Beneath the Shroud
…what remains is the removal of the layered white shroud: the only barrier standing between two humans — one dead and the other alive.
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Contributing Writer
Burnett School of Medicine at Texas Christian University
Monica is a medical student at the Burnett School of Medicine at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas, Class of 2026. In 2021, she graduated from the University of California, Irvine, with a Bachelor of Science in Neurobiology and a minor in Art History. She enjoys going on long sunset walks, visiting local museums and spending quality time with friends. She hopes to incorporate her passion for writing into her future career as a physician-author.
Spirituality by the Bedside: Training Physicians Beyond Medicine
The illness experience is chiseled by the search for meaning, for purpose, for greater understanding of existential suffering. This search is at the center of the spiritual journey.
Food for Thought: It’s Time We Start Talking About Nutrition in Medical Schools
A physician’s two favorite words: diet and exercise. Patients are constantly told that lifestyle interventions are the most important modifiable risk factors to prevent chronic illnesses like diabetes and hypertension.
Metamorphosis
Much like the development of a butterfly, the journey through medicine is an exquisite metamorphosis. As a fourth-year student looking back at the past four years, I remain grateful to those who helped pave the path for me to grow into what will soon be a physician.
Spill
Sunshine, in the mornings, / spills. It / slips and slithers as it / tills.
Listening: The Best Form of Communication
I was assigned to complete my family medicine clerkship at Sanitas Medical Center, a primary and urgent care site in Miami, Florida that serves a large and diverse population. Most patients are elderly, Spanish speaking immigrants from Latin American countries such as Cuba, Venezuela and Colombia.
June
Alone in her chart stands a telehealth appointment from seven weeks ago. June disclosed a positive at-home pregnancy test. She asked about establishing care and family planning options. Just as I notice her three prior cancellations, her name flashes: Arrived.
Passed Tense
I wasn’t expecting the morning report. / I wasn’t expecting to see images, / The death, the blood, the open eyes, / the open hands grasping at someone / long gone. Bullets buried deep.
Harry Styles in the OR: Reflections of a Gen-Z Medical Student
I had never truly scrubbed into an OR before, and I was incredibly terrified on my first day of general surgery. So I was skeptical when the scrub tech said, “Congratulations on getting here.” Yet somehow, against all odds, something clicked. Within the bright, sterile, cold OR, “Can’t get you off my mind,” rang out.
It’s Time to Improve Medical Education on Obesity
In light of obesity’s concerning prevalence and economic burden, it becomes imperative that we equip future health care providers with the knowledge and skills essential for effective obesity management. However, despite the numerous consequences of obesity on both individuals and society, medical students are often found to be inadequately prepared to discuss weight management with patients.
Becoming Professionally Human: Finding Purpose through Connection
When I followed up our conversation by offering a hug, I felt the full release of her sorrow in our embrace. It was as if recognition of her heartbreak gave her permission to express her devastation and fear in a moment of sudden tragedy.
Medical Anniversaries
During my family medicine rotation, I experienced one of my most memorable patient encounters. Accompanied by her daughter, my patient came for her annual physical with her primary care physician. Approaching them with a mixture of anticipation and nervousness, I couldn’t help but notice the genuine happiness radiating from both of them.
Contributing Writer
Ross University School of Medicine
Kayla is a fourth year medical student at Ross University School of Medicine. She has applied for general surgery residency this current application cycle. Her interests include surgical critical care and surgical oncology. Born and raised in Buffalo, NY, Kayla enjoys watching Buffalo Bills games. Her other hobbies include: Indoor cycling, thrifting, and gardening.