonal interactions between patients and healthcare providers in an emergency room p

A 32-year-old woman from Scotland presented to her primary care provider, reporting severe pelvic pain that started in her teenage years. For nearly 10 years, she had endured painful periods, daily cramps, nausea, bloating, and pain during or after sex. She often told herself that her symptoms were just “normal period pain” and did not seek medical help until her symptoms began to interfere with her daily life and activities. Over time, her menstrual cramps became so intense

The healthcare field is expanding, and certain areas within medicine are experiencing a significant increase in demand.  Psychiatrists have become essential as they play a crucial role in diagnosing, treating, and supporting patients' mental and emotional well-being. The rising demand for mental health services is driven by several factors. Increased awareness in society has led more individuals to recognize the importance of mental health, resulting in more people seeking tr

Like many of us growing up, Deena saw herself in multiple careers, ranging from a flight attendant to a WNBA player. She was born in an impoverished part of Indianapolis' west side, raised by her Arabic-speaking immigrant parents. At the age of seven, Deena's sister Nora was diagnosed with a grade I astrocytoma and recommended to St. Jude in Memphis, Tennessee, for a treatment study that consisted of daily appointments for a decade. Watching the physicians treating Nora with

Intravenous (IV) therapy is a ubiquitous part of modern medicine, with the familiar IV machine readily available and widely used throughout hospitals. Behind this technology are hundreds of years of research and discoveries by medical professionals and scientists. Our current ability to provide IV therapy to replenish various fluids and nutrients is built upon this knowledge, much of which was standardized only in the 20th century. In fact, there are still many questions surr

During your pre-medical studies, you will need to complete two semesters of Organic Chemistry. This knowledge will be crucial for the MCAT, which includes about 12 questions on organic chemistry. This being said, the best way to prepare for the MCAT is by understanding the fundamentals of organic chemistry to the degree that you can apply those concepts to any question the exam may throw at you, rather than spending valuable study time memorizing reactions.  A common misconce

Burnout rates among healthcare workers have been a persistent issue in medicine, but have intensified over the years. Approximately one in three physicians is experiencing burnout at any given time. There are persistent issues within the healthcare system that contribute to high burnout rates among healthcare workers. Burnout can cause several mental health challenges, such as anxiety, depression, and stress. Burnout is not just about individual resilience or self-care; it al

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently disseminated new information on how to combat the long-term and immediate consequences of drastic and sudden cuts to external funding, which have been interrupting the delivery of necessary health services in many countries. This new guidance information, titled “Reporting to the health financing emergency: immediate measures and longer term shifts," suggests a variety of policy options for countries to address the severe finan

The following is an interactive article focusing on a medical case study. Use the information below to deduce what medical condition the patient was experiencing. There will be options at the end, each with a brief explanation of what each condition is to help you make your diagnosis. Please post your conclusion and why you chose it in the comments. After some time has passed, the correct answer will be revealed for you to check your work! A 52-year-old woman was brought to t

Every second counts when it comes to treating blood clots. Conditions such as ischemic stroke, heart attack, and pulmonary embolism occur when blood flow is suddenly blocked. Timely removal of these clots can mean the difference between life and death. One of the main treatments involves using tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), a drug that dissolves clots by converting plasminogen into plasmin. However, tPA breaks down within minutes in the bloodstream and can trigger severe