Let Patients Die
In retrospect, I regret that she was not allowed to die peacefully. I now am compassionate towards those who opt solely for palliative management in terminal illnesses.
Opinions
Contributing Writer
American University of Beirut
Medical student at the American University of Beirut, Lebanon. Other than medicine, my interests include philosophy, medical ethics, research, and journalism.
Medical Interpretation and the Art of Communication
If a provider cannot understand their patient, they are unable to treat them. Likewise, if a patient cannot understand their provider, how can they possibly adhere to their medical advice? “Getting by” is not enough; patients are entitled to someone who speaks their language, no matter how rare.
The NIH Should Fund Studies on Racism, Not Race
On the subjects of disease and disparity, the NIH focuses on the genetic code inside individual bodies and ignores the wider contexts within which these bodies live, work, play and get sick. The NIH overlooks societal inequalities and gives genes too much credit.
Reproductive Rights Reflection
She doesn’t know that, just on the other side of the door, there is a beautiful room filled with the smell of eucalyptus, sounds of water trickling and dimmed lighting dedicated to putting her mind at rest. That next to that is a room full of grateful and relieved women looking forward to the rest of their lives.
Physicians as Leaders: The Need for a Novel Curriculum Addressing Health Care Reform
Nationally, our current medical education model fails to address the fundamental tenets of the U.S. health care system, health care policy, and business management. Despite the recent major shift in health care policy, medical schools have proved universally inept at equipping future doctors with the knowledge and tools they need to influence policy in their professional field and to thrive in their careers.
The Iron Law of Imprisonment: Fostering Care for Inmates Post-Release
It has been a couple of months since I started collecting medical data at a local jail in Southern California. It easily became routine: I exchange my I.D. for a clip-on visitor’s badge, take the button-less elevator and hand signal the medical floor number, and wait for the security-monitored heavy steel doors to slide open and let me in.
The Romantic Patient
A glimpse into today’s media is enough to understand the general attitude of modern medicine and health care. While the majority of the population regards scientific progress as a blessing, a not-so-small minority is fearful of how this will negatively impact their health.
The Message Without Words
Even when you are not speaking to your patient, you are conveying a message — a message that may impact them more than what you say.
Substance Use Disorders and Addictive Behaviors: A Reflection on “Black Honey” by Thrice
As I drive to class most days, I turn on the radio to one of my favorite stations and listen to music while I wade through unremitting traffic. The station is great for those who enjoy rock music, and I often find myself absorbed in a newer or older song that resonates with me on different levels.
Medical School Admission: Patience is a Virtue
While it is clear that the issue of depression and anxiety extends well beyond the medical school admissions process, it is important to ask whether it is the beginning of a long and slippery slope to a life of anxiety and depression.
It’s a Match! Ethics in Organ Donation
Now that I’ve got your attention, no, this article isn’t a guide on how to craft the perfect Tinder profile. I assure you, however, that you’ll have no trouble scoring a date with your knowledge of The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS).
The Testing Epidemic
Daily labs are commonly ordered on hospitalized patients. While such tests may be indicated when patients are acutely ill and the clinical picture is unclear, there are many times when this is not the case.
Contributing Writer
Saint Louis University School of Medicine
Sarah is a third year medical student at Saint Louis University School of Medicine. She received her undergraduate degrees in Science, Technology, and Society and Spanish from Butler University. At SLU, she was president of the Global Health Learning Community, while also serving on the executive board of the student run free clinic. Her interests include healthcare policy and global health.