Sunset
a nightingale knows best. / her call comes forth / as the daylight dwindles, / and, listen… i hear her now.
Off the Shelf
Off the Shelf is our section for creative works by medical students.
Contributing Writer
University of Arizona College of Medicine Phoenix Family Medicine Residency Program
Herbert B. Rosenbaum, M.D., is a proud native of San Antonio, Texas, an alumnus of The George Washington University, graduate of The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, and resident physician at University of Arizona College of Medicine Phoenix Family Medicine Residency Program. His medical interests include family medicine, primary care, geriatric medicine, medical politics, and end-of-life management. Dr. Rosenbaum urges his physician and medical student readers to start meaningfully addressing the elephant in the room (and perhaps American medical culture's biggest failure): death and dying - a common subject of many of his creative works and critical essays.
Anatomy as Art: Installation #12
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.
That Is Love
In class they ask me / What is love? / To prompt a philosophical discussion.
Listening With Open Ears (2015)
Entering medical school, we are like little seeds thirsty for knowledge. The abundance of daily information affords us new experiences and the ability to grow like a flower. With time, our petals open to reveal a shiny yellow nectar-rich core indicating our progressive growth — both mind and soul.
A Long Journey (2015)
Life is a long and arduous journey filled with obstacles and many curved paths. Despite this daunting reality, we must approach these challenges with an open and positive mind. Every fall that we experience is an opportunity to learn and grow. Every detour will serve to expose us to novel approaches of thinking. Every interaction is a chance to learn and grow. Although the path may not be smooth, it will prepare us for the daily challenges that we shall face when we reach our ultimate destination — becoming a great physician.
Dying from a Butterfly
There is a white ball of yarn that rests on the chair beside me. I drag the free end, extend the thread and wrap it around the knitting needle to begin my stitch. I think I’ll try to make a scarf until my husband tries to speak again.
Anatomy as Art: Installation #11
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 Electronic Art of Medicine (2016)
I tilted the overhead lamp and reached for a fresh blade. My gown was stained from hours of work on the woman’s arm; I continued to scrape, dab and blot. This, however, was not surgery. I was finishing my final project for a college figure painting class.
Generosity
I do not want to do this to you / My heart wrenches / For the pain we inflict
Salt
My attending / looked at me / and asked, / What is killing your patient?
Perspective (2016)
When I started neuroanatomy, I was fascinated by the brain. However, I found it difficult to keep track of the where structures were spatially when there were so many different ways to dissect it. To help myself study, I drew a coronal section alongside an intact hemisphere so I could better appreciate the structures in relationship to one another. When I spend any amount of time creating a piece of artwork, I retain it much more quickly, as if my hands are translating it into my memory.
In The Beginning
and / finally / She arrived / from the pool.
Contributing Writer
University of Arizona College of Medicine Phoenix Family Medicine Residency Program
Herbert B. Rosenbaum, M.D., is a proud native of San Antonio, Texas, an alumnus of The George Washington University, graduate of The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, and resident physician at University of Arizona College of Medicine Phoenix Family Medicine Residency Program. His medical interests include family medicine, primary care, geriatric medicine, medical politics, and end-of-life management. Dr. Rosenbaum urges his physician and medical student readers to start meaningfully addressing the elephant in the room (and perhaps American medical culture's biggest failure): death and dying - a common subject of many of his creative works and critical essays.