Assignment 12: Essential Question

My essential question:

What aid can children receive to decrease the symptoms associated with Pitt-Hopkins Syndrome?

1. I selected this essential question because at CHOA I am working with a little girl with Pitt-Hopkins syndrome. This particular patient spoke to me, and is my most enjoyable patient to help my mentor with during my hours. I personally am interested in this syndrome because it does so much to the body, and there is so little that is discovered about it. Through different perspectives the patient I work with will get the best physical therapy to help her get to her full potential. Watching this patient improve from just a week of PT, inspires me to continue with this patient. I would love to see how much improvement she makes by the end of my mentorship.

2. Finding the answer to this essential question will allow me to look further for the accomplishments that the patient I work with will achieve. She as already progressed so much and I can't wait to see how much further she can go! Learning the ways to help a child with this syndrome will better my education, and be able to be more active with my mentor and the patients. Along with this patient, this research will point me into the right direction of what field of medicine I would like to study. I am very curious with how much this syndrome can be "broken" with the help of medicine. Through my mentorship I have only see the tip of the iceberg, and I want to know more exercises that can help children with this syndrome.

3. I do believe this topic gives my motivation to learn more because I am so excited every time I get to work with this particular patient. I want to learn as much as I can to be able to given suggestions, or to help my mentor in the most effective way. I have only seen a small amount of exercises that help this patient with walking, standing, and throwing a ball. I am certain there are so many more exercises that will help children like her that I have yet to see yet. It amazes me of how much the same exercises improve her mobile ability. I want to learn about the ways medicine will help her when she gets older going into her life.