From the Wards

Marissa Cardinal (1 Posts)

Contributing Writer

Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine


Marissa is a medical student at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Elmira, NY, Class of 2024. In 2017, she graduated from Stony Brook University with a Bachelor of Science in health science. In 2019, she graduated from Stony Brook University with a Master of Science in physiology and biophysics and an Advanced Graduate Certificate in disability studies. She enjoys nature photography and long walks with her dogs. After graduating medical school, Marissa would like to pursue a career in pediatrics.




Navigating Cultural Sensitivities and Trust in Health Care: A Personal Encounter in Family Medicine

Skepticism of health care is widespread throughout some of these communities — rightly so due to historical mistreatment, discrimination and lack of representation along with cultural differences. This distrust may be further strengthened by a patient’s own personal experiences. I respected this wariness, but I had yet to witness it firsthand.

My Name is Non-Negotiable

Twenty years later, I still brace myself for the mispronunciation, even if I introduce myself first and enunciate clearly. Sometimes I give up and allow the mispronunciation to continue because I feel uncomfortable correcting them repeatedly. But I shouldn’t have to. My name is my name and should not be explored, like finding synonyms in a thesaurus.

The Art of Communication

Growing up, I wanted to be an actress. It amazed me how actors could make a story seem so real and how easily I would fall in love with characters I’d known for only 90 minutes. Most of the kids in my neighborhood would play outside together, but I always wanted to stay home and watch my favorite movie, Shutter Island.

Silent Wounds

I realized that in my approach, she saw echoes of her abuser and an imbalance of power. I made sure to sit down in the chair next to her, eye level, to show her I was here to listen. No longer did I need my stethoscope. I had my most powerful tool of all, my listening skills.

Andrew Pierce Andrew Pierce (1 Posts)

Contributing Writer

Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine


Andrew is a medical student at Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine in Miami, Florida, Class of 2025. In 2020, he graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill with a Bachelor of Science in biology. He enjoys playing and watching sports and hanging out with friends in his free time. After graduating medical school, Andrew would like to pursue a career in orthopedics.