Devore 3B 

Weekly Progress Blog for 1/7-1/13 

 
Monday 1/7: ​Today I received a message from my mentor, Dr. Reeder, about an upcoming court 
case this week that she felt would be valuable for me to observe. I replied with my availability 
and let her know that I would love to come watch. I also got the second part of my two-step TB 
test which I need in order to submit the application to be an official observer at Children’s 
health.  
 
Tuesday 1/8: T ​ oday I received an update on the case and when Dr. Reeder would be testifying. 
Although I was unable to come today I made the necessary arrangements with the attendance 
office to come on Wednesday.  
 
Wednesday 1/9: ​Today was able to go to the Collin County Courthouse to observe yet another 
part of Dr. Reeder’s diverse career. I observed the defenses’ expert witness testimony both in 
front of the jury, and without. This would be the last testimony, but closing arguments still 
needed to be made and the jury still needed time to deliberate, so the case would run on 
another day. Fortunately, I was able to get permission from my first period teacher to attend 
the closing arguments early in the morning.  
 
Thursday 1/10: ​Today I was able to see the closing arguments for the case on both sides. I was 
not able to be present to find out the jury’s decision however Dr. Reeder updated me on this 
later.  
 
Friday 1/11: T​ oday I completed my Evidence of Learning for this week over my second mentor 
visit that I went on back in December. On this day I was able to sit in on case report reviews that 
Dr. Reeder did with other medical students.  
 
Saturday 1/12 & Sunday 1/13:​ Over the weekend I decided to make drastic improvements on my 
display board because I was not happy with the way my first board warped upon painting it. I 
also came up with ideas for props to put in front of my board for a more dynamic display. In 
addition, I made the necessary adjustments to my physical portfolio and bought the correct 
dividers to be ready for showcase.  
 
Reflection: I​ was so happy to have the opportunity to attend court this week with Dr. Reeder. 
This was one part of her job that I have been very intrigued by from the start. She testifies on 
cases often which is quite unique to the Child Abuse specialty. Doctors and court usually have a 
negative connotation because it is most often related to malpractice. Malpractice has nothing 
to do with Dr. Reeder’s job. It was so interesting to see the whole process of court and watch 
the testimony. This week I am also very pleased that I was able to redo my display board and be 
more confident in what I will put out for showcase.  
 
Action/Goals:  
● Put last minute finishing touches on my board/portfolio 
● Be able to confidently tell people about my topic and research thus far in ISM at Winter 
Showcase