Roads
These busy medical students, of which I am one, / are preparing for a road trip, / stuffing our cars full of everything we might ever conceivably need: / Metaphorical band aids, jumper cables, flashlights, emergency blankets,
Off the Shelf
Off the Shelf is our section for creative works by medical students.
Contributing Writer
University of Washington School of Medicine
I am a second year medical student at the University of Washington in Seattle. I am 29 years old and majored in Theatre as an undergrad. Sometimes I write and/or draw to keep myself sane in medical school.
Perspective
What have I done with my life? / The lightning lighting up / the hospital room floor. / Why did I have to die?
Pathology of the Med Student
Stamina waning / Along with my patience / For the number of patients / Presenting with an emesis of symptoms
Family Doc
How does it look, Doc? / Hand hold, / Heads fold. / Cradle to Rock.
Anatomy as Art: Installation #5
For the majority of medical students, gross anatomy is the first time that we observe and cut into the flesh of preserved cadavers. Whether it is through a longitudinal year-round program or a semester’s worth of concentrated anatomy, most of us develop a unique relationship with the cadaver gifted to us by generous donors.
Number 28
I approached you as a babbling child, needing to learn to speak, / my hope was to gain proficiency, to become fluent in this language. / You, my teacher lay before me covered in plastic, sterile and silent.
Gladiolus (2015)
In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, this piece celebrates the female form and the metaphor of nature as it relates to revival. Special attention was given to the flora, specifically the flower gladiolus, which can be said to symbolize strength. The use of pink, while a nod to the familiar campaign color, evokes a mood of optimism and hope.
Tactile Fremitus
Please say / ninety-nine, / No not like / that, say it
Anatomy as Art: Installation #4
For the majority of medical students, gross anatomy is the first time that we observe and cut into the flesh of preserved cadavers. Whether it is through a longitudinal year-round program or a semester’s worth of concentrated anatomy, most of us develop a unique relationship with the cadaver gifted to us by generous donors.
Sexually Active
“Are you sexually active?” / His stethoscope gleamed in the light / Of the hospital room.
Anatomy as Art: Installation #3
For the majority of medical students, gross anatomy is the first time that we observe and cut into the flesh of preserved cadavers. Whether it is through a longitudinal year-round program or a semester’s worth of concentrated anatomy, most of us develop a unique relationship with the cadaver gifted to us by generous donors.
Imperial Twitch
Plush carpeting / Sleek screens / Exotic fruit and / Green tea / First-class on trains is penetrable, and they have chips and soda / But there is no mistaking first-class in the hospital
Contributing Writer
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Mary is a student at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Class of 2017.