Dear Past Eugene,
Reading your message gave me more strength than I had anticipated. The past few weeks have been challenging in ways I could not have predicted. I recall reading the letter about two weeks ago, after an anxious morning and a feeling of overall dread. It had been quite some time since my last brush with anxiety and panic.
Continue reading “On a letter from past self and to future self”
Sudhir M! Sudhir is a 25yo third-year medical student, Indian who grew up in America, and part farmer. I met Sudhir during the first days of medical school and I am glad that he is rotating with me throughout this year of clerkships. During this conversation, we discuss his Hindu upbringing, his interest in Interventional Radiology, the case of “Jim”, and the rapid change we’ve already seen and anticipate in the world going forward.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
Scott H! Scott is a 28yo third year medical student, 2nd LT in the United States Army, and follower of Jesus Christ. Additionally, Scott serves as the man behind the curtain for this podcast, editing and adjusting the recordings in post-production. During this heady conversation, we discuss a rational belief in faith, his service-based approach to selecting his church communities, and why you shouldn’t bury gold.
I hope you enjoy!
I met Frank on the day I moved to Coopersburg. He ambled down the staircase, through the door, and into a bush. Back then, he was lumpy and gross and more resembled a tumbleweed than a Persian cat.
Continue reading “On holes of the heart (or ode to a garbage cat)”
Nic Werbeckes! Nic is a 26yo fourth year medical student, recovering Catholic, and thinker. I met Nic when he presented on mindfulness during my first year orientation and I’ve been quietly waiting to interview him since the inception of this podcast. He does not disappoint! During this heady conversation, we discuss the dance between chaos and order, the importance of harmony, and the impact of his grandfather’s death.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
Lucy Horton! Lucy is a 72yo hippy, an activist, and an entrepreneur. I met Lucy through an attending physician, Dr. Dehoff, and I am glad to bring her perspective to the podcast. During this conversation, we discuss her cross country ramblings as a young hippy, her 15yrs on a commune in Vermont with 18 other people, joining an Episcopal Church because she wanted to attend school on Sundays, and serving as a volunteer escort for women’s health clinics.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
Camille Imbo! Camille is a 25yo fourth year medical student, an older sister, and a black woman. I met her during a SELECT session this year and the rawness of her laugh put her on my radar. During this conversation, we discuss the importance of names and how they change identity, the politicization of blackness, the inseparable mix of purpose and potential, and the soulmate bond between herself and her grandmother.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
M. S.! M. S. is a 29yo fourth year medical student, powerlifter, and rational thinker. In this cerebral conversation, we discuss the tenets of the Sikh faith, the great waste of human potential through procrastination, and the benefits of competition toward the next steps for humanity.
Dave Del Negro! Dave is a 26yo third year medical student, athlete, and teacher. Dave has rotated with me through Internal Medicine and teaches wrestling at our informal fight club. During this conversation, we discuss his early diagnosis of ADHD, the value of competitive American Wrestling, and the subject of suicide.
I hope you enjoy!
Katrina Wachter! Katrina is a 24yo third year medical student, a musician, a second Lieutenant in the US Army, and a Christian. I’ve known her since the very first days of med school as she is my peer pair partner for the SELECT program. She’s an outstanding example of a human and I am so glad to finally bring her to you. During this conversation, we discuss the value of deep breathing and journaling, her encounters with death, and her desires for a family.
I hope you enjoy! 😀
20170203 – CBSE – 178
20170401 – CBSSA Form 16 – 175
20170409 – CBSSA Form 15 – 203
20170412 – CBSE – 205
20170416 – CBSSA Form 18 – 192
20170422 – CBSSA Form 17– 205
UWorld 56% (cumulative correct)
20170519 – Step One – 209
Continue reading “On a tale of eight data points (or Step One: a post-mortem)”
Joel Eisenberg! Joel is a 25yo third year medical student, a native of Florida, and lover of food. I’ve rotated with Joel throughout medical school and I’m excited to bring him to you. During this conversation, we discuss authenticity, how culinary school is more intense than medical school, and how his mother taught him about death.
I hope you enjoy!
Emily Duerr! Emily is a 24yo third-year medical student, a 2nd lieutenant in the US Army, and a future farmer. I’ve known Emily since the first week of medical school and I’m excited to see where her drive takes her career. During this conversation, we discuss her Lutheran upbringing, the importance of raising chickens, and her passion for veteran’s care.
I hope you enjoy!
Andre Lee! Andre is a 27yo third year medical student, martial artist, and musician. I met him early on in my Tampa adventures and I am glad to live with him as we transition to Pennsylvania. During this conversation, we discuss the importance of independence, holding up his uncle, how mosh pits respect musicians, and how every party needs a healer.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
On Thursday, I slept in Philadelphia with my partner at a small Airbnb near the testing center. On Friday, we sat for Step One and drove home to Coopersburg in a post-test daze. On Saturday, we started our morning to gunfire, a wounded man, and chaos.
Continue reading “On the other side (or 2 days since Step One)”
I feel ready. I feel tired. I feel excited.
Continue reading “On the final stretch (or 5 days to Step One)”
Rahul Paul! Rahul is a 26yo Hindu-raised Bangladeshi, a third year medical student interested in emergency medicine, and a scientist. During this conversation, we discuss the relatable story of Krishna, the value of earned perspective, and why you should breathe into your balls.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
(April 27 – 28)
Packing up the apartment. The beginning of the moving process. I forget how the first 50% of packing equals only 20% of the total amount of work involved.
Alana Karma! Alana is a 21yo artist, student, and performer. I met Alana through the Sacred Floats and Gems nebulous (which brought previous guests Kenny Henderson and Jared Roa to the podcast). Her canvases include skin, both inked and painted, fire, and aerial silks. In this heady conversation, we discuss her Mohawk heritage, Wiccan upbringing, and the sacred fire.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
The new moon is Wednesday and I planned to sit for Step One on Tuesday. Instead, a rough practice exam last weekend shook my confidence and forced re-evaluation. Step is coming, but am I ready?
Continue reading “On delaying the inevitable (or 18 days to Step One)”
I want to move. I want to spend the day outside with the glorious Florida spring soaking up the rays of sun before I leave for Pennsylvania. I want to lift the heavy things with my partner. I want to set up my slackline next to my hammock and casually move between the two as I watch the sun trace a path across the sky.
Continue reading “On necessary atrophy (or 8 days to Step One)”
Pooja Jayaprakash! Pooja is 23yo second year medical student and Indian woman with a liberal arts background. I met Pooja during the first week of med school and I have known that she would make an outstanding guest on the podcast. During this conversation, we discuss growing up Indian in Utah, imagining her mixed-race children, resisting the draw of medicine, and the death of her 109yo grandfather with his complicated legacy.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
I don’t wanna. I know I need to, but I don’t wanna.
I find it hard to believe that I’ve been studying for two weeks. Time seems to move differently during Step Prep. Day after day, each morning I wake up to my alarm, my partner makes coffee, and it feels the same. The morning fugue before I orient myself to the study tasks ahead.
Continue reading “On time dilation (or 22 days to Step One)”
7a Wake up: make coffee, poop, stretch, water plants.
9a Begin studying: read a chapter from review texts and complete a block of practice questions.
2p Movement break. Eat food afterwards.
5p Resume studying: more question blocks and review the results.
9p Watch TV and eat.
10p Wind down and lights out.
11p Body in bed and sleep.
Rinse and repeat for twenty-nine more days.
Continue reading “On Wim Hof and Chill (or 29 days to Step One)”
Tomorrow is the Vernal Equinox, the moment when day and night balance each other out, the mark of winter’s end and the start of spring. Florida has been expressing spring rebirth for some time with almost every tree pushing out new growth. Up north, in my childhood home of NH or the future home of PA, I know that snows have been freshly laid and the spring renewal is weeks, if not months, away.
Continue reading “On the change of seasons (or Course Seven: a post-mortem)”
Kristen Prosen! Kristen is a 26yo herbalist, yoga teacher, and scared white woman. I’ve had the pleasure of learning Thai yoga massage from her and she teaches with grace and understanding. In this conversation, we discuss the universal relationship of plants, activism through addressing cultural bias, and the death of her grandmother.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
I’m happy.
Florida spring is here: the live oaks are shedding their tired and pale dark green leaves from the previous year and sprouting vibrant emerald replacements. Pollen coats my car. The longer days and more powerful sun darkens my skin. My little green plant babies grow in earnest, reaching for the sky and drinking deeply every morning.
I see death in three flavors, like an inevitable Neapolitan ice cream: someone close and loved, someone estranged or complicated, and someone distant. This is a story about someone distant.
Lui Espinosa! Lui is a 31yo second year medical student, a burgeoning philosopher-physician, and a runner. He has stood out among my classmates as a human with lived experiences and earned wisdom. During this conversation, you’ll learn about the death of his grandfather as well as his Portuguese friend Anibal, his setbacks and obstacles while growing up and attaining his education, and his joy of life throughout it all.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
This week, I’ve had a chance to flex and move my tired and atrophied social muscles. They’ve been casted and underused for much of second year and this week’s post-exam status and light lecture load allowed me full range of motion for the first time in months. Feels great. A bit tragic, though, because it will go right back in the cast after this weekend.
Continue reading “On social weekends (or the start of Step Countdown)”
27yo male presents 5days post-fall with occipital contact on semi-padded surface and no loss of consciousness.
Waking up on Saturday, I felt a little groggy. Not sure if it was the ice cream binge of black cherry talenti, or the late night of studying combined with a low pressure system rolling through the morning, or the mild brain trauma of Monday finally showing itself.
Meg Scott! Meg is a 23yo well-rounded second-year medical student, a follower of Christ, and a runner. I’m honored to call this deeply intelligent human my friend and I look forward to keeping tabs on her future career in surgery. In this conversation, we explore her relationship with Christ, how karate and horseback riding can teach you how to teach, and what the death of her close friend’s father taught her about death.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
It’s been a week since my first grappling competition. A week until C7T2, the next exam for the final block of medical school. The afterglow of adrenaline has fully faded and I’m back in the world: attending lectures, writing my reflections, returning to jiu-jitsu classes, recording interviews, and grinding for Step.
Continue reading “On relaxing for long-term gains (or the perspective of competition)”
Exam went well. Early morning and some tough questions, but overall felt prepared and that my studying was effective.
Continue reading “On game day (or my first Jiu-Jitsu competition)”
Brian Bernal! Brian is a 24yo first-generation Ecuadorian, a second year DPT student at USF, and cousin to many. I met Brian while slacklining last year and he has been a close friend for adventures ever since. During this conversation, we discuss leaving a legacy, his bouts with pneumothorax, and the joys of wandering.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
While struggling with the new pressures of second year, a friend sent me a video about lobsters and growth. If you are struggling or feeling pressured, I highly recommend the 90sec story. The message of discomfort as a signal for growth has stuck with me. Now, in the final block of second year with a test tomorrow and on the road to Step, I finally feel like I’ve grown into a new shell.
Walking outside my apartment with fresh eyes, I realized that this practice would be two-fold: for my eyes and for my limbs. My eyes are drawn to exciting trees with high ledges and interesting branches. Unfortunately, at this stage in my monkey-ing about, my eyes serve up a meal larger than my limbs can process. For these trees near my apartment, well-manicured live oaks with strong limbs at least four feet off the ground, the difficulty seems to lie in the first move. I think to myself, ‘If only I could get to that first branch!’ while grabbing hold of a crook here and placing my bare foot there and ineffectively throwing my weight into the air.
The past week has been a slow acceleration into the final Course of second year. All week, I’ve told folks that I’m treating it as an on-ramp; not quite at merging speed though I’m getting there.
Continue reading “On ramps (or merging into the traffic of responsibilities)”
After leaving the warmth of a Florida winter, with a quick layover in Minneapolis, we arrived in Northern California on the 28th. Yuba City, which is north of Sacramento (or ‘Sac’ as the natives say), is less a city and more a collection of orchards and rice paddies with some low buildings sprinkled in. My partner’s family lives in a small ranch home nestled between rows and rows of pruned trees waiting out the cold. Here, we enjoyed the second half of winter break with deliciously cold showers, slow wifi, and lots of comfort food.
Continue reading “On a New Year (or winter break in Yuba City)”
Anna Shon! Anna is a 57yo mother of two, a devoted Catholic, and a good friend. In this conversation, we talk about the death of her parents and how this influenced her own vision for end of life, her aversion to burials, and her optimism for the future.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
Looking back on a solar cycle through weekly reflections is an incredibly satisfying practice. With hindsight on my side, I can easily identify the ecstatic highs and emotional lows, as well as how they both seemed to last forever. Categorizing the posts into distinct groups (love, medical school, physical practices, travel logs, and misc musings), I can quantify the emotions over the past year. Continue reading “On 2016 (as told through weekly reflections)”
Has it already been a week since finals? I’m writing this on Christmas morning with a fresh cup of coffee and not much on the agenda.
Continue reading “On Christmas (or winter break in Jacksonville)”
Keaton Fletcher! Keaton is a doctoral candidate, a singer, and an optimist. I met Keaton while coaching and he always stood out as a beacon of positivity and good vibes. During this conversation, we talk about his near death experience, the awe of visiting Rome for the first time, the luxury of optimism, and the joy of mentoring.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
Course Six, what a rollercoaster. The end of 2016 has brought about challenges and opportunities for growth in my academics, athletics, and personal life.
Continue reading “On a well-deserved break (or Course Six: a post-mortem)”
I woke up Wednesday morning with an ornery elbow and without my partner.
Talha Rashid! Talha is a 27yo second year medical student, a Muslim, and a pessimist. As a quiet and reserved classmate, I’ve been itching to sit him down for an interview and to learn about his past. In this conversation, we cover the passing of his grandmother, Oblivion, and how Pakistani corruption formed the basis of his moral code.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
November 2016 is finally in the rear-view mirror. It’s been a long and challenging month, but with the solstice ahead and winter break only two weeks away, I can revel in the fact that the grind will pause. So here’s a stream-of-consciousness reflection.
A few days off classes and four days with family does wonders for the psyche.
Samson Lu! Samson is an incredibly talented and passionate musician, as well as a MD/MPH student and my doppelganger, when I had long hair. In this conversation, we discuss race, music, the art of teaching, and how to leave a legacy.
I hope you enjoy!
I’m thankful for the challenges of the past year, from the academic to the personal. I’m thankful for my health, without which I would be nothing. I’m thankful for endings, for they help define beginnings.
Diego Gomez! Diego is a Christian, a mutt, and a man of deep faith. I met Diego while coaching and his humor and personality always lit up the room. In this conversation, we talk about how he found and accepted his faith, his mixed latino heritage, and his hopes for the future.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
Continue reading “Diego Gomez On Death”
I’ve been playing Starcraft again. A few games a day, short and aggressive study breaks to keep my mind active before I dive back into powerpoints and flashcards. I feel more engaged than scrolling through Facebook, passively consuming clickbait content.
Anne Laverty! Anne is a 26yo second year medical student, women’s studies major, and dreamer. I truly enjoyed this opportunity to sit down with Anne and talk through the four prompts; she’s a lovely human that lights up a room and has been described as an ‘enthusiastic dancer’. In this conversation, we discuss being a lover, developing community-based approaches to health care, and finding comfort in failure.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
Dear Future Eugene,
I hope this finds you well. I know you normally don’t read your posts after they go up, but I hope you remember to look back on this one. Let’s say October 2017? You’ll be up in Lehigh Valley, knee deep into third year and your clinical clerkships. Maybe internal medicine, or you got surgery early. Hopefully, you are adapting well to the increased rigors.
Robyn Panchaud! Robyn is a 31yo first-year medical student at USF, a Bermudan, and thoughtful human. I met Robyn while presenting on mindfulness to SELECT, and she stood out because she was the only person to ask me a question! In this conversation, we talk about grieving for her lost identity as a musician, how she encounters prejudice through her interracial marriage, and writing her father’s eulogy with her brother.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
A bulleted recap of my week between Course Five and Six:
Course Five ended on Thursday, with the NBME final. I failed the first exam and passed the next two. Still awaiting results on that final.
Continue reading “On decompressing and readjusting (or Course Five: a post-mortem)”
Michael Watson! Michael is currently a third year medical student, a hunter, and coach. This interview’s pulled from the Dirty Dozen, the gestational episodes for this podcast, almost six months ago! In this conversation, we talk about skin in the game, fear, and Michael’s developed perspective on coaching.
I hope you enjoy!
If we are what we do repeatedly, then I am a mover, a writer, and a student.
Steven Manobianco! Steve is a second year medical student, a late bloomer, and martial artist. In this conversation, we talk about the importance of getting a punch to the face, failure as a practice for success, and the spirituality in a doctor’s office.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
For a while, I told myself that I would cut my hair to express mourning. I liked the idea of physically showing inner turmoil after the death of a family member, an outside change to reflect the inside like the ancient Greeks or Prince Zuko. Removing choice from the equation felt simpler: if someone dies, then I cut my hair. No decision to be made and no discussion or feedback to elicit.
Continue reading “On cut hair (or a meditation on identity)”
Julia Rauchfuss! Julia is a medical student (MS3 now, MS2 during recording in March), a sister, and a daughter. In this conversation, we cover why she’s a dreamer, how she wants to reuse her organs after death, and what family means to her.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
Jared Roa! Jared is a 27yo artist, small business owner, and visionary. I met Jared through Sacred Floats & Gems and Visionary Ink, and have even been their spokesperson! In this conversation, we discuss float tanks, oil paintings, and his near death experience while surfing. His responses to the four prompts are clear, direct, and well-earned.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
Ben Croll! Ben is a 24yo second year medical student, former EMT, and 2nd Lieutenant in the US Air Force. In this lovely conversation, we talk about everything from Slaughterhouse Five, to what he learned from the passing of his father, and the importance of virtue versus accomplishment. Additionally, you’ll hear his undergrad philosophy background in his thoughtful and intellectually clear responses to the four prompts!
I hope you enjoy 🙂
The highlight of the past year has been you, Mackenzi, and I want to put into written word the reasons why. I will fall short and I will look back on this letter with regret for phrases I could have added or words that I would excise. Regardless, I will bring a dictionary to the world of feelings and love.
Continue reading “On a fledgling romance (or an open love letter to my partner)”
Usman Ahmad! Usman is a 29yo second year medical student at the University of South Florida, an advocate, and thoughtful human. In this conversation, we talk about everything from a possible Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis, to firearm research, his Muslim upbringing, and everything in between. You’ll hear his thoughtfulness and gratitude for life in his responses to the four prompts.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
On Thursday, I experienced my first arm-bar: a submission technique where the elbow is cranked open into hyper-extension with the power of an opponent’s hips. While sparring earlier in the week with a different partner, I had been put into the position, but they did not apply pressure, did not force me to tap out of discomfort and panic. This partner did and I am truly grateful for that experience.
Continue reading “On getting my groove back (or returning to my practices)”
In a silly act of defiance for the sake of defiance, I decided to present my Summer Immersion research project while barefoot. Having looked at the syllabus thoroughly, I knew that professional dress was a minor, but notable component of my grade for the project and presentation: meaning I would not earn a failing grade for the stunt, just the ire of the SELECT administration.
Ashleigh Stembridge! Ashleigh is a 27-year-old artist, soon-to-be certified yoga instructor, and hopeful middle-school art teacher. I met Ashleigh through Tavia, a previous On Death interviewee, and I’m so glad I could sit down and hear her thoughtful and experienced responses to the four prompts. In this conversation, we talk about the value of getting punched in the face, the importance of strong teachers for young people, and how to overcome fear of the unknown.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂 Continue reading “Ashleigh Stembridge On Death”
While in NH a few weeks back, I met up with a CrossFit athlete and coach, Joey Vachon. He had recently competed in the East Regional, a feeder competition for the CrossFit Games, the highest level of measurement for the Sport of Fitness. It had been a few weeks since his debut at Regionals and I used this as an excuse to talk about him, rather than myself, while we caught up and ate burritos at Chipotle.
Continue reading “On catching up again and again (or the calm before the MS2 storm)”
Haley Goetz! Haley is a rising sophomore in college, almost 19 years old, and an aspiring filmmaker with dreams of changing and exploring the world. I met Haley while coaching for Great Bay Rowing Club: she stood out as a mischievous and thoughtful individual. In this conversation, we talk about the difference between paganism and animism, the beauty of questioning through science-fiction, and what she learned from the passing of her canine companion Buster.
I hope you enjoy!
What follows is a lightly edited and mostly stream-of-consciousness travel log of my journey from Florida to California and back again.
I woke up in the morning around 730a, and felt like moving. On the drive over to the campsite, I had indulged in some gas station pizza and a donut and Pringles, to keep me awake and fed while I drove through the food desert of Missouri, especially at night. Feeling groggy and slow, I knew that moving would reinvigorate me.
Continue reading “On the road, from MO to FL (or summer travels: Part Ten)”
Ian Covell! Ian is an 18-year-old athlete, soon-to-be college student, and thoughtful human. In this conversation, we talk about the power of risk and jumps, the fine difference between atheism and agnosticism, and the importance of embracing your true emotions.
I know you will enjoy this lovely conversation with a profoundly interesting and unique young person!
What follows is a lightly edited and mostly stream-of-consciousness travel log of my journey from Florida to California and back again.
I woke up around 7a. The toilet worked well and without incident, thankfully, and I edited together my podcast with Par S for On Death while preparing coffee upstairs. Again, no one on the land except myself and the animals. Every time I went up, I triggered the Overly Alert Dog Alarm system and at least two pups would run up to me, crushing the silence.
Continue reading “On the road, from CO to MO (or summer travels: Part Nine)”
Stephen Grow! Stephen is a father of two, a follower of Christ, and a loving husband. In this conversation, we discuss the difficulties and benefits of homeschooling, the difference between being a Christian and having a relationship with Jesus, and how a hug can change a life.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
“I want to provide budding pre-meds with an unfiltered perspective of what challenges they will face, if they gain acceptance into a medical degree program.
I want to provide fellow medical students with an honest and vulnerable account of my challenges and struggles, so that we can know we are not alone in this results-driven community.
I want practicing physicians to better understand the new generation of doctors that will be training under them and working alongside them.
And, I especially want the lay-person to know that we are not simply white coats with stethoscopes, but deeply flawed and hopeful humans that aim to heal others.”
Continue reading “On the Education of a Physician (2016 – Year One)”
What follows is a lightly edited and mostly stream-of-consciousness travel log of my journey from Florida to California and back again.
We woke up around 9a, making some jasmine tea in Ian’s quonset with his electric kettle to avoid the big morning rush of bodies to the COBS common kitchen. We talked and planned our day, as I’d be leaving the following morning since he had to leave for an overnight photography assignment around 8a.
Continue reading “On the road, in CO (or summer travels: Part Eight)”
Karen Holland! Karen is a mother of two, a teacher, and a yogi. I met her during a yoga for teens training, which she led with grace and intelligence. She currently teaches elementary and middle school aged children, and her thoughtful responses to the four prompts will leave you thinking for quite some time! We chat about her Catholic upbringing, how to raise sensitive and old-soul daughters, and what spirituality means to her.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
What follows is a lightly edited and mostly stream-of-consciousness travel log of my journey from Florida to California and back again.
Right now, I’m technically writing this on Saturday, at about 3a. I’m settling in and can’t quite wind down yet, still very jacked up on mountain dew from the sprint/marathon to Colorado, from LA and through Utah.
Continue reading “On the road, from CA to CO (or summer travels: Part Seven)”
What follows is a lightly edited and mostly stream-of-consciousness travel log of my journey from Florida to California and back again.
During which time, I lost my driving partner, gained a fiancee, met her family, and said goodbye.
Continue reading “On the road, in CA (or summer travels: Part Six)”
Nick Plimpton! Nick is a 32yo second year medical student, a polite Minnesotan, and a thoughtful future pediatrician. In this interview, we talk about the turbulence of a medical education, Minnesota and Disney princesses, and how to operate in this diverse world with folks of various gender identities, sexual orientations, ethnicities, and backgrounds.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
What follows is a lightly edited and mostly stream-of-consciousness travel log of my journey from Florida to California and back again.
We awoke around 9a, my partner before I so she began the coffee process in Mark’s kitchen, which was delightfully furnished. Stainless steel knives were suspended magnetically above the countertop, the gas range was sturdy and seemed cast-iron, and as she brewed, I tidied up a bit around the room.
Continue reading “On the road, in CA (or summer travels: Part Five)”
Par S! Par is a Punjab Sikh, a skilled medical professional, and a loving husband. As you’ll discover in this interview, he’s a skilled talker filled with opinions on grit, immigrant families, and the importance of knowing your own value.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
What follows is a lightly edited and mostly stream-of-consciousness travel log of my journey from Florida to California and back again.
Up in the early, cool morning, everything is a bit stiff but refreshed to be sleeping out in the tent again. That morning Utah mountain air is something else. My partner made coffee, I packed up camp, and we headed out to our final westward leg to Los Angeles.
Continue reading “On the road, from UT to CA (or summer travels: Part Four)”
Eugene Kim! Eugene is a rising second year medical student at USF, a coach of crossfit and crew, and the initiator of this podcast! This week, Mackenzi Frost (previous On Death interviewee) turns the four prompts on your usual host for a delightful and sometimes rambling conversation on teaching versus coaching, love versus fear, and the value of a practice.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
What follows is a lightly edited and mostly stream-of-consciousness travel log of my journey from Florida to California and back again.
It’s 430a and we are settled into the hotel just outside of Denver, our mad dash to the mountains completed— never really stepped foot onto Kansas, but I’ll explore these flat plains some other time.
Continue reading “On the road, from CO to UT (or summer travels: Part Three)”
What follows is a lightly edited and mostly stream-of-consciousness travel log of my journey from Florida to California and back again.
The next morning, my partner and I woke up to birds chirping, woodpeckers tapping, and crows cawing. We had picked a spot away from others but quite near the water front— the Kentucky Lake was just a few yards from our zipper door.
Continue reading “On the road, from KY to KS (or summer travels: Part Two)”
Bansi Savla! Bansi is a medical student, a Jain, and an incredibly thoughtful 22-year-old. During this lovely conversation, we talk about time, death, her faith, all in a way that is relatable and digs at essential truths.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
What follows is a lightly edited and mostly stream-of-consciousness travel log of my journey from Florida to California and back again.
Yesterday my partner and I drove from JAX to ATL, about a six hour journey, through some side roads and away from the highly populated areas. This was awesome in that we got lovely rolling hills, small amounts of traffic, and a relaxing driving experience— but this also meant we were without cell service! Something we’d need to get used to on this journey 🙂
Continue reading “On the road, from FL to KY (or summer travels: Part One)”
Doug M! Doug is currently a camp host with the National Forest Service, a 66yo retired carpenter, and grandfather. He’s a born and bred woodsy mountain type from the Tennessee mountains, near the North Carolina border. His down-to-earth wisdom and speaking style will enchant you, as we weave our way through the four prompts in this lovely conversation.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
I’m quite spent.
Continue reading “On quiet endings (or First Year: a post-mortem)”
Afif Abu-Hanna! Afif is a first year medical student and a wonderful mix of American-Israeli, Arab, and Christian. We talk about the future of health care, week-long traditional Arab weddings and funerals, and the art of teaching.
I hope you enjoy!
Three exams down, I’m sitting here waiting for Monday and preparing for Wednesday. Tomorrow, cumulative final exam scores will be posted and I’ll find out if I have passed Course Four, or if I’ve failed and required to remediate over the upcoming summer.
Continue reading “On the transition from spring to summer (or Course Four: a post-mortem)”
Jasmine Kashkoush! Jasmine is a first year medical student, a Muslim, and incredibly insightful despite her age of 22. She is family-oriented, wants children, and the passing of her grandparents has informed her perspective on death.
I know you’ll dig this lovely conversation, please enjoy!
Experienced tight-ropers, whether slackers or wire-walkers, know that the last three steps are the most dangerous. Once you have a certain level of technical proficiency, then walking a long line is merely a matter of sustained attention and focus.
Continue reading “On the last three steps (or maintaining discipline as MS1 ends)”
Carly Waldman! Carly is a first year medical student at USF, the daughter of a physician, and was raised in the Jewish faith. Currently, she aspires to be a surgeon, and her responses to the four prompts highlight her independence, depth of thought, and determination to heal others in order to help them.
I hope you enjoy!
Eugene H Kim 