Thoughts from the front lines (Emergency)
Live deliberately. Say yes, and say no. Ask, look, listen and touch. Believe in your gut. Fist pump, snap and Smile often. And do it for you. First. The “experts” sit on rolling chairs. But the truth rests on front lines. On soles of shoes, finger nails, heart sounds. Seek your own. Talk, question, explore. […]
June’s Inspiration Injection
Happy June! Let the somewhat sunny(ier) weather put a jump in your step and please welcomed to join and participate in the AAA project. Please find this month’s Inspiration Injection below: 1. June is the step into summer – a great time for creativity and fun! 2. There’s been lots of interest in the AAA […]
Yes, I bleed.
This was written after reflecting on a long gynecology call shift… Yes, I bleed. Or rather I used to, Until this thing was inserted into my vagina. An Intrauterine System, they call it. Or Merena, if you prefer a softer, more human name. And my monthly flow, moontime, as you will – Well, that now […]
the mistress
moody and flush with the glow of midnight kisses and sharp lavender curling to bless the back of my throat I was ill equipped to sweep into your room my majesty garish in the face of bleached roses on your cheeks ivy winding up and choking out your voice parched earth mapping your lips fissures […]
May’s Inspiration Injection
Cheery blossom-filled greetings, Here is May’s Art As Adjuvant Injection Inspiration. Please feel welcomed to join and participate in the AAA project this month. 1. It’s officially and refreshingly spring – what inspiration does this bring? 2. It’s an important time with graduation for our 4th year colleagues, any reflections over the previous years? 3. […]
Wow, the residents talk fast.
Of places we need to be, times we need to note. Topics we need to know, acronyms we yet don’t. Such that we type them into our brain phones. Tap tap tap like starving woodpeckers probe wood for worms, As if this slippery sustenance of knowledge could Replace the companion on each new rotation: A […]
Spring
Bulbs birth from flexibilizing soil, Smiles jump on sun rays, Parks fill, kids swing, kites soar. Possibility reaches to sky, open. Meanwhile, uteruses ache. Apparently. Your question re: freezing, Discords with the winded daffodils, That dance outside our clinic windows. You too reach for possibility, That current situation doesn’t afford. Ready for birth, to rock […]
On Call Poetry #2
written in a call room. Cathedrals every time you moan I flinch you writhe. twist. keen low and deep and powerful “It’s primal” they tell me “It’s beauty” they coo so why am I watching you? why are my hands clenched brown gloves cinched over a green gown sweat sliding down the back of […]
April’s Inspiration Injection
Greetings colleagues, A sunny, blossom-filled April to you! The beginning of Spring is a perfect time to jump into creativity mode, please feel welcomed to join and participate in the AAA project. Please find this month’s Inspiration Injection below.. 1. What does springtime signify to you? 2. Where does your own inspiration for medicine/health come […]
Open ended questions
“And what are your thoughts about that?” I hear myself ask. Awake, often. And now even in my dreams. Week 5 of psych and I try to be open ended. I ask, as I’d like to know how you construct reality, How neurons, transmitters intersect with personality, world. How your thoughts take form, How you […]
On Call Poetry #1
I’ve challenged myself to write a poem (not necessarily about medicine) every evening I’m on call for the foreseeable future. Here’s the first offering. Pillow Talk I never wanted you to know how I wake up in bliss your name, a pearl dropping from my tongue to cold pillows I reach out curl in stop how the […]
March’s Inspiration Injection!
Greetings colleagues, Happy March! Please find this month’s Inspiration Injection below or contact us for more information about this arts-infused project. 1. There are lots of big exciting things coming up: CaRMS; elective selection; surviving to tell the tale of B&B, Cardio fun, Gala… great topics to reflect on using art. 2. We’re lucky in […]
If someone were to ask me.
If someone were to ask me how I’m doing right now. I’d have to pause. I’d have to take a moment to go looking for phone books. The old school ones with white and yellow, and maybe pink? – It’s been so long. I don’t even know if they still make them anymore. Or maybe […]
It is.
“It is stage 4” is too difficult to say. His blue eyes look yearningly into those of his patient. “I can’t really help you”, he is trying to say. But not; his words speak of probability, outcomes, options. Indirect, vague. Struggle. The pelvic MRI: mashed potatoes. The cancer in our patient’s rectum reaching into bladder, […]
Thoughts on my surgery rotation
Surgery. We talk about livers, gallbladders, IV fluids and PE’s. What ever happened to that acronym FIFE*? I wonder. Is it purposeful, This lack of reference to life? I’ve gotten good at rounding. Vitals. The 5 essentials: Pain, pooping, farting, eating, walking? Good. A poke here, poke there. Next. I’ve become not a bad assist. […]
February’s Inspiration Injection
Greetings colleagues, Happy February! Please find February’s Inspiration Injection below and see the attached pdf for more information about this arts-infused project. 1. January has flown by – medicine is a real whirlwind, eh? 2. Family Day is a new holiday this year. Besides being a great excuse for a day off, what are your […]