
We talked about the two concurrent projects that are taking place. I will be focusing my efforts on the development of an App for Crohn's patients to help them communicate with their doctor. When it comes to Chronic patients, the goal for the healthcare system is not necessarily to "cure" but instead, achieve the highest possible quality-of-life. This app will help doctors and patients reach this state together.
My father is a pediatric gastroenterologist and I have been familiar with Crohn's disease my entire life. In fact, this past Sunday I walked in a fundraiser with The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America, an organization that is working towards a cure of Crohn's and Colitis . With this background, I knew the basic biology behind Crohn's disease, but I never familiarized myself with its symptoms. I took time during my "orientation" reading up on Inflammatory Bowel Disease and the differences between Ulcerative Colotis and Crohn's Disease. I tried to leave no stone unturned, from link after link, and wikipedia page to wikepdia page, so I could understand what I have become involved with. These diseases are debilitating in ways that are unfair to those that have it. Knowing I am working to give Crohn's patients the ability of a normal life will serve as it's own motivation throughout the next couple of months.
Familiar with the effects of Crohn's, I moved on to read materials that Dr. Atreja shared with me concerning the progress of the App thus far. I have joined this team at a great time. A beta version of the app already exists and a plan to develop it further is already in place. I am tasked with educating myself in "User Interface" or put simply-App and web design. This project will only work if people are willing to use it and people will only be willing to use it if it takes no effort. The process must be natural and I am tasked to make sure that this is the case.
By the end of yesterday I had better understanding of where the project is now and what the goals are for the future. The knowledge of what I am involved with has made me excited to jump into it-the more I learn, the more I want to do! First day = great day and I am headed for a summer of learning, personal development and I hope, some fun.