20171109 - Christina G On Death

Christina G! Christina is a 26yo future surgeon, former Christian, and current leader. She spoke at the Student Clinician's Ceremony that kicked off my third year of medical school, and ever since then I've been itching to sit down with her. In this conversation, we discuss her complicated relationship with a Christian faith, the separation of a cash register, and the importance of integrity.

I hope you enjoy!

Christina is...
a future surgeon,
and a female.

Before Christina dies, she wants...
to make an impact on the people around her.

When Christina dies, she wants...
to be content,
to not be alone,
and to be successful.

After Christina dies, she wants...
the other people in her life to be okay.

In conclusion, Christina says...
"Be true to yourself and recognize what your values are. Become self-aware of what those values are and to hold onto those things.

Hopefully those values are good values.

And don't let anybody shake those values from you."

20171105 - On giving thanks

#LongFormSundays!

This week, I reflect on my life and give thanks. Life is wacky and keeps moving me forward, and sometimes it is nice to resist the flow to be thankful for what you have.

I hope you enjoy!

20171029 - On Death, revisited

#LongFormSundays!

This week, I reflect On Death, my interview series. A few conversations with friends have been ringing in my ears after learning about Alana Posluszny, a previous interviewee and her struggle to live after a catastrophic car accident. Her friends and family put into perspective the value of this project.

I hope you enjoy!

---

Please consider donating to Alana’s GoFundMe to help allay the costs associated with such a prolonged and demanding hospital admission.

Thank you.

https://www.gofundme.com/2dszx99c

20171026 - Cat Thomas On Death

Cat Thomas! Cat is a 32yo expressive arts facilitator, a multi-modal artist, as well as a feline and canine caretaker. I met Cat through a network of lovely humans and she happened to work at Moffitt Cancer Center, next to my University of South Florida medical education. There, she facilitates a therapeutic expressive arts experience for caregivers and patients. During this conversation, we cover her journey to this work, her adventures in grandma's forest, and why she wants to die at 103.

I hope you enjoy!

Cat is...
an artist-in-residence,
and a proud dog owner.

Before Cat dies, she wants...
the field of expressive arts to be widely known,
and kids at some point.

When Cat dies, she wants...
a lot of people to come to her funeral,
for it to be a big party,
to be 103,
and to be active up until she dies.

After Cat dies, she wants...
to leave behind a legacy.

In conclusion, Cat says...
"Everyone: keep doing what you're doing.
Fight for what you think is right.
I just hope that everyone finds a passion and a purpose for what they're doing in life cause it makes life a lot better. I have found mine, finally. Taken a while, kind of meshing a lot of things together. It's good.
That is my hope for everyone and humanity."

20171022 - On a letter from past self and to future self

#LongFormSundays!

This week, I reflect on a letter I wrote to myself one year ago and that I needed dearly. Additionally, I write another letter to future Eugene. Hopefully, I find it useful.

I hope you enjoy :)

20171015 - On my love for the physical exam

#LongFormSundays!

This week, I reflect on my inpatient neurology week and my love for the physical exam. Neurology seems to draw many potential psychiatrists, and I suspect the physical exam is a major reason why.

I hope you enjoy :)

20171012 - Sudhir M. On Death

Sudhir M! Sudhir is a 25yo third-year medical student, Indian who grew up in America, and part farmer. I met Sudhir during the first days of medical school and I am glad that he is rotating with me throughout this year of clerkships. During this conversation, we discuss his Hindu upbringing, his interest in Interventional Radiology, the case of “Jim”, and the rapid change we’ve already seen and anticipate in the world going forward.

I hope you enjoy!

Sudhir is…
an Indian who grew up in America
part farmer
part medical professional
and part human

Before Sudhir dies, he wants…
kids,
and to do a little bit of good in this world.

When Sudhir dies, he wants…
his family to not sit there crying over him.

After Sudhir dies, he wants…
to be remembered like his great-grandfather.

In conclusion, Sudhir says…
“Don’t be a huge dick.

I believe in the Golden Rule: we all want to be treated with respect and I think you should treat everyone with respect. Everyone’s a human being with their own emotions and insecurities. Just treat everyone with respect. Be nice. Keep moving forward. You never know what’s going to happen in life. It’s unpredictable and I think the best thing you can do is try to put a smile on other people's’ faces as best you can, each day.”

20171008 - On "Jim"

#LongFormSundays!

This week, I reflect on a death that I've been long awaiting. Through "Jim", I discuss the limits of modern medicine and the line between ethics, the right to die, and our self-sovereignty.

I hope you enjoy :)

20171001 - On the chaos of life

#LongFormSundays!

This week, I reflect on the past few weeks with a 20min unload on the keyboard. I wrote this piece in on stream-of-consciousness ramble and hope that it conveys my current mindspace. Life is one long tumble and sometimes I forget to reflect. Here is one long rumble of a reflection.

I hope you enjoy :)

20170928 - Scott H On Death

Scott H! Scott is a 28yo third year medical student, 2nd LT in the United States Army, and follower of Jesus Christ. Additionally, Scott serves as the man behind the curtain for this podcast, editing and adjusting the recordings in post-production. During this heady conversation, we discuss a rational belief in faith, his service-based approach to selecting his church communities, and why you shouldn’t bury gold.

I hope you enjoy!

Scott is…
a sinner saved by the grace of God alone,
and a follower of Jesus.

Before Scott dies, he wants…
to share the gift of the gospel to all who will hear it.

When Scott dies, he wants…
to hear “well done, good and faithful servant.”

After Scott dies, he wants…
others to not feel bad.

In conclusion, Scott says…
"Seek the truth.

Going back to the scripture, Matthew 7 & 8, Jesus says, "Ask and it will be given to you. Seek and you will find. Knock and the door will be opened."

If God exists, then he will see that you are seeking the truth and will present that truth to you.

If you are seeking it."

20170924 - On family reunions

#LongFormSundays!

This week, I quickly reflect on a trip to NYC. I wrote this post on my phone and boy does it show!

I hope you enjoy :)

20170917 - On holes of the heart

#LongFormSundays!

This week, I mourn the loss of a new, old friend. May his garbage be piled high, his bathtubs always wet, and his meows always droning.

I love you Frank.

20170914 - Nic Werbeckes On Death

Nic Werbeckes! Nic is a 26yo fourth year medical student, recovering Catholic, and thinker. I met Nic when he presented on mindfulness during my first year orientation and I’ve been quietly waiting to interview him since the inception of this podcast. He does not disappoint! During this heady conversation, we discuss the dance between chaos and order, the importance of harmony, and the impact of his grandfather’s death.

I hope you enjoy!

Nic is…
the process of discovery that my consciousness is experiencing,
a balance of chaos and order,
and a being within a biological system.

Before Nic dies, he wants…
to find harmony
and to help others do the same.

When Nic dies, he wants…
to be okay with it,
and to look back.

After Nic dies, he wants…
curiosity to continue.

In conclusion, Nic says…
“Continue to see, in yourself, growth in areas you’d like to see yourself grow.”

20170910 - On taking aim

#LongFormSundays!

This week, I reflect on the start of Neuro/Psych and my practice of archery. I recount a few clinical experiences so far in the neurology and psychiatry clinics. Finally, I explain why I've begun to shoot arrows everyday.

I hope you enjoy!

20170903 - On emotional triage

#LongFormSundays!

This week, I reflect at length on my Internal Medicine rotation. I journal on each inpatient and outpatient experience, ending with some retrospective philosophizing on emotional triage.

I hope you enjoy!

20170831 - Lucy Horton On Death

Lucy Horton! Lucy is a 72yo hippy, an activist, and an entrepreneur. I met Lucy through an attending physician, Dr. Dehoff, and I am glad to bring her perspective to the podcast. During this conversation, we discuss her cross country ramblings as a young hippy, her 15yrs on a commune in Vermont with 18 other people, joining an Episcopal Church because she wanted to attend school on Sundays, and serving as a volunteer escort for women’s health clinics.

I hope you enjoy!

Lucy is…
an old hippy,
entrepreneurial,
a singer,
and a cook.

Before Lucy dies, she wants…
recreational marijuana to be legalized everywhere.

When Lucy dies, she wants…
to donate her body to science.

After Lucy dies, she wants…
to leave a legacy endowment,
and to have a fun memorial service.

In conclusion, Lucy says…
“Don’t be like me! But do gain as many basic physical skills as you can. Things you can do with your hands. Things you can make.”

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!