Teen diagnoses her own illness in Science class
Posted on 2009 under Special Topics | 2 Comments11 Jun
Teen Jessica Terry, with training from pathologists and resources from her high school science class, discovered a clear indication that she had Crohn’s disease, a serious intestinal disorder. She had been symptomatic for a long time, but had not had a clear indication until she discovered a granuloma, or inflamed tissue, in her own tissue slides.
Congrats to Jessica for being an empowered teen as well as an empowered patient, and dilligently studying to discover what her illness was. Thanks so much to teacher Mary Margaret Welch for supporting this project in class, and using a real-life situation like Terry’s illness to study pathology. Thanks also to the pathologists who gave Terry her slides, and trained her class to look at the cells.
While Jessica’s diagnosis is serious, she and her classmates will never forget what they learned about science and how it can really affect and help a person’s life. I predict several of her classmates will explore careers in science and medicine as a result of their hands’ on experience.
Here is the link to the story on CNN: Teen diagnoses her own illness in science class
by Rafer, on June 12 2009 @ 12:35 pm
i can’t believe this article in its entirety because there is no legal way for her to obtain her own intestinal tissue sample.
also, it isn’t fair to go guns-a-blazin’ towards a law suit against doctors if you are honestly just trying to find a way to make money by completely discrediting people who are STILL saving lives every day.
look, doctors are still human, and certain diseases are incredibly hard to detect. don’t get me wrong, i commend the student’s eye. however, our nation’s doctors are ALL certified to provide the best care. doctors, especially residents, get overworked, too, and until the country provides more doctors to take care of the overflow, there will still be mistakes
by susiethegeek, on June 12 2009 @ 5:53 pm
I didn’t see a mention of a lawsuit when I ready it before- if there was one, I missed it. I was simply crediting the teacher, pathologist and student for working together to learn about pathology, and it had a good results in Jessica discovered her condition. We all know pathologists are often overworked, and everyone can use a little help at times.
I think everyone deserves credit for coming together, and I hope there isn’t a lawsuit or punishment in this situation. I think that these kids will remember this experience, and be more interested in the sciences because of their personal experience.