By Amani Raheel, M1, Class of 2023
“The inner machinations of my mind are an enigma.” – Patrick
Homeward Bound
55 Word Reflections on COVID-19
This post was adapted from the University of Washington School of Medicine: https://faculty.uwmedicine.org/55-word-stories/. Likewise, the instructions used to solicit these reflections were adapted from Sheetz, A and Fry, M The Stories, JAMA 2000 Vol 283(15)1934.
Sharing our experiences in health care, especially during intense, emotional, or stressful times increases our connectedness and well-being. Hearing stories from others helps us know we are not alone, and strengthens our community. The authenticity, compassion, creativity, and bravery of our colleagues help us access our own emotions, and helps us carry on.
A Philmont Experience
John Price, M4, Class of 2020
The night was young when the radio crackled to life. We couldn’t believe our luck. They told us the search and rescue missions wouldn’t start for another week, but here we had someone that couldn’t continue their hike. Eager to test our skills, we quickly gathered our supplies into the truck ambulance. When I look back on all my clinical experiences, the Philmont rotation outside of Cimarron, New Mexico, is certainly my favorite. Established in 1938 as Philturn Rocky Mountain Scout Camp, Philmont Scout Ranch has become a center for high adventure and training.1 For emergency medical technician students and medical students like me, this site offers a unique clinical training in wilderness and prehospital medicine high up in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of the Rockies.1 Below the peaks in basecamp, the Philmont Infirmary is the central hub for this medical four-week sub-internship rotation, and it all began on my first night.
Favorite Activities: Post-Exam and COVID-19
Amidst all of the changes with COVID-19, one thing that has stayed the same for the KUMC Class of 2023 is exams and the post-exam, pre-score period – now complicated by having much less to distract us while we sit at home and wait. We asked some members of the M1 class about their favorite post-exam traditions (and whether they’ve changed), as well as if they have found any new favorite social distancing activities.
Continue reading “Favorite Activities: Post-Exam and COVID-19”
Luisa Moncada Lopez, Class of 2023
Everyone has a story, and each story is unique, intimate, and powerful. Our Narrative series invites you to step inside someone else’s life by reading their story, as told in their own words. Readers, please come open-minded and ready to engage in one of the many stories that makes our community complete. The following is the narrative of Luisa Moncada Lopez, a first-year medical student at KUMC.
A Glimpse of Guatemala
Nature’s Window. Lake Atitlan and San Pedro, framed by foliage, as seen from halfway up Volcan San Pedro.
By Alyssa Belford, M1, 2023
Spring break for Alyssa Belford came with an opportunity to explore another part of the world. Experience some of the sights from this year’s cohort of students who traveled abroad to Guatemala. From the picturesque views, to candid moments of daily life, Alyssa’s photos help bring us all to this place between the waters.
A Craving for Carving
By Tiffany Killblane, M1, Class of 2023 .
Woodcarving was actually something I started to decompress from the stresses of my previous work (college professor) and the “hurry up and wait” of the application process of applying to medical school. I still use it that way – when I need a break from studying, need to think, or just want to sit outside for a bit I’ll go grab my tools and whittle away. I think its important to have a hobby like this – it isn’t demanding by any means, and I can devote a few minutes to a few hours any given day to it. Its easy to pick up and easy to put back down, so it fits in with the demands of a medical student’s life pretty well.
Medicaid Extension- Not Expansion- is the Key to Decreasing Maternal Mortality in the United States
Hebron Kelecha, Class of 2021
The United States is the only industrialized nation with a rising maternal mortality rate. These rates are not equally distributed, with Black and American Indian/Alaska Native women being 2-3 times more likely to die of pregnancy-related complications than White women. These alarming rates are not limited to those with lower socioeconomic status but transcend both class and educational level. A study in New York City showed Black women with a college education are more likely to experience life-threatening complications during delivery than a White woman who did not complete high school.
A “Virtual” Trip to the Movies
Hosain Ghassemi, M1, Class of 2023
There is something special about seeing a movie in theaters. In the wake of the current crisis, not being able to has probably been one of the simplest pleasures that I’ve come to miss the most. Before the social distancing measures, each Friday was an opportunity to go out and see a movie. On B weeks especially, this weekly tradition offered a chance to celebrate or escape the two weeks before.
Hosain Ghassemi, M1, Class of 2023
There is something special about seeing a movie in theaters. In the wake of the current crisis, not being able to has probably been one of the simplest pleasures that I’ve come to miss the most. Before the social distancing measures, each Friday was an opportunity to go out and see a movie. On B weeks especially, this weekly tradition offered a chance to celebrate or escape the two weeks before.
Let Them Eat Cake
Hannah Billings, M1, Class of 2023
My name is Hannah Billings, I am a first-year medical student who runs a local cake pop business, Cake on a Stick LLC.
From hobby to business . . . Cake on a Stick began as a creative outlet, paired with a passion for baking. After trial and (many) errors, techniques were perfected, and delicious masterpieces were made. While the process of baking is enjoyable, the real fun was in sharing with family and friends. And thanks to the encouragement and supportiveness of the early taste-testers, Cake on a Stick was born and it’s poppin’!
Continue reading “Let Them Eat Cake”