Stefano Byer, M3, Class of 2022
I am Mrs. A
Grew up in Kansas City
north, by the river
I held on to life
lifeblood coursing through my veins
through ups, and through downs
The I.V. River
Category: Creative Non-fiction
Surgical Reflections
Stefano Byer, M3, Class of 2022
The profession of medicine is one bejeweled in accolades. Walk into any physician’s clinic, and brandished on the wall are diplomas, awards, and validation. This décor is both of pride in one’s accomplishments and as a subconscious drive to authenticate one’s medical capabilities.
This framed décor is façade. Continue reading “Surgical Reflections”
Congratulations, but Being Black Probably Helped
Anonymous
I always knew I wanted to become a physician, but after graduating from the University of Kansas in 2014 with a GPA and MCAT score considered “non-competitive”, I took measures to bolster my resume. With two years of employment, volunteering, shadowing and several medical school interviews under my belt, I ultimately received an envelope from the KU School of Medicine in February 2016. I Skyped my mother and sister so they could witness my life transform in real time. As I peeled back the tri-folded single sheet of paper, my eyes immediately flew to the second sentence: “Unfortunately…” I half-heartedly skimmed the rest of the letter without saying a word. My mother and sister read the shame on my face. I received several more letters just like this one in the following weeks.
Continue reading “Congratulations, but Being Black Probably Helped”
Med Intima 