Max Lindgren, DPT, Class of 2025
Hope
Category: V5 I2
I bear witness to heart failure
Saniya Ahmed, M1, Class of 2027
Definitions for non-Muslim audiences:
Shahada – the declaration of faith in the Islamic tradition, “I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His Messenger.” This is one of the five pillars of Islam. We recite this statement often but hope that it rolls off our tongues in our time of death so we may die with this declaration of faith.
Ummah – the global Muslim community, bound together by religion. Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, described the Ummah in this way: “The parable of the believers in their affection, mercy, and compassion for each other is that of a body. When any limb aches, the whole body reacts with sleeplessness and fever.” (Source: Sahih Al Bukhari 6011, Sahih Muslim 2586)
Author’s Note:
Saniya Ruqiah Ahmed began her poetry journey as a spoken word and slam poet in the realm of social justice advocacy. For nearly a decade, her art has been kept within the ears of her audience, and she is now aiming to bring her work to paper. Her poetry centers on themes like family, faith, social justice, and Muslim and Indian diaspora. Now as a medical student, her poetry has shifted to also encompass humanity and dignity in health and healthcare.
Diamonds in the Rough: Working as a Track Coach at an Inner-City High School while in Medical School
Liam Lynch, M2, Class of 2026
“Going to track practice every day was my escape from the monotony of medical school.
Going to track practice was their escape from things much worse.”
If you’ve met me, you know that running has been and will always be one of the most
pivotal parts of my life. It’s the reason I went to college, the reason for my drive and fortitude in
life, and an integral part of my daily routine. My yearly vacations center around where I’ll be
racing next and even my med school research revolves around running. In short, running is
intimate and intertwined with who I am.
Thus to me, nothing would be more worthwhile than giving back to the sport that has
gotten me to where I am today: Track & Field. We’ve all heard that volunteering in medical
school is one of the most crucial extracurriculars. Residencies will want to see a physician who
cares about their community and someone who gives without expecting anything in return. The
conclusion seemed natural; I was going to volunteer as an assistant track coach somewhere.
I reached out to many nearby Kansas City high schools: Shawnee Mission East, North,
and Bishop Meige. Bluntly put, these were the rich schools; they had the infrastructure and
funding to allow me to volunteer on a come-and-go basis. They didn’t need me at these rich
suburban schools but would take me and let me pad my resume.
Wyandotte was different though. Despite the strong, caring, and capable leaders I
encountered, decades of gentrification, rezoning, and defunding had led to its steady decline.
According to U.S. News & World Report, Wyandotte High School consistently ranks in the
bottom 20th percentile in all metrics for Kansas, ranking in the 2%, 3%, and 7% in math,
reading, and science proficiency, respectively. Freshmen make up 42% of their enrollment while
graduating seniors make up only 15%. The total minority enrollment is 98%, and 90% of
students are economically disadvantaged. Suffice to say, this school was very different from the
ones I grew up with and the other schools I was looking to volunteer at.
Wyandotte’s process was different, too. Head Coach Richie Bryant invited me for an
interview, which was something none of the other schools asked for. I figured that being an ex-
collegiate athlete turned medical student was qualification enough to volunteer—all the other
schools thought so too—but I agreed to an interview nonetheless. At the very least, it would
make my decision of where to volunteer easier.
I arrived at Wyandotte, passing the police officers and metal detectors stationed at the
entrance; it was already a stark difference from my own high school days. We went through
hallways displaying the trophies and banners of the school’s glory days that only those old
historic schools have. Then, after meeting Coach Keegan and Mr. Black, we sat down in the
bleachers of their basketball gym.
Sunset in the Suburbs
Viktoria Sterkhova, School of Public Health Professions
There’s nothing more breathtaking in nature than seeing a gorgeous sunset grace the sky. It’s such a beautiful reminder to be present in the moment.
Continue reading “Sunset in the Suburbs”tȟatȟáŋka
Riley Burghart, Nurse Anesthesia Class of 2026
In many Indian communities, the Buffalo has long been a symbol of self-sacrifice; it gives until there is nothing left. The buffalo made life possible for many by providing warmth, nutrients, tools – every part seen as valuable and used for a unique purpose. To me, the buffalo serves as a reminder to give all that we have for others until there is nothing left to give. As you walk the halls, rooms, and sidewalks of KUMC and beyond, I hope this piece reminds you of your own extraordinary value and unique mission to provide for and serve all that you are able.
Quilled Paper Chocolates
Edith Sigler, M3, Class of 2024
Fancy Donut
Kimlan Phan, M1, Class of 2027
I’ve been working with clay since high school where I primarily focused on hand building and sculptures. After starting undergrad at UMKC, I continued ceramics at the KC Clay Guild, a local nonprofit pottery studio. There, I forced myself to learn throwing on the wheel, which has now become my main practice. During the pandemic, when I was cut off from the studio and this outlet I had been relying on, I was in a very dark place mentally. After a lot of coaxing from friends and family, I returned to ceramic work, and during my gap year, I spent almost all of my free time working with clay. In the process, I found a community among my fellow potters. The Fancy Donut was born from a series of challenges I created for myself.
Pulmonary Transit Time in Technicolor
Jackson Moore, M1, Class of 2027
In this work, the human body is the true artist, and I am merely the analyst who wrote code to bring it to light.
I Don’t Have Time
Simon Longhi, M3, Class of 2025
I don’t have time.
I happened upon my two life roads
that diverged in a wood
so much later than I’d prefer.
It’s an echoey, reverberating–…
… –Err, berating, thing
that whirrs
like a sputtering motor
within my mind. Mulling
over so much, missed, in life.
I still want to reach, proverbial peace.
Keep, my sense of wonder.
Find, finally, someone to love.
But the wind that blows
down that sort of road,
could I even let,
that,
carry me?
Is that allowed?
Because to career, careen, down
–Medicine–, that path,
my calling, as a healer, now–
shouldn’t that demand in me, most everything?
I don’t have time.
Continue reading “I Don’t Have Time”Your Life is Now
Riley Burghart, Nurse Anesthesia, Class of 2026
I think we all have moments in our lives, myself included, where we are constantly running around chasing our dreams thinking, “If I can just get/do/be this, THEN I’ll be content.” Working as an ICU nurse, I learned very quickly that many individuals do not ever slow down to be grateful for the small blessings they have until those blessings are taken away. Though these thoughts are part of the human condition, I challenge you to change your mindset. There will always be more things to do, be, and achieve. But you only have one “today.”
Med Intima 