One thing that I have particularly been thankful for this term, has been the number of chances that we get to practice the material we have learned in our basic sciences in real situations. I’ve always been quite good at holding information and doing well on written exams. However, being able to have hands-on application of our educational experience is placing the seed of my reality of becoming a physician where it’s properly tended and watered. I’m settling into what this is all unfolding to be with so much joy. I’m watching and reflecting on how it’s shaping me in my adulthood, and ultimately, in my future profession.
The Saturday Clinic Experience
To the simulated patients in clinic, I extend my gratitude and appreciation. I extend the same to my professors who provide us with wise and sound direction. Having a safe place to make mistakes, ask questions and get feedback is important and valuable and something I will never take for granted.
This semester I have my Observations 2 class on Saturdays. In the past I would dread the option to have to come in for anything school related on the weekend, but with Dr. Coe as my teacher, along with her interns as my peers, it’s actually proven to be my favorite day to be in the clinic. The feeling at the clinic on Saturdays is different in that I can feel the comradery amongst peers. People walk around with a deeper sense of presence and calm, yet it still feels energized. The interns I’ve shadowed so far go above and beyond to ensure I’m included, giving me time and space to learn how everyone systematically goes through their cases, interacts with patients and flows through the clinic. I’ve even witnessed peers bringing in food to share!
Navigating Advanced Diagnosis
In other news, I’ve recently completed the sensitive exam for my Advanced Diagnosis class. It was an important experience for me this term that I’m still grappling with now. I was embarrassingly nervous going into my exam, but I was at ease when the environment showed itself to be one of clear communication, repetition of structure and focused on comfort and safety for both patient and practitioner. Having the ability to ask questions, receive constructive criticism and understand what to expect has made it all less stressful as a learning environment. I feel affirmed that some of the most valuable health professions skills are more about our ability to make those around us feel comfortable while communicating our knowledge.
Board Exams Ahead!
Speaking of communication, I have officially registered for Part I boards in February! I and a group of my peers and friends are all holding each other accountable. We have group chats and study blocks that I fully attend and hold in reverence. Seeing it on schedule makes me a bit nervous, but happy to know that I’m not alone on this journey. In passing, I’m affirmed by my peers and offer them the same. “We got this!”. Although I feel like things are going well on a communal level, I am still working on figuring out how to remain on track with the unpredictable scheduling of the different programs in which I’m currently enrolled, especially the acupuncture program. I must put my worry aside and find confidence and hope that things will work out as they are meant to.
Like breathing, it’s become habitual to remind myself that my current focus should be on what I can control. This includes studying for exams, applying for scholarships, completing all my homework and maintaining balance at Soul Science 369 with my vending business and content creation. I’m deepening my understanding that maintaining balance doesn’t always mean juggling everything equally. Currently especially, I’m recognizing what needs my attention the most moment by moment while still incorporating play, and joyful creative aspects of my life that help to feel balanced and remind me of the bigger picture. I can feel the season’s influence of moving slower and conservatively. The chill in the air signals a need to adjust and withdraw my energy from where it may not be serving me in this chapter of my life. With the closure of the year coming up fast, I simply want to feel like I finished strong, not necessarily in the perfect sense, but strong in terms of the dedication and commitment to keep to my promises.
Community Service Brings Creative Joy
One commitment I’m finishing is community service. I’m working with the International Foster Care Alliance (IFCA). We are currently working on a mural project with a group of young people from Japan that will be completed and showcased in Oakland, California. The project centers around conversations uplifting youth autonomy, rights and community. It will be interesting to see how the students interpret those ideas visually, and what exchanges we will have as we create the mural together. Art can provide us with a language for things that cannot easily be articulated in the spoken word, especially on issues dealing with identity, belonging, the right to choose in one’s life, and responsibility about each other.
I’ll get to share this experience with my fiancée, who is quite literally a genius and master of many artistic mediums. It’s been sweet sharing creative ground with her and watching her engage, mentor and support the young artists’ visions. She has a great eye for beauty and capturing many of their stories, which I think is a key skill for making this project possible. It’s special to have the chance to blend our worlds: her artistic world, my community-oriented world, and the work we both are passionate about in the same arena.
There are lots of activities going on; nevertheless, there are also lots of things to give thanks for.
