The physician who knows only medicine, knows not even medicine. -Mark Twain
I have finished with the Humanistic Elective in Activism and Reflective Transformation (HEART). What an incredible way to bring my medical school career around to full circle. I decided to do the rotation after hearing great things about it from dear colleagues of mine every year.
HEART is an intentional community, and each year students find a way to magnify their impact on the world through positive intention and collective consciousness. HEART was probably the BEST rotation I did during medical school. I feel physically, mentally, and spiritually transformed. During medical school, our passions and life purpose can sometimes get away from us- this is a great rotation in which to renew that.
Check out this trailer video that was made during my month at HEART!
The dates for HEART next year will be March 24 - April 20, 2013. HEART Website
Just a few of the important tools I'm taking to residency:
Tips for going into residency:
1. Learn to accept change, for it is the only constant in life.
2. Learn to be flexible
3. Learn to accept the question marks in life and don't try to erase them. That is why we never allow pencil!
4. Nuture relationships
5. Strive for balance
6. Find meaning in medicine
7. Find mentors
8. Have gratitude and forgiveness for others and yourself daily.
The three most important things we can give our patients:
1. Presence- self-care and self-love is important! If we nurture ourselves, we can be more present with our patients, empowering them to do the same.
2. Intention- Be compassionate and loving, non judgmental, and know that there is a complete story behind everything. Be honest, open, and transparent.
3. Appropriate modality- recognizing what situations are best approached with western medicine, integrative medicine, or a metaphysical/psychological/spiritual model.
5-minute Compassion Meditation:
"May you be happy,
May you be peaceful,
May you be free
From pain and suffering."
Say this to Yourself,
A loved one,
A stranger, and
To someone with whom you have been having conflict.
