Tag: doctor-patient relationship

Malak Ibrahim Malak Ibrahim (1 Posts)

Contributing Writer

Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine

Malak Ibrahim is a fourth year medical student at Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine in Miami, Florida class of 2025. In 2020, she graduated from the University of South Florida with a Bachelor of Science in biomedical sciences and a minor in psychology. She has a passion for physical fitness and enjoys reading novels, traveling, and spending time with family in her free time. After medical school, Malak would like to pursue a career in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.




A Longing for Belonging

Published by Malak Ibrahim

As patients moved in and out of the modest office for their appointments, their duffel bags and luggage in tow containing all their personal belongings, the day unfolded in typical fashion. Yet, within the confines of this psychiatry office catering exclusively to the local unhoused population, “normal” took on a unique meaning. The narratives of childhood neglect, abuse, drug addiction and homelessness recounted by these patients never ceased to startle me as a third-year medical …

Beyond Words: Empathy and Understanding in Medicine

Published by Mona Roshan

During my Family Medicine clerkship in medical school, I worked with a free mobile primary care clinic dedicated to serving uninsured patients. Parked outside a church in a large city, the clinic was a large blue bus standing in stark contrast to the gray asphalt parking lot around it. It was often surrounded by families and people of all ages. The same parking lot hosted a food bank every other week, too. Here was a …

Speaking of Stigma

Published by Sudharshini Prasanna

I placed the first pill on my tongue, opened my mouth so the nurse could see, closed my mouth, swallowed the pill, and opened my mouth again so the nurse could confirm that I had swallowed it. I had to repeat this for nine more tablets and this drill continued for seven days a week and for seven more months of the treatment.

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

Published by Lauren Offield

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

Published by Ema Mathai

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

Published by Bhavana Aitha

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

Published by Andrew Pierce

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.