A neurologist meditates on his “medical metamorphosis” into a physician—and how poetry served as a lifeline for inspiration and growth throughout it all.
Read moreFrom Both Sides Now...
In writing about psychosis, a psychiatrist contemplates whether a physician can ever truly understand a patient’s lived experience.
Read moreBeing More Than Just a White Coat
A visual artist explores the trusting relationship she shares with her psychiatrist—and how that fiduciary manifests itself through her photodrawings and studio art.
Read moreInstruction as Narrative: A Reflection on Rachel Kowalsky's "Your First Pediatric Intubation"
What makes writing different from medicine and vice-versa? A contributor to this journal pinpoints their shared ability to instruct via narrative.
Read moreUsing Laughter to Face the Darkness
A psychiatrist contemplates what can be learned from success and failure—and how laughter sometimes is the best medicine.
Read moreThe Gordian Knot in Healthcare: A reflection by critical care clinician & writer Cynthia Stock
A former critical care nurse attempts to untangle the Gordian knots found within medicine by close reading two pieces—including her own—published in this very journal.
Read moreTaking Him Apart Took Me Apart, Too: On medical school and anatomy class by Chrissie DyBuncio
A former physician reflects on the rite of passage undergone by all medical students: cadaver dissections in anatomy lab.
Read moreMoral Injury in Medicine: What it means by physician Frank Baudino
A family medicine physician with a background in medical volunteerism examines the risks of practicing healthcare on the front lines of war—be it in southern Sudan or the United States.
Read moreDesensitization to the Face of Death: A reflection by poet and medical student Catherine Read
A medical student examines the desensitization that imbues the study and practice of medicine—and advocates against it.
Read moreOn Brian Ascalon Roley’s "Caregiving"
A pediatric emergency physician reflects on the burning intensity found at the heart of caregiving.
Read moreLeading Change in Healthcare Through a Healing Nature
A pharmacist fiercely advocates for lasting change via a healing framework.
Read moreA Moment of Intimacy
A writer questions the dynamics that shape—as well as disguise—not only the clinical encounter, but also personhood, identity, and intimacy.
Read moreRepeat After Me: Questions about the brain in transition by writer Nancy Huggett
A caregiver reflects on the orienting power of repetition. and how such repetition allows us to anchor ourselves within our lived narratives.
Read moreHow Patients Teach Us by Catalina Flores
A nurse contemplates how and why patients are made to feel like burdens—simply for having several needs.
Read moreThe Tyranny of "Normal" in healthcare and healing by Dr. Kate Otto Chebly
A physician grapples with the tyranny of “normalcy” and how its unbending dictates can stifle the clinical encounter as well as patient care.
Read moreDescribing Cancer with Imagery and Metaphors by Sarah Smith, MD
A family physician considers the importance of metaphors and imagery when grappling with life-threatening, unimaginable illness.
Read moreThe Lost Patient Narrative in our era of "EHR-Centered" Medicine: A Reflection by family medicine physicianJacqueline Redmer
A family medicine physician reflects on the true costs for the patient and the clinician of the increasing digitization of modern medicine.
Read moreOn "Where Are You, Mary Oliver?" A pediatric ER doctor contemplates what two poets taught her about healing
A pediatric emergency physician reflects on the enduring power and comfort of Mary Oliver’s poetry during difficult times.
Read moreThe Luxury of Walking Away: An MS4 meditates on time, isolation and the comforts of home
A medical student contemplates her roles as a physician-in-training and learns to appreciate the privilege she possesses—unlike her patients—in walking away from the clinical space.
Read moreWhere do you turn for comfort? A reflection on Popsicles, Tater Tots and hospital gift shops by internist Ben Goldenberg
“Sometimes the job we do isn’t about fixing what’s wrong but rather helping each other survive within the confines of our brokenness.” Artwork: The Art of Being Here by Kirilee West Spring 2022 Intima
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