Four Prompts On Death

#LongFormSundays!

This week, I reflect on the busy-ness of last week, a relaxing night with friends this weekend, and approaching the halfway point of my clinical clerkships.

I hope you enjoy!

#LongFormSundays!

This week, I reflect on the cold. Over the past two years, I've become accustomed to the Florida heat and now that the Pennsylvania winter has arrived, I'm reminded of some practices that I've lost. First, a story about a date night. Second, a wistful remembrance of a garbage cat.

I hope you enjoy!

#LongFormSundays

This week, I reflect on my life and give thanks. Life is wacky and keeps moving me forward, and sometimes it is nice to resist the flow to be thankful for what you have.

I hope you enjoy!

#LongFormSundays!

This week, I reflect On Death, my interview series. A few conversations with friends have been ringing in my ears after learning about Alana Posluszny, a previous interviewee and her struggle to live after a catastrophic car accident. Her friends and family put into perspective the value of this project.

I hope you enjoy!

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Please consider donating to Alana’s GoFundMe to help allay the costs associated with such a prolonged and demanding hospital admission.

Thank you.

https://www.gofundme.com/2dszx99c

Cat Thomas! Cat is a 32yo expressive arts facilitator, a multi-modal artist, as well as a feline and canine caretaker. I met Cat through a network of lovely humans and she happened to work at Moffitt Cancer Center, next to my University of South Florida medical education. There, she facilitates a therapeutic expressive arts experience for caregivers and patients. During this conversation, we cover her journey to this work, her adventures in grandma's forest, and why she wants to die at 103.

I hope you enjoy!

Cat is...
an artist-in-residence,
and a proud dog owner.

Before Cat dies, she wants...
the field of expressive arts to be widely known,
and kids at some point.

When Cat dies, she wants...
a lot of people to come to her funeral,
for it to be a big party,
to be 103,
and to be active up until she dies.

After Cat dies, she wants...
to leave behind a legacy.

In conclusion, Cat says...
"Everyone: keep doing what you're doing.
Fight for what you think is right.
I just hope that everyone finds a passion and a purpose for what they're doing in life cause it makes life a lot better. I have found mine, finally. Taken a while, kind of meshing a lot of things together. It's good.
That is my hope for everyone and humanity."

#LongFormSundays!

This week, I reflect on a letter I wrote to myself one year ago and that I needed dearly. Additionally, I write another letter to future Eugene. Hopefully, I find it useful.

I hope you enjoy :)

#LongFormSundays!

This week, I reflect on my inpatient neurology week and my love for the physical exam. Neurology seems to draw many potential psychiatrists, and I suspect the physical exam is a major reason why.

I hope you enjoy :)

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!

Sudhir is…
an Indian who grew up in America
part farmer
part medical professional
and part human

Before Sudhir dies, he wants…
kids,
and to do a little bit of good in this world.

When Sudhir dies, he wants…
his family to not sit there crying over him.

After Sudhir dies, he wants…
to be remembered like his great-grandfather.

In conclusion, Sudhir says…
“Don’t be a huge dick.

I believe in the Golden Rule: we all want to be treated with respect and I think you should treat everyone with respect. Everyone’s a human being with their own emotions and insecurities. Just treat everyone with respect. Be nice. Keep moving forward. You never know what’s going to happen in life. It’s unpredictable and I think the best thing you can do is try to put a smile on other people's’ faces as best you can, each day.”

#LongFormSundays!

This week, I reflect on a death that I've been long awaiting. Through "Jim", I discuss the limits of modern medicine and the line between ethics, the right to die, and our self-sovereignty.

I hope you enjoy :)

#LongFormSundays!

This week, I reflect on the past few weeks with a 20min unload on the keyboard. I wrote this piece in on stream-of-consciousness ramble and hope that it conveys my current mindspace. Life is one long tumble and sometimes I forget to reflect. Here is one long rumble of a reflection.

I hope you enjoy :)