20170827 - On relaxing, reflection, and reunion

#LongFormSundays!

This week, I quickly reflect on my journey to NH for a bachelor party. I look forward to both the end of Internal Medicine and the approaching fall weather. One obstacle remains: the Shelf exam.

I hope you enjoy!

20170820 - On nights

#LongFormSundays!

This week, I reflect on the night shift. This week gifted me free time in exchange for challenges to my partnership. Overall, I feel like I ended up on top and am ready for the end of Internal Medicine.

I hope you enjoy!

20170817 - Camille Imbo On Death

Camille Imbo! Camille is a 25yo fourth year medical student, an older sister, and a black woman. I met her during a SELECT session this year and the rawness of her laugh put her on my radar. During this conversation, we discuss the importance of names and how they change identity, the politicization of blackness, the inseparable mix of purpose and potential, and the soulmate bond between herself and her grandmother.

I hope you enjoy!

Camille is…
Camille,
25,
black,
and a medical student.

Before Camille dies, she wants…
to live,
to be happy,
to love and to be loved,
and to see the world.

When Camille dies, she wants…
the people around her to be okay without her.

After Camille dies, she wants...
eternal joy,
and to hangout with Jesus.

In conclusion, Camille says...
"Figure out what matters to you, because the world throws a lot at you.

It's easy to get bogged down in thinking what you need to be, what you should be. Figuring out what you want to put out there in this world, what you can put out there, is what, at the end of the day, will get you through any type of situation."

20170813 - On time compression

#LongFormSundays!

This week, I reflect on the passage of time and the sensation that it is accelerating. Events in life and the clinic demand processing and learning, but they keep coming and I am doing my best to keep up. I don't reckon they'll slow down for my sake, so I guess I'll just buckle up.

I hope you enjoy!

20170806 - On clinical DGAF

#LongFormSundays!

This week, I reflect on a patient that I really didn't like. And she really didn't like me, either. Through this encounter, I picked up a new tool for loosening up tough patients as well as a newfound respect for the physical exam.

I hope you enjoy!

20170803 - M. Singh On Death

M. Singh! Manny is a 29yo fourth year medical student, powerlifter, and rational thinker. In this cerebral conversation, we discuss the tenets of the Sikh faith, the great waste of human potential through procrastination, and the benefits of competition toward the next steps for humanity.

I hope you enjoy!

Manny is…
hopeful,
and searching for an answer.

Before Manny dies, he wants…
to get the ball rolling,
and to see humanity advance to the next step.

When Manny dies, he wants…
nothing,
to be the kind of person who doesn’t care about how he dies.

After Manny dies, he wants…
to see humanity spread to the stars,
to see us fundamentally rewrite the laws of physics,
and for us to know everything that can be known.

In conclusion, Manny says…
“As far as my parting words, I think I’ll take a moment just to describe what my personal philosophy is and what I think the purpose of life is.”

20170730 - On change

#LongFormSundays!

This week, I reflect on change through two stories: one slam dunk and one missed opportunity. Sometimes, a shock to the system is the best medicine to stimulate change and new behaviors.

Perhaps this was mine.

I hope you enjoy!

20170723 - On a long week

#LongFormSundays!

This week, I reflect on a long week. I held one family meeting, an end of life discussion, and received some heartening feedback. Then, I look forward to the change back to outpatient medicine, rotating first with the Emergency Department.

I hope you enjoy!

20170720 - Dave Del Negro On Death

Dave Del Negro! Dave is a 26yo third year medical student, athlete, and teacher. Dave has rotated with me through Internal Medicine and teaches wrestling at our informal fight club. During this conversation, we discuss his early diagnosis of ADHD, the value of competitive American Wrestling, and the subject of suicide.

I hope you enjoy!

Dave is…
just as odd as most of them,
a student,
someone who has fleeting ideas of grandiosity,
just a competitor,
and too gritty to be bougie.

Before Dave dies, he wants…
to let Mother Earth know he’s been here,
and to accomplish a whole bunch of fun things.

When Dave dies, he wants…
to see the seventies and eighties.

After Dave dies, he wants…
an afterlife that is individualized.

In conclusion, Dave says...
“I hope someone looks back on this as a time capsule: a very interesting era of human history. We lose the ability to analyze things that happen before us. We’re so stubborn to not listen to history.”

20170719 - On the exploration of limitations

#LongFormSundays!

This week, I reflect on my limitations as I grow older and less bold. I consider what 20yo Eugene would have done after bouldering on Tuesday while planning to Spartan Race on Saturday. In the end, I accept the shoulda, woulda, couldas and sleep for twelve hours.

I hope you enjoy!

20170716 - On showing, not telling

#LongFormSundays!

This week, I reflect on two stories. First, how a series of hellos left a good impression. Second, how syrup on a short stack of pancakes reminds me of an aged son caring for a sick mother. In the end, I wrap up with some guidelines for my future.

I hope you enjoy!

20170707 - Katrina Wachter On Death

Katrina Wachter! Katrina is a 24yo third year medical student, a musician, a second Lieutenant in the US Army, and a Christian. I’ve known her since the very first days of med school as she is my peer pair partner for the SELECT program. She’s an outstanding example of a human and I am so glad to finally bring her to you. During this conversation, we discuss the value of deep breathing and journaling, her encounters with death, and her desires for a family.

I hope you enjoy! :)

Katrina is…
a ball of anxiety wrapped up in good intentions,
a musician,
a Christian,
and someone who sometimes cares too much.

Before Katrina dies, she wants...
to be married,
children,
grandchildren,
and to feel fulfilled in whatever she does.

When Katrina dies, she wants…
to be old,
and to die peacefully around loved ones.

After Katrina dies, she wants…
to be with those that passed before her in the Glory of God.

In conclusion, she says…
“Don't be afraid to ask questions. About anything: about your faith, about how something works, about life in general, about the future.

Don't be afraid to ask those questions because you're never going to learn something unless you put yourself through it. And the best way to do that is through questions.”

20170702 - On a tale of eight data points

#LongFormSundays!

This week, I reflect on the grind of Step One with the help of a few data points. Scores were finally released this past Wednesday and now that I know I passed, I can look back with some perspective on my path to a 209.

I hope you enjoy!

20170625 - On the clinical grind

#LongFormSundays!

This week, I reflect on clinical fatigue. The glamour of first week has faded and been replaced with long days and wishes for no-shows. I bombed a quiz and strive to retain some semblance of a self-care routine. Finally, I hope to recognize myself at the end of this long year.

I hope you enjoy!

20170622 - Joel Eisenberg

Joel Eisenberg! Joel is a 25yo third year medical student, a native of Florida, and lover of food. I've rotated with Joel throughout medical school and I'm excited to bring him to you. During this conversation, we discuss authenticity, how culinary school is more intense than medical school, and how his mother taught him about death.

I hope you enjoy! :)

Joel is...
currently rolling around on a bouncy ball,
and a good level hunger-wise.

Before Joel dies, he wants...
to live.

When Joel dies, he wants...
to be composted.

After Joel dies, he wants...
to be dead.

In conclusion, Joel says...
"Don't use what I just said against me in any way. I can't be held accountable for everything I say. Just, c'mon."

20170618 - On mixed findings

#LongFormSundays!

This week, I reflect upon my first week of the Internal Medicine rotation. I've encountered challenging patients, inspiring physicians, and shocking attitudes. I look forward to the start of summer this week, to mark a season of profound growth and challenge.

I hope you enjoy!

20170608 - Emily Duerr On Death

Emily Duerr! Emily is a 24yo third-year medical student, 2nd lieutenant in the US Army, and future farmer. I've known Emily since the first week of medical school and I'm excited to see where her drive takes her career. During this conversation, we discuss her Lutheran upbringing, the importance of raising chickens, and her passion for veteran's care.

I hope you enjoy! :)

Emily is...
incredibly independent,
very dedicated,
a little intense at times,
and patriotic.


Before Emily dies, she wants...
a farm with a family, Shane, dogs, chickens,
and to become the best version of herself.


When Emily dies, she wants...
to be surrounded by friends and family,
and it to not be a big sad thing.


After Emily dies, she wants...
to be remembered as a kick-ass mom.

In conclusion, Emily says...
Find what works for you and go for it.
Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do something.

 

20170604 - On slow starts

#LongFormSundays!

This week, I reflect on the first slow week of third year. The hurry-up-and-wait is very strong, but I'm enjoying it the best that I can. I meet a friend unexpectedly, in the expected place.

 Thank you.

20170529 - On quiet transitions

#LongFormSundays!

This week, I reflect on the end of my second-year-dom as I roll into third year on Tuesday. I revel in a chance to relax and reset with family and look forward to unwinding after clinic.

 Thank you.