Transformational Times
Words of Hope, Character & Resilience from our Virtual Community
Friday, April 22, 2022
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Director's Corner
Perspective/Opinion
Poetry Corner
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Laura Kolbe: Buried Abecedary for Intensive Care
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Your Turn
Upcoming Events/Announcements
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Director's Corner
Remembering Libby Zion: Physician and Patient Well-Being are Intertwined
By Adina Kalet, MD, MPH
In this week’s Director’s Corner, Dr. Kalet reminds us that medical education has undergone structural changes many times. Sometimes force was needed…
Early in the morning of March 5, 1984, Libby Zion, the 18-year-old college freshman daughter of a legal journalist and former federal prosecutor, died in a prestigious academic medical center a mile north of the hospital where I was interning. In the days following her death, there were calls that the intern and resident caring for her should be charged with murder.
As trainees, we were mesmerized and terrified. The coverage of this case gave a public airing to facts well known to us. Medical training was grueling and risky. Supervision was often nonexistent, and no one made certain we had the resources or rest to be even minimally functional. We all knew stories and rumors of serious medical mistakes.
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Perspective/Opinion
Reflections and Hope: Seeing the Way Forward by Looking Back
By Rose Franco, MD and Jayshil Patel, MD
Two experienced ICU clinician-educators reflect on the impact of COVID and propose a way forward …
Chapter 1: Isolation and Demise
When the SARS-CoV-2 gripped the world, it squeezed us into isolation. Our patients were isolated from us and their families. Masking and social distancing kept people, in general, isolated from one another and the human connection was severed. While the rationale for isolation made perfect sense, it came with unintended consequences. In the medical ICU, the absence of family at the bedside undoubtedly had an impact on patient healing.
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Perspective/Opinion
On Practicing Scientific Creativity: Students' Experience in Wisconsin's 2022 Interprofessional Case Competition
By Paulina M. Gutkin, Chris J. Naas, Brian J. Conway and Sean P. Farrell - Medical Students at the Medical College of Wisconsin
The reflections of four MCW students who set out to pose solutions to improve rural mental health as part of a statewide competition...
If you are looking for a way to gain exposure to interdisciplinary collaboration in healthcare, stand out as a student, and learn from health science peers across the state, the Interprofessional Case Competition might be right for you. Held annually by the Wisconsin Area Health Education Centers (AHEC), this state-wide competition challenges multidisciplinary teams of health professional students to develop solutions to real-world complex public health vignettes. Participants work as a small group comprised of at least 3 health professions during the fall of the school year to create an evidence-based executive summary and budget proposal communicating recommendations to judges. Select teams are then chosen to advance to the state competition, where teams create a 15-minute presentation and compete for one of three cash prizes ranging from $1,000-$3,000. We had the privilege of participating this year through the Kern Institute and achieved first place amongst the 17 other teams initially enrolled in the competition.
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Perspective/Opinion
Our Legacy
By Jonathan Wong
What will our legacy be when we die? If we don’t choose now, it may be chosen for us...
Like many who enter the profession of medicine, I want to leave a lasting impact on others. As Jackie Robinson once said, “a life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.” Through medicine, I have chosen to commit my life to impacting others and improving the lives of generations to come. But I’ve come to realize that the greatest impact of all our lives may well come in a form we did not choose.
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Perspective/Opinion
Random Acts of Courage
By Himanshu Agrawal, MD and Jon Lehrmann, MD
On a Tuesday afternoon, nine months into the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Agrawal arranged for a half-day off and then composed the following email for the forty-seven faculty, staff and resident clinicians at the Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine clinics at Tosa Center. Then he received a response from a couple of MCW leaders …
Dear fellow clinicians,
This is your medical director speaking.
I rescheduled all my AM clinic patients yesterday. I contacted them myself. I made sure they were “tucked in.”
I told them this:
Hi. Unfortunately, I need to cancel today’s session. If you would like to arrange another session before our next one, please let me know and I can send you some options. Otherwise, I will see you next time. Sorry for this inconvenience.
Then, I sat in my office, I turned down the lights, I put on some music, caught up with my notes, and caught up with some work relationships (emails) that I had been neglecting.
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Perspective/Opinion
Reflections on a Melting Glacier
By Alexis Puyleart, M2 – Co-President of Medical Students for A Sustainable Future at MCW
Nothing is a more tangible reminder of climate change than a melting glacier, but there’s still time to help them and ourselves…
As I stood with my hands on the railing and the boat rocking beneath my feet, I had no words for the beauty before me. I was clearly not the only person feeling this way — everyone grew silent as the boat slowed to a stop beneath Margerie Glacier. I closed my eyes and felt the ice-conditioned wind against my face. The air smelled like a fresh blanket of snow had just fallen. I could hear the ice calving and splashing into the water below, and as I opened my eyes again, I felt absolutely at peace.
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Perspective/Opinion
Thoughts of a Medical Student on the Use of Plastic Speculums
By Kymarie Kuster, Co-President of MCW Medical Students for A Sustainable Future, MD Candidate – Class of 2024
There is already so much waste in healthcare (okay the world) but why plastic speculums? Remember there is no such thing as “away”…
There are so many reasons why you would want to use a plastic speculum. Plastic speculums reduce cross-contamination, they are clear so you can see through them easier, they are “warmer” than metal ones, and there is no clean-up necessary and can easily be tossed in the garbage for disposal. I hope you know where this going. I am not here to persuade you that plastic is a better choice.
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The creator of this piece, physician-poet-essayist Laura Kolbe, will be visiting MCW this coming week, hosted by the Center for Bioethics & Medical Humanities and the Kern Institute. She will present on MONDAY APRIL 25th at 4:30 PM in the Bolger Auditorium and via livestream. Livestream will be available here during the event. As MCW remains closed to visitors, those outside of MCW may attend via livestream only. This twenty-six-sentence prose poem appeared in The New York Times Magazine on November 24, 2021.
Buried Abecedary for Intensive Care
By Laura Kolbe
It’s called an awakening trial when the pleasanter drugs stop. It’s called bucking when the lungs and vent jam wing against each other. It’s called clubbing when the fingernails thicken to spoons from lack of oxygen. It’s called drug fever when no one knows why. It’s called elevation when the eyes can see where the feet should be. It’s called fasting when radiology foretells like a speaking goat on the blood-blue mountain. It’s called gunk when they suction the trach. It’s called hipaa when no one tells. It’s called inspiration just before the triggered cough. It’s called jaw thrust when the head is prepared for the macintosh blade. It’s called kin when they don’t shy speechless from the gunk. And when they do. It’s called labored when breath outmoans machines. It’s called manual blood pressure when you hope the machine lied. It’s called nitroprusside when the body is flushed like a cinema. It’s called octreotide when the blood untucks the napkin of the diner. It’s called a pan scan when the body won’t tell. It’s called a query when insurer and the bank won’t tell. Called resuscitation but it isn’t. Called shock when it started as resuscitation. Called trendelenburg when the feet are in the air. Called underventilation when the gas is more like the future planet’s. Called the vagus nerve when touching the neck makes the rhythm stop. Called weaning when the fentanyl hangs salivary at the chin of the bed. Called xeroform when the gauze smells like gin and tonic. Called you when it’s a question of error. Called zeroing out when they reset the machines for the next body.
Laura Kolbe, MD, is an assistant professor of medicine and assistant clinical ethicist at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. Her recent scholarly work focuses on moral distress, ethical issues within virtual clinical encounters, and the ethics of healthcare access disparities. Dr. Kolbe’s poetry collection, Little Pharma, won the Agnes Lynch Starrett Poetry Prize and was published by the University of Pittsburgh Press in 2021.
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Readers respond to last week's reflection prompt:
What book is at the top of your "must-read" list?
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Letter to a Stranger Essays to the Ones Who Haunt Us—Colleen Kinder. Each essay is written by someone who's had an unforgettable encounter with a stranger. The essayists share their thoughts, feelings, etc. around gratitude, wonder, and farewell. A very timely read!
—Cassandra L. Wright, Staff
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What Happened to You? by Dr. Perry and Oprah, The Body Keeps the Score by Dr. Bessel Van Der Kolk and Greenlights by Matthew McDonaughey.
—Charlie Ann Rykwalder, Staff
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For this week's reflection prompt, please answer the following question:
In celebration of Earth Day, how do you take care of the Earth?
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Register Now
2022 Understanding Medical Professional Identity and Character Development Symposium
Join us for the second annual Understanding Medical Professional Identity and Character Development symposium. This year's half-day event will be held virtually on April 22, 2022. We will welcome keynote speaker Dr. Tasha Wyatt of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, and also host workshops and discussion groups on major topics on PIF and character development.
April 22, 2022
9:00 am - 2:00 pm CT
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School of Medicine Curriculum Virtual Open House
The Curriculum Innovation team would like to invite all who are interested in becoming involved with the new School of Medicine curriculum to attend one of the virtual open houses listed below. During each open house, participants will learn more about opportunities for faculty facilitators of our patient-based small group discussions in Phase 1 of the new curriculum.
The agenda for each open house will include a brief discussion about patient-based discussions, the role of facilitators and leave plenty of time for your questions. Please click below to add your preferred open house date to your calendar. Within each calendar invitation, you will find the Zoom link to join the open house.
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Register Now
Two Lunchtime REACH Workshops
Next week we are thrilled to be offering TWO REACH Workshops with fantastic women who are both inspired entrepreneurs intent on helping people live their best lives.
On Tuesday, April 26th from 12-1 pm we will be joined by home organization expert, speaker, coach and author Shira Gill! Shira’s work and home have been featured in Vogue, Dwell, Better Homes & Gardens, House Beautiful, Architectural Digest, Apartment Therapy, Domino, Forbes, Goop, Harper's Bazaar, HGTV, InStyle, Parents, and Real Simple and The New York Times. Her debut book, Minimalista, was recently published by Penguin Random House and her second book will be released next year.
Over the past decade, Shira has helped thousands of clients all over the globe cut the clutter and create more space for what matters. Her innovative process and toolkit applies to anyone, regardless of their budget, space, or lifestyle. During her time with us, Shira will talk about her definition of minimalism, the cost of clutter and disorganization, and how to elevate your space on a tight budget. Those people who join us live will have a chance to win a copy of Shira's book, Minimalista! Check out her website, www.shiragill.com, and find her on IG @shiragill.
Then on Wednesday, April 27th from 12-1 pm award-winning triathlete, Trainer, Coach, and the founder of Inspirator Coaching & Fitness Erin Kreitz Shirey will join us! Erin's mission is to empower the world ONE Inspirator at a time. An Inspirator is an Inspiration and Motivator in one, which means that when you are accountable to yourself with owning your health and wellness, "all things are possible and anything is possible" to live your Dream Life every single day. Through her intuitive connection, laughter, fearless optimism and heartfelt dedication to her clients, Erin has helped NFL players turn their fear into fuel and coached CEOs to swim across the Bay while expanding their companies to triple profit margins. She has a HUGE heart and jumped at the chance to talk with and inspire medical students. Find out more about Erin at www.erinkrietzshirey.com.
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KNN Discussion Series
Human Flourishing 2030: Creating Organizational Cultures of Flourishing
Imagine it’s 2030 and we live in a healthier world where healthcare learners, practitioners and patients are flourishing. What does that future look like, and what will it take to get there? We need your voice and participation to chart that future. This series will examine influences, micro to macro, that shape and drive the vitality of healthcare students, professionals and broader society.
During April’s session, leaders will discuss the unique organizational cultures at Mayo Clinic, Ascension Health and Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. Robert Brown Jr., MD, MPH; Sister Teresa George; Sister Tierney Trueman; and moderator Melinda Buntin, PhD, will explore how establishing clear, relevant values can help align each team member’s personal mission with the organizational mission. In doing so, organizations can foster a stronger culture that “cares for the caregiver,” appreciates diverse perspectives, and contributes to learner, practitioner and patient thriving.
April 26, 2022
Live Virtual Event
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm CT
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This series is presented by the Kern National Network for Caring & Character in Medicine through an investment from the Kern Family Trust and Kern Family Foundation. |
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Register Now
2022 Summit on Advancing Equity in the Learning Environment
Please join us to explore, discuss and align our efforts in equity-focused initiatives in the learning environment! The summit will highlight how MCW incorporates equity into the learning environment while examining four areas: (1) Curriculum (2) Equitable Assessment and Mitigating Bias (3) Learning Environment Culture and (4) Equity in Research Education.
April 28, 2022
Virtual via Zoom
9:00 am - 1:00 pm CT
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Register Now
Curriculum Planning Virtual Retreat
The Curriculum Innovation team invites you to register for a virtual half-day retreat on Monday, May 2, from 8:00 am – 12:00 pm. We invite all faculty, staff and students to attend and share feedback on some of the curricular models. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. We hope you'll join us!
May 2, 2022
Virtual via Zoom
8:00 am - 12:00 pm CT
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Register Now for the 8th Annual Carrie Falk Memorial Lecture
All That Glitters
by Jessica Zitter, MD, MPH
Associate Clinical Professor, School of Medicine,
University of CA – San Francisco
Education Outreach Director, Division of Palliative Care, Highland Hospital
Author of Extreme Measures: Finding a Better Path to the End of Life
Featured in the Netflix documentary, Extremis
Dr. Zitter challenges and invites us, as physicians and healthcare professionals, to take a step back, take a deep breath, and enquire: what do we really want for ourselves, our loved ones, and those entrusted in our care when death comes?
May 5, 2022
Presented in the Kerrigan Auditorium and via Zoom
10:30 am - 12:00 pm CT
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Join us
KICS Journal Club with Dr. Ben Kinnear
KICS journal club is an opportunity to discuss some of the latest, influential, and/or thought-provoking articles in medical education with the authors who wrote them. It is an opportunity to learn about new ideas, methodologies, assessments, and strategies for publishing in medical education.
Dr. Kinnear is an associate professor of pediatrics at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and serves as an associate program director of the Med-Peds and Internal Medicine residency programs overseeing their medical education pathway.
May 11, 2022
via Zoom
12:15 pm - 1:00 pm CT
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Register Now
Faculty Development Day: Thriving at All Stages of Your Career
The Office of Faculty Affairs is thrilled to host an all virtual Faculty Development Day: Thriving At All Stages of Your Career. This annual one-day event provides resources to enhance overall faculty professional development in a variety of areas, with a special keynote address at noon.
Many Kern Institute faculty are contributing to sessions at this event, with Dr. Adina Kalet facilitating a Mentoring Intensive Workshop. Registration for this Workshop is limited and only open through the end of March.
May 12, 2022
Virtual via Zoom
8:00 am - 5:00 pm CT
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Wisconsin Medical Journal Seeks Applicants for Editor-in-Chief
The Wisconsin Medical Journal (WMJ) is seeking candidates to serve as its next Editor-in-Chief. The WMJ is an indexed, peer-reviewed journal published through a collaboration between the Medical College of Wisconsin and the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.
The EIC will serve a three-year term, with the potential for renewal. Previous experience as an editor or deputy/associate editor is preferred, as is prior editorial board experience. This is a volunteer position that averages 4 to 6 hours per week and will commence in June 2022.
The deadline for applications is May 13, 2022.
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Register Now
The Doctor as a Humanist DASH 6th Symposium: Humanism in Surgery
Fabrice Jotterand, PhD and Clara Bosco will be leading a plenary session entitled The Wise Surgeon in the Age of Artificial Intelligence at The Doctor as a Humanist DASH 6th Symposium: Humanism in Surgery, a hybrid event.
May 20, 2022
Hybrid Event
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Academic Medicine Call For Papers
Academic Medicine is seeking original submissions for their Letters to the Editor feature from medical students, residents, fellows, and trainees in other health professions on the topic of a transformative moment in your professional journey.
The editors will be looking for letters that go beyond describing an event to reflect meaningfully on how the experience affected your professional identity formation. In other words, a successful letter will not simply tell us what happened, but will also illuminate the role of that experience in shaping your identity as a health care professional. We expect you to use your personal experience to illustrate the point, but the purpose of the letter should be to communicate a broader issue or idea that has relevance for others throughout academic medicine. Submissions that are strictly narrative will not be considered for publication. Authors wishing to submit a strictly narrative piece should explore the journal’s Teaching and Learning Moments feature as an option.
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Join us
KICS Journal Club with Dr. Margaret Chisolm
KICS journal club is an opportunity to discuss some of the latest, influential, and/or thought-provoking articles in medical education with the authors who wrote them. It is an opportunity to learn about new ideas, methodologies, assessments, and strategies for publishing in medical education.
Dr. Chisolm the vice chair for education and a professor of psychiatry and behavior sciences and medicine at Johns Hopkins University and the author of From Survive to Thrive: Living your best life with mental illness.
June 8, 2022
via Zoom
12:15 pm - 1:00 pm CT
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The Transformational Times publishes weekly, delivering stories of hope, character and resilience to our virtual community. |
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Editorial Board: Kathlyn Fletcher, MD, Adina Kalet, MD, Wendy Peltier, MD, Erin Weileder, Nabil Attlassy, Julia Bosco, Ana Istrate, Scott Lamm, Sophia Neman, Wolf Pulsiano, Eileen Peterson, Neehal Shukla, Sarah Torres, Anna Visser, James Wu, Serena Zacharias & Emelyn Zaworski
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