Human Practices Overview

Our human practice initiative consists of three main parts. First, we have launched a public campaign as a part of our human practice in order to give information on MRSA to the general public: the information include what is MRSA, what causes it, how people got infected, what are the symptoms and what are the available treatments. We have developed information booklet and distributed it on streets, by visiting schools and nursing homes. All members have tried best to let as many people as possible know the threat of MRSA.

Secondly, we have participated in the efforts of hospitals and clinics in their efforts of preventing hospital infection. We interviewed doctors of hospitals and got valuable observation on the management of MRSA infection control system and vividly realized the seriousness of the possibility of the infection. We have talked to nurses and doctors to awaken the surroundings and ask them not to forget necessary procedures. Many hospitals in Korea have infection control regime equivalent CDC in the states of but not all medical staff, especially non-professional staff such as caregivers and cleaning workers does not have sufficient chance to be informed. We focused on those people and explained on MRSA and the prevention measure against it.

Our public awareness efforts include promotion of iGEM. Enhancing interests among high school students in iGEM will lead to their realization of value of human life and well being and social responsibility of scientists.

All members of Elan Vital have participated in the three activities in principle. However, for the effective management of the project, we have formed sub-groups and allocated individual tasks to each member. We have conducted planned tasks alone and together depending on the situations.