Columns

Benjamin Popokh Benjamin Popokh (3 Posts)

Contributing Writer

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

Benjamin is a first-year family medicine resident in Fort Worth, Texas. In 2021, he graduated from UT Austin (Hook 'Em!) with a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and Bachelor of Science and Arts in Biology. In his free time, he enjoys running, reading, medical etymology and all things outdoors. After graduating residency, Benjamin would like to pursue a career in rural Family Medicine, with an additional year of training in Obstetrics.




Tales Behind the Terms: Newborn Skin Rashes

Published by Benjamin Popokh

Medical Etymology: Tales Behind the Terms is a series of articles discussing the stories, origins, and meanings of words we use every day in medicine. The goal is to explore the history of the complex jargon we use with patients and learners. In doing so, I hope that we, as physicians-in-training, can deliver better healthcare that is understandable and memorable for all. Newborn skin rashes are incredibly common, and while some may appear concerning, most are …

Tales Behind the Terms: Measles

Published by Benjamin Popokh

Medical Etymology: Tales Behind the Terms is a series of articles discussing the stories, origins, and meanings of words we use every day in medicine. The goal is to explore the history of the complex jargon we use with patients and learners. In doing so, I hope that we, as physicians-in-training, can deliver better healthcare that is understandable and memorable for all. Measles is an infection most likely derived from the Middle English “masel”, meaning …

Tales Behind the Terms: Rickets

Published by Benjamin Popokh

Medical Etymology: Tales Behind the Terms is a series of articles discussing the stories, origins and meanings of the words we use every day in medicine. The goal is to explore the history of complex jargon used with patients and learners. In doing so, I hope that we, as physicians in training, will be able to deliver better health care that can be understood and remembered by all. Rickets is a childhood condition that is …

Traditional South Asian Dance: A Medium to Understand the Illness Experience

Published by Mili Dave

In disease and in health, our bodies tell stories. But more often than not, these stories are left unheard and unseen. A meaningful method for illuminating untold stories is through traditional/classical dance forms. Dance especially is a space for knowledge and roles to be authentically represented. For marginalized communities in particular, traditional dance has for centuries been a medium for creative expression and healing despite how circumstances and society have complicated their access to care.

Thomas Browne, Jorge Luis Borges and Cultural Fluency

Published by Fiona Doolan

‘Write Rx’ is a narrative medicine column offering ‘prescriptions’ for narrative medicine exercises. Each column entry begins with an introduction to the theme of the entry, offers literary excerpts to expand on that theme and concludes with questions that invite students to explore a corresponding narrative medicine topic. The goal is to offer space for reflection for busy medical students, as well as foster medical students’ communication toolkit in the increasingly complex space of patient care. Topics include cultural fluency, illness cognitions and more.

Long Distance is Really Hard

Published by Neha N Deo

I went to college in Canada, and whenever I’d think about medical school, I’d romanticize how great moving to the United States would be in terms of opportunities and career development. However, in college, I was in a romantic relationship when I applied to medical schools in the U.S., and with that, I was very cognizant that I’d have to be in a long-distance relationship for at least four years…

Neha N Deo Neha N Deo (6 Posts)

Columnist

Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine

Neha Deo is a fourth year medical student at the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine in Rochester, MN class of 2023. In 2018, she graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Science in Biology with Distinction. She enjoys working out, keeping up to date on high fashion culture, and spending time with friends. After graduating medical school, Neha would like to pursue a career in dermatology and engage in global health education and research to create opportunities for Fijians like herself.

Navigating Different Relationships in Medical School

It can be difficult to balance relationships with medical school -- not just a romantic one, but also those with our family and friends. With this column I hope to show a more vulnerable side of the challenges that come with balancing medical school and maintaining our personal relationships. If you are reading this and are feeling the same, just know you are not alone!