The First Cut
I took the first cut / And suddenly it hit me … A wave of emotions / At once exhilarating, at once terrifying
Off the Shelf
Off the Shelf is our section for creative works by medical students.
Contributing Writer
Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science
Nyembezi L. Dhliwayo is a Chicago Medical Student Class of 2017 medical student with a knack for writing, an unhealthy obsession with health and fitness, and a passion for Global health. She graduated from Dickinson State University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry, and continues to pursue her dream of becoming the first medical doctor in her family. A bona fide globetrotter, she's a Zimbabwean native who claims North Dakota as her American home, hoping to leave her mark in medicine by engaging in International medicine.
Relapse
An addict in detox, again. / Chief complaint of “at his wits’ end” / Manipulation, his malicious game.
Forget
Ajoba shuffles across the room towards aji, screaming / ‘Why do you ask the same questions over and over again?’ / ‘Why can’t you just try to remember?’ / ‘I forget’, she replies
The Silver Bullet: A PTSD Story
A Silver Bullet / The tiny guns held by my little action figures / still remind me of that god forsaken trigger.
Putting Baby to Sleep
The mask on baby’s face / And he knew and didnt know what was going on; / He had blurred vision / And an amnestic cocktail coursing through his veins already
Hear My Song Reaper
I could see the scythe swinging from one eye to another / The Reaper hovered towards my room / Life had left me months ago, when I had first heard the news / Now I knew it would’ve been better, had I not left the womb
Anatomy as Art: Installation #15
At Albany Medical College, upon our orientation to gross anatomy, we are asked to draw our feelings on blank index cards prior to entering the cadaver laboratory. As we progress through the year, our sentiments regarding anatomy may remain the same, or may change, and these drawings allow us to look back at this milestone we crossed as budding medical students.
The Hidden Curriculum
“It’s time to wake up boss, please open your eyes. / There’s much work to be done and we’re ready to advise.” / Curiosity propelled me to confront my kooky staff. / One flipped through a dictionary, the other spoke on his behalf.
Abscess
Hunched over in your chair, / Guarding an abscess with apathy, / Your arm is swollen, angry, burning.
Dr. Tweet
Condolences drown in brevity; / Empathy, a hastened veneer; / Understanding lost to formality
Systemic Vascular Resistance
From deep below / layers and rings of earth / I feel the vibrations / Pulse
#OrlandoStrong
The University of Central Florida College of Medicine is located 20 miles from PULSE nightclub in Orlando, FL. This poem is dedicated to the victims, survivors and their families and to this beautiful community that will forever be #OrlandoStrong.
Writer-in-Training
University of Central Florida College of Medicine
Allyson is a first year medical student at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine in Orlando, FL. She graduated in 2012 from the University of Southern California with a degree in neuroscience. She is interested in pursuing a career in pediatric critical care or emergency medicine. Outside of school, Allyson enjoys photography and anything chocolate. Fall weekends find her loudly cheering on her alma mater’s football team.