Passion in the Operating Room
When Dr. T shook my hand goodbye for the day’s observation, I shook her hand back and said to myself, “Yes, this is what I want to do.”
Consults
Through the course of medical education, students learn to call for “consults” from various medical specialties. Yet, consults can come in many forms — from social work, nutrition, law, ethics and policy. There is also much to be learned from premedical and post-bacc students, who may be walking into medicine with a fresh set of eyes. “Consults” invites experienced non-clinicians and undergraduates to contribute pieces relevant to the medical student community.
Pre-Medical Guest Writer
University of Pittsburgh
Kartik Iyer is a pre-medical student at the University of Pittsburgh where he is earning a Bachelor of Science in neuroscience and a Bachelor of Arts in English writing. He actively researches the neuronal basis of drug-craving relapse as well as potential treatment. Also, he volunteers extensively with Foodlifeline and has already delivered 5,000 meals to his local neighbors. Because he achieved the USA Biology Olympiad Top 20 in the nation and a perfect SAT score, he offers USA Biology Olympiad and SAT paid tutoring classes. In his free time, Kartik enjoys writing and contributing to his writing group. He also occasionally explores the city's new cuisines with his friends. In the future, he would like to pursue a career in medicine, specifically in radiology.
Heart to Heart: Empathy in Medicine
Ever since that day in the grocery store, I have volunteered at least once a month for other senior citizens. I get to know their stories and try to share the understanding that I have gained with the world.
More Than Our Genes: The Interplay of Genetics and Personal Responsibility
Fifteen percent of Americans still smoke. Seventy percent of Americans are obese or overweight. Many Americans engage in risky health behaviors that negatively affect their overall wellness.
The Case Against Single-Payer Health Care
As the American health care system continues to seemingly spend more and get ranked lower than other developed countries, many progressives have suggested a shift to single-payer health care as a solution.
The Grind Doesn’t Define You: Giving and Growing in a World of Negativity
It’s ironic that the medical field is arguably the most humane profession, yet we put our residents and physicians-in-training through such pain and suffering.
The Thinning Veil and Humanity in Anatomy
Autumn has been my favorite season since moving to Oregon four years ago from the dry, unchanging desert landscape of Las Vegas, Nevada. The freeway towards my class dips into a valley surrounded by broad-leafed trees with ferns growing near the base of their trunks.
“You Don’t Know How I’m Feeling”: A Plea for Death with Dignity
“That’s rubbish.” My new friend — I’ll call her Sylvia — lay supine on her bed, staring bleary-eyed at the ceiling. White bedsheets swathed her long, gaunt limbs, and her sickly pallor startled me.
Doctor, This Isn’t Normal — Is It?
“Knife.” One of the surgical nurses slapped it into his hand, and Dr. James drew the scalpel quickly down the woman’s betadine-covered belly. So little fanfare preceded that moment that I almost missed it.
A Blurry Image of Medicine Focused by the Miracle of Life
My palms were sweaty as I slid on my blue gloves and boot covers, feeling excited and anxious at the same time. “I’ve delivered hundreds of babies,” Dr. Johnson said. “I think I can give you this one.”
From Pills to Produce: Perspectives on Culinary Medicine
As future doctors, we must advocate for a more integrated nutrition and lifestyle medicine education, one that is based not just in healthy eating, but also in the reversal of this global chronic disease epidemic. Let healthy food be thy guide to a happy body and soul.
How Jerry Sandusky Hurt a Future Generation of Physicians
When Jerry Sandusky, the former Penn State football coach, was convicted of 45 counts of sexual abuse, few could foresee that he was about to hurt thousands of students, future physicians and aspiring scientists across the nation.
When “Can I” becomes “May I?”: The Struggle for Functionality and Treatment in the Era of Insurance Corporations
Her agitation was clearly apparent, plastered to her face like the smile she had worn moments ago. The phone was still clenched tightly in her hand as she paced the narrow hallway, muttering under her breath how travesties like this would not occur back in her native Ghana.
Pre-Medical Guest Writer
Louisiana State University
Abishek Stanley is a third year Biological Engineering major on the pre-medical path at Louisiana State University. Abishek is the captain of the debate team, a undergraduate researcher in the field of nano particles, the Director of Diversity for executive government, a member of chess team, and a STAMPS scholar. When not at these activities, you can usually find Abishek volunteering at Hospice, playing soccer with friends, or cheering on the LSU football team to victory. Geaux Tigers!