Jennifer Frank “You’re a real piece of work!” he spat at me. He was a patient named Martin; I was the supervising physician, trying to role-model for a second-year resident how to conduct a difficult conversation with patients like this. So far, not so good. At first glance, Martin seemed an ordinary-looking older man, with […]
My matched set of nonagenarians is almost two hundred years oldand nearing escape velocity.They are failing to thrive with a vengeance. They have outlived everyoneexcept the powers of attorneyfor whom they are a source of consternation. Their constipation is prune-proof.They scratch where it itches till it bleeds and call on me to staunch the bleeding. They
Alexandra Godfrey Once again, I see a still heart. As I stare at the fetal monitor, I search for signs of life. The screen flickers; my son’s heart does not. The last time I saw him, he looked happy–content in his life-bubble. As he turned somersaults, he waved at me. I had thought he was
Jennifer Reckrey Editor’s Note: Jennifer Reckrey is a family medicine resident in New York City. Each week, while she was an intern, she recorded some of her experiences as a brand-new doctor. I have been his primary doctor for the entire three weeks he has been on the hospital floor. Sometimes he drives me crazy.
Each Day, Same Story Read More »
Come Medicine Buddha Come shine your rays upon mePenetrate deep within my bodyTo quell my queasy stomachAnd soothe my aching bones. Let those golden arrowsShoot deep within my frameExtinguishing the round tumorsThat live inside of me. Like a pool cue poised and readyAim straight for the triangleNumber 6 in right side pocketRed 4 to far
Does the Buddha Play Pool? Read More »
© 2024 Pulse - Voices from the Heart of Medicine, Inc. All rights reserved.
