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B.S., M.S.
WORK SAMPLES
In compiling this portfolio, I've meticulously chosen work samples that embody my proficiency in the Medical Cannabis Science & Therapeutics (MCST) program's terminal objectives while showcasing the knowledge and skills I've acquired. These selections represent a blend of core curriculum and elective coursework, with a primary emphasis on therapeutics.
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Each sample serves as a window into my academic journey, encompassing written essays, analysis of simulated patient scenarios, responses to prompts, and presentations. Together, they offer a comprehensive snapshot of my engagement and development throughout the program.
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These pieces collectively demonstrate my dedication to mastering foundational concepts in pharmacology, pathophysiology, and clinical assessment within the realm of medical cannabis therapy. Moreover, they illustrate my adeptness in applying principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmaceutics to determine optimal dosing and administration routes. Additionally, they underscore my proficiency in crafting monitoring plans to evaluate treatment efficacy and identify potential adverse effects, as well as my nuanced understanding of the negative physical, psychiatric, and psychosocial repercussions associated with cannabis use.
Ultimately, these carefully chosen work samples serve as tangible evidence of my unwavering commitment to excellence within the field of medical cannabis science and therapeutics. They reflect my alignment with the program's objectives and demonstrate how I've successfully met my professional and academic aspirations by equipping myself with the requisite knowledge and competencies to make a meaningful impact in this dynamic field.
Regulatory Differences Between
Medical Cannabis and Other Substances
Objectives:
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Participate in health policy decision-making processes by evaluating primary literature to assist policy makers and prescribers in making well-informed decisions about medical cannabis therapy.
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Apply knowledge of historical and current laws, regulations, and policies to identify, analyze, and advocate for emerging issues related to medical cannabis and health.
Context:
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This writing sample is in response to the following prompt from MCST 601 Introduction to Medical Cannabis History, Culture and Policy: Describe at least one argument for and one argument against the prohibition of marijuana in the early decades of the 20th century. Why do you think prohibition of alcohol was repealed, but prohibition of marijuana has endured throughout the last century?
Description and Rationale:
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This piece explores the regulatory discrepancies between medical cannabis and other substances, focusing on historical prohibition's effects on patient safety and scientific research. It contrasts the lack of safety protocols during early cannabis prohibition with the repeal of alcohol prohibition due to its contribution to increased crime and the use of tax revenue to support government initiatives. With state governments now regulating cannabis consumption and taxation, there's potential for federal reform to align with these developments.
Abuse Liabilities of THC and CBD
Objectives:
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Apply knowledge of analytical toxicology methods to identify, quantify, and interpret results related to cannabinoid use and misuse.
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Describe negative physical, psychiatric, and psychosocial effects of cannabis in individuals and populations.
Context:
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This writing sample is in response to the following prompt from MCST 602 Principles of Drug Action and Cannabinoid Pharmacology:Compare and contrast the abuse liabilities of THC and CBD. Focus on research that has been done to illustrate the abuse potential of THC/CBD compared to opioids.
Description and Rationale:
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This writing delineates the abuse potentials of CBD and THC, compounds present in cannabis, while elucidating drug abuse definitions and their pharmacological effects on tolerance, dependence, and relapse. By highlighting distinctions between CBD and THC concerning their impacts on brain function and behavior, this piece informs readers about substance abuse, aiding healthcare professionals, policymakers, and individuals in making informed decisions about cannabis use. Additionally, it contributes to discussions on drug abuse, emphasizing its complexities and implications for public health and policy.
Cannabinoid Therapy in HIV
Objectives:
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Apply concepts of pharmacology, pharmacognosy, pharmaceutics, and pharmacokinetics to determine appropriate cannabis dosing, dosage forms and routes of administration for optimal treatment.
Context:
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This writing sample is in response to the following prompt from MCST 605 Advanced Therapeutics: As the new Clinical Educator for a medical cannabis company, you are asked to prepare an evidence-based article for the staff of a local HIV treatment center summarizing the current knowledge, and evidence of the potential medical use of cannabinoid therapies in patients with HIV/AIDS.
Description and Rationale:
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This piece delves into the therapeutic potential of cannabinoid therapy for managing HIV/AIDS symptoms and treatment side effects. It highlights how cannabinoids interact with the body's endocannabinoid system to alleviate common symptoms like anorexia, nausea, pain, and anxiety. By citing clinical studies, it underscores the effectiveness of cannabinoids, especially THC and CBD, in improving patients' quality of life. Moreover, it stresses the need for additional research to better understand and establish the role of cannabinoid therapy in HIV/AIDS treatment, aiming to inform healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers for evidence-based decision-making and patient care optimization.
Endocannabinoids: The Antiemetic
Objectives:
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Apply concepts of pharmacology, pharmacognosy, pharmaceutics, and pharmacokinetics to determine appropriate cannabis dosing, dosage forms and routes of administration for optimal treatment.
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Demonstrate a commitment to excellence through continuing professional development and the education and training of patients, healthcare professionals, regulatory bodies, and other relevant stakeholders.
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Identify areas for future research related to science, health effects, and policy of medical cannabis, and describe the challenges associated with such research.
Context:
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This writing sample is in response to the following prompt from MCST 605 Advanced Therapeutics: Design a presentation for dispensary employees describing the involvement of the endocannabinoid system in nausea and vomiting, and the current evidence for the role of cannabinoids in treating this condition.
Description and Rationale:
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This writing explores how endocannabinoids manage nausea and vomiting, common symptoms of conditions like viral gastroenteritis, migraine, and cancer treatment. It discusses cannabinoid interactions with the body's endocannabinoid system, focusing on CB1 and 5Ht1 receptors, and examines the efficacy of cannabinoids such as THC and CBD. It emphasizes evidence-based research in this field and provides healthcare professionals and researchers with a comprehensive understanding of endocannabinoids' antiemetic properties. It summarizes evidence from preclinical and clinical studies, informing readers about cannabinoid-based medicines' potential in nausea and vomiting management. Additionally, it highlights the need for further research to optimize cannabinoid use across various medical conditions.
Mock Patient Scenario
Objectives:
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Apply knowledge of pharmacology, pathophysiology, clinical assessment, and traditional management strategies of pain and other physical symptoms to identify appropriate candidates for medical cannabis therapy.
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Apply concepts of pharmacology, pharmacognosy, pharmaceutics, and pharmacokinetics to determine appropriate cannabis dosing, dosage forms and routes of administration for optimal treatment.
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Develop monitoring plans to determine effectiveness of medical cannabis therapy and to detect adverse effects of medical cannabis use.
Context:
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This piece is from the MCST 605 Advanced Therapeutics course. In this work sample my partner and I were tasked to create a mock patient counseling scenario for an oncology patient seeking medical cannabis therapy. We were given parameters requiring us to introduce characters like the consultant and patient, gather patient information, tailor recommendations, educate on cannabis properties and safety, schedule follow-up, document details, offer support, and ensure legal and ethical compliance throughout the process.
Description and Rationale:
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In this mock interview, I, Ashley Stafford, a clinical cannabis consultant, guide MJ, a patient seeking medical cannabis therapy, through a comfortable and non-judgmental discussion. MJ shares his health concerns and goals while I conduct a comprehensive evaluation of his symptoms, medical history, and current medications. I provide tailored recommendations for cannabis-based treatment, along with detailed explanations of products and usage instructions. Emphasis is placed on monitoring symptoms and offering ongoing support through follow-up appointments. The conversation concludes with me ensuring MJ's understanding of the treatment plan and readiness to proceed.
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The purpose of this mock interview is to document the patient consultation process in a medical cannabis setting. In doing so, healthcare professionals can gain insights into how to conduct patient assessments, develop personalized treatment plans, and educate patients on cannabis use. This interview serves as a reference for both healthcare providers and patients, facilitating informed decision-making and optimizing therapeutic outcomes.
Elevated Wellness Solutions: Patient Care Collaboration Document
Objectives:
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Apply knowledge of pharmacology, pathophysiology, clinical assessment, and traditional management strategies of pain and other physical symptoms to identify appropriate candidates for medical cannabis therapy.
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Apply concepts of pharmacology, pharmacognosy, pharmaceutics, and pharmacokinetics to determine appropriate cannabis dosing, dosage forms and routes of administration for optimal treatment.
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Develop monitoring plans to determine effectiveness of medical cannabis therapy and to detect adverse effects of medical cannabis use.
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Demonstrate a commitment to excellence through continuing professional development and the education and training of patients, healthcare professionals, regulatory bodies, and other relevant stakeholders
Context:
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The provided writing sample serves as a communication form designed to convey the essential details of the patient counseling session as part of the MCST 605 Advanced Therapeutics course. This form facilitates effective communication between healthcare providers by summarizing the patient's condition and the proposed treatment plan.
Description and Rationale:
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This Patient Care Collaboration Document outlines the medical profile, treatment goals, therapeutic recommendations, and monitoring plan for a 66-year-old male patient, MJ Doe, diagnosed with stage IV colon adenocarcinoma. It includes detailed information about the patient's symptoms, current medication regimen, treatment goals, and specific therapeutic recommendations for managing symptoms using medical cannabis. The rationale for writing this document is to provide a comprehensive plan for addressing the patient's symptoms and improving his quality of life through medical cannabis therapy, while also ensuring safety and efficacy through careful monitoring and follow-up. Additionally, it serves to facilitate collaboration between the patient, healthcare providers, and the clinical cannabis consultant.
Epilepsy Case: Evidence Based Medicine
Objectives:
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Apply knowledge of pharmacology, pathophysiology, clinical assessment, and traditional management strategies of pain and other physical symptoms to identify appropriate candidates for medical cannabis therapy.
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Develop monitoring plans to determine effectiveness of medical cannabis therapy and to detect adverse effects of medical cannabis use.
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Identify areas for future research related to science, health effects, and policy of medical cannabis, and describe the challenges associated with such research.
Context:
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This written piece is a direct response to the assignment prompt from MCST 606 Advanced Cannabis Therapeutics II. It entails following the steps of evidence-based medicine to address a client's query concerning her son. As part of the appraisal process, I evaluate an interventional trial closely aligned with the patient's condition.
Description and Rationale:
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This writing sample is an academic exercise where I apply evidence-based medicine principles to evaluate a patient case. It involves assessing therapeutic goals, considering factors influencing treatment decisions, formulating a PICO question, finding an interventional trial, evaluating trial methods, applying findings to the patient's situation, assessing intervention value, and citing relevant references.
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The rationale for writing this piece lies in the educational context of the course, aiming to develop skills in evidence-based medicine, critical thinking, and clinical decision-making related to medical cannabis therapy. It provides practical experience in analyzing patient cases, formulating research questions, locating and evaluating scientific evidence, and applying findings to clinical scenarios. This exercise helped me understand how to incorporate research evidence into clinical practice and make informed decisions about treatment options.
Cannabis Use Disorder | Instructional Design Project Proposal
Objectives:
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Participate in health policy decision-making processes by evaluating primary literature to assist policy makers and prescribers in making well-informed decisions about medical cannabis therapy.
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Demonstrate a commitment to excellence through continuing professional development and the education and training of patients, healthcare professionals, regulatory bodies, and other relevant stakeholders.
Context:
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This writing piece is derived from MCST 614 Medical Cannabis Capstone I, where the focus was on crafting instructional design projects. Identifying the DC Department of Behavioral Health as my client, I initiated the creation of a project to tackle the increasing prevalence of cannabis use disorder diagnoses alongside the legalization of cannabis in more states. Following consultations with the client, this project proposal form was developed.
Description and Rationale:
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The sample serves as a project proposal to address the need for comprehensive cannabis use disorder education at the DC Department of Behavioral Health Assessment and Referral Center. It outlines the knowledge gap amid increasing legalization and provides a timeline and plan for completing the project. This proposal establishes clear expectations and agreements between the instructional designer and the client, detailing the project's scope, objectives, and timeline for developing educational material. By providing a roadmap for development, it enhances collaboration and ensures alignment, fostering accountability throughout the project lifecycle.
Cannabis Use Disorder | Instructional Design Overview, Objectives, and Lesson Plan
Objectives:
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Apply knowledge of pharmacology, pathophysiology, clinical assessment, and traditional management strategies of pain and other physical symptoms to identify appropriate candidates for medical cannabis therapy.
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Develop monitoring plans to determine effectiveness of medical cannabis therapy and to detect adverse effects of medical cannabis use.
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Identify areas for future research related to science, health effects, and policy of medical cannabis, and describe the challenges associated with such research.
Context:
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This written piece is a direct response to the assignment prompt from MCST 606 Advanced Cannabis Therapeutics II. It entails following the steps of evidence-based medicine to address a client's query concerning her son. As part of the appraisal process, I evaluate an interventional trial closely aligned with the patient's condition.
Description and Rationale:
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This writing sample is an academic exercise where I apply evidence-based medicine principles to evaluate a patient case. It involves assessing therapeutic goals, considering factors influencing treatment decisions, formulating a PICO question, finding an interventional trial, evaluating trial methods, applying findings to the patient's situation, assessing intervention value, and citing relevant references.
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The rationale for writing this piece lies in the educational context of the course, aiming to develop skills in evidence-based medicine, critical thinking, and clinical decision-making related to medical cannabis therapy. It provides practical experience in analyzing patient cases, formulating research questions, locating and evaluating scientific evidence, and applying findings to clinical scenarios. This exercise helped me understand how to incorporate research evidence into clinical practice and make informed decisions about treatment options.
Cannabis Use Disorder | Instructional Design Booklet
Objectives:
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Apply knowledge of pharmacology, pathophysiology, clinical assessment, and traditional management strategies of pain and other physical symptoms to identify appropriate candidates for medical cannabis therapy.
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Develop monitoring plans to determine effectiveness of medical cannabis therapy and to detect adverse effects of medical cannabis use.
-
Identify areas for future research related to science, health effects, and policy of medical cannabis, and describe the challenges associated with such research.
Context:
-
This written piece is a direct response to the assignment prompt from MCST 606 Advanced Cannabis Therapeutics II. It entails following the steps of evidence-based medicine to address a client's query concerning her son. As part of the appraisal process, I evaluate an interventional trial closely aligned with the patient's condition.
Description and Rationale:
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This writing sample is an academic exercise where I apply evidence-based medicine principles to evaluate a patient case. It involves assessing therapeutic goals, considering factors influencing treatment decisions, formulating a PICO question, finding an interventional trial, evaluating trial methods, applying findings to the patient's situation, assessing intervention value, and citing relevant references.
-
The rationale for writing this piece lies in the educational context of the course, aiming to develop skills in evidence-based medicine, critical thinking, and clinical decision-making related to medical cannabis therapy. It provides practical experience in analyzing patient cases, formulating research questions, locating and evaluating scientific evidence, and applying findings to clinical scenarios. This exercise helped me understand how to incorporate research evidence into clinical practice and make informed decisions about treatment options.