Transformational Times
Words of Hope, Character & Resilience from our Virtual Community
Friday, January 7, 2022
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In This Art-Themed Issue: |
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Director's Corner
Perspective/Opinion
Art From the MCW Art Club
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Teresa Patitucci, PhD: Garden Path
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Sparsh Jain: The First Snow
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Lauren Tostrud: Behind the Mask
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Julia Schmitt: Kindness Rocks
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Julia Bosco: Exercise in Neuro
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Julia Bosco: Inner Cord Revealed
Outside Links
Poetry Corner
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Your Turn
Upcoming Events/Announcements
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Director's Corner
Taking Care of Artists: Truth, Beauty and Goodness One Patient at a Time
By Adina Kalet, MD, MPH
In this art-themed issue, Dr. Kalet remembers a patient who taught her about tidal bores, moved her to be a careful observer, eventually inspired her to make art, and dared her to be a good doctor, despite low expectations …
I was not having a good day at work. All I knew about my next new patient, RL, was that she was a 78-year-old woman with belly pain. Running late as usual, I glanced around the spartan waiting room, my eyes settling on a roundish woman flipping the battered pages of an old Woman’s Day magazine. It was a reasonable assumption. With her cloud of bluish white hair, pink lipstick, shiny magenta overcoat, and sensible beige shoes, she fit the bill. I smiled and called out, “Mrs. RL, please come into the office.” While the sitting women didn’t look up, a wiry person leaning against the wall, wearing child-size Levi’s and a wool cap pulled low, pushed past me into the exam room, mumbling an irritated, “It’s about time! I’ve been waiting for two hours!” What? I thought. Not a great start.
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Perspective/Opinion
Designing Your Life: Using Principles of Design Thinking to Build a Joyful, Well-Lived Life in 2022
By Julia Schmitt, Kern Institute Human-Centered Design Lab
Ms. Schmitt shares the principles of design thinking and how we can all apply these to increase our happiness and well-being in 2022…
“What do you want to be when you grow up?” It’s a common question you may have heard around your holiday dinner table last month. At my family gathering, it was directed to my son, and took the form of “What are you passionate about?” Since he’s thinking about changing his major in college, it was intended as a helpful, reflective question…
The truth is, it got everyone at the table considering the question for themselves. Whether you’re contemplating what to major in at college, considering the next phase of your career, or preparing for retirement, it’s okay to not have it all figured out. Most people don’t have a single motivator – a passion – that drives all their life decisions. Really, the better question is “What do you want to grow into next?”
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Perspective/Opinion
Making Clinical Reasoning Explicit: A Reflection From December's KICS Medical Education Journal Club
By Amy Farkas, MD; Michael T. Braun, PhD and Kristina Kaljo, PhD
In this recap, Drs. Farkas, Braun and Kaljo discuss the importance of introducing clinical reasoning skills early in medical education…
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Art from MCW Art Club
Thank you to the MCW Art Club for sharing some of their work with us for this issue:
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Garden Path by Teresa Patitucci, PhD
9”x12”, Oil on Canvas
Impressionistic landscape of a dream world where I can walk surrounded by brightly colored flowers and trees.
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The First Snow by Sparsh Jain
This image depicts Winnie the Pooh during the first snowfall in the Hundred Acre Woods. I made this piece as a first-year medical student when I was learning to do digital art, especially with COVID restrictions. I always enjoy the first snow of the season and wanted to recreate that feeling. Also, Winnie the Pooh is a character I really loved as a young child, so it was very natural for me to combine those two feelings into this piece.
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Behind the Mask by Lauren Tostrud
Watercolor, 2021
Inspired by the question, "Oh my gosh, you have a mustache?" Behind the Mask seeks to depict the aspects of individuals that we have not seen since March of 2020. After working with many people daily on clerkships throughout the year, I have seen many shocked by the inaccuracy of their prediction of one's appearance without their mask. People they have worked daily for weeks, whom they now feel take on another persona. We cannot predict mustaches and various other characteristics that were routinely a part of our first impressions prior. This piece also seeks to prompt, what aspect of ourselves do we mask not just literally, but figuratively from people that we interact with daily?
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Kindness Rocks by Julia Schmitt
Have you ever been on a walk in the woods and found a painted rock? I found one many years ago when I was on vacation in Cape Cod. That’s how I learned about the The Kindness Rocks Project. Basically, people all over the world create hand-painted rocks with friendly pictures or inspirational quotes and then hide them for others to find, promoting positivity and kindness in their communities.
In Spring of 2020, the beginning of the pandemic, I started painting and hiding rocks along the walking paths in Wauwatosa. At first, I hoped to simply bring happiness to others and brighten their day. What I quickly learned was that it felt good to be creative and express myself. The act of painting rocks helped me cope with my own pandemic emotions.
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Exercise in Neuro by Julia Bosco
Single line Drawing created on Procreate
This single-line drawing of the human brain was inspired by an assignment we completed in Medical Neuroscience. In this assignment, we were asked to construct a representation of an aspect of neuroanatomy. I chose to complete a single-line drawing of the human brain because the brain is the single thread that allows continuity of self between one moment and the next. This single-line drawing figuratively highlights the role of the brain as well as identifying several different aspects of the anatomical brain.
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Inner Cord Revealed by Julia Bosco
Colored Pencil Sketch created on Procreate
This colored pencil sketch illustrates a dissected human spinal cord. My experiences in the anatomy lab and lecture inspired this piece. Throughout these experiences, although I became well acquainted with the spinal cord, I will never get over the awe of the importance of this small cord’s role at all levels of human functioning. The cord is dissected to prompt the viewer to consider the different layers of the spinal cord on an anatomical level as well as reflect on the variety of different activities its role is critical in.
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External Link
A New Triple Threat
By Jayshil J. Patel, MD
Published in Annals of Internal Medicine, August 2021
Since the 1960s, the ideal academic physician has been referred to as an “academic triple threat.” Despite the word “threat,” the term is meant to have a positive connotation. It describes a physician who conducts original research, teaches medical students and residents, and provides exemplary clinical care.
I aspired to be an academic triple threat. About 9 years ago, I expanded upon my role as a clinical educator. In addition to caring for critically ill patients and teaching, I began conducting original clinical research. I learned study design and grantsmanship. Observational studies led to an investigator-initiated randomized controlled trial.
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By Jann Alexander
Give me the eyes to see
The ears to hear
The heart to feel
The creativity within me
And without
In every bit of nature,
Every spec of air,
Every part of humanity
And all of this vast universe.
I am content to be
A creative force (and source)
Within and without.
Let the energy flow from me
And to me.
Namaste.
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See the Grand Canyon in person.
—Lynn Cummings, Staff
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For this week's reflection prompt, please answer the following question:
How will you commit to taking care of yourself in 2022?
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Call for poster abstracts for the AWSM Spring Symposium 2022: Gender Equity Reimagined
Poster abstracts are being sought for the Center for the Advancement of Women in Science and Medicine (AWSM) Spring Symposium on March 1, 2022.
To highlight the need for research regarding women and female subjects, the conference will feature an afternoon poster session that will showcase projects, research, educational or administrative activities that involve women faculty, staff or learners or female animals.
We welcome submissions from individuals of all genders at MCW, our regional campuses and our affiliate hospitals or academic institutions. The submission deadline is January 14, 2022. Learn more here.
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Kern Institute Collaboration for Scholarship Journal Club
The KICS Journal Club for Medical Education meets monthly on the second Wednesday of the month via Zoom, 12:15–1:00 PM Central. The next meeting will feature Sarah Merriam, MD, from the University of Pittsburg School of Medicine
Interested individuals can join the meeting via Zoom using the link below, or email Michael Braun to be added to the meeting invite.
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Meeting ID: 921 1154 0031
Passcode: KICSJoClub
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January 12, 2021
Zoom Presentation
12:15 - 1:00 pm CT
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Please Join the
MCW Common Read Discussion
On behalf of the Common Read Program, we would like to invite you to join a discussion of this year’s common read, Know My Name by Chanel Miller, Friday, January 14th at noon.
Dean Kerschner and Dr. Ellinas (Director of the MCW Center for the Advancement of Women in Science and Medicine & MCW iWill Campaign) will be leading the discussion and engaging with audience participants on zoom. Everyone is welcome and you do not need to have read the book to participate.
Please RSVP by 1/13/2022. If you have any questions, please contact Sarah Benett.
January 14, 2022
12:00 - 1:00 pm CT
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Please Join Us
Kern Grand Rounds: Changing Perspectives on Disability
A bioethics and critical care trained pediatrician, Dr. Lee cared for many children with neurodevelopmental disabilities. When a complicated delivery resulted in a severe brain injury for her second child, she found that her life as a parent was more challenging and ultimately richer than she could have imagined. Please join us for an honest, heartfelt, and important discussion on disability.
January 20, 2022
Zoom Presentation
9:00 - 10:00 am CT
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Pre-Register for the Film Screening and Panel Discussion
When Claude Got Shot
Please plan on attending an online film panel event on Thursday, January 20 at 7pm CT.
Representatives from Children's Wisconsin, Medical College of Wisconsin, Froedert, and Moms Demand Action will join featured film subjects Claude Motley and Victoria Adams for a frank & authentic (virtual) discussion of gun violence & healing and why it matters to Whitefish Bay, Milwaukee, and our greater community.
Register below to receive a link to view When Claude Got Shot at home on your own time one week prior to January 20. The film will be available for home viewing between January 13th and January 20th.
January 20, 2022
7:00 pm CT
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KNN Discussion Series
Human Flourishing 2030: Flourishing in the Community
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? In this discussion series, four sessions will examine external influences—micro to macro—that are shaping and driving the vitality of healthcare students, professionals and broader society over the next decade.
In this session, discover how flourishing can provide a framework for improving community health in ways that go beyond direct patient care. Sue Cox, MD; Zack Timmons, MD; and moderator Larry Speck, MArch, FAIA, will explore strategies for community health and well-being that span from curriculum design to local produce delivery. Audience Q&A will follow the main program.
January 25, 2022
Live Virtual Event
4:00 - 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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Join us for the January Kern Connection Cafe
Seeking Peer Outreach: An Integrated, Tiered Approach to Address Stigma and Isolation in Healthcare Education
Student Presenters: Meg Lieb, Marissa O’Hair, Justin York, and Cassandra Balson
Please join us for a student-led discussion that will focus on a student-led initiative to address mental health and promote suicide prevention among medical students at MCW. This presentation will describe the "Seeking Peer Outreach Initiative" currently underway at the Central Wisconsin Campus and its potential application to the MCW community at large, as well as in the communities we serve.
Following the presentation, there will be an opportunity for discussion with the panel members to explore practical strategies for adoption of the "Seeking Peer Outreach Initiative" in our varied settings.
January 27, 2022
Zoom Presentation
4:00 - 5:00 pm CT
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Join us for the February Kern Grand Rounds
Compassionate Caring: One Physician's Journey From Water Therapy to Green Hair
In medicine, caring and compassion can be expressed in many ways. As a resident, Dr. Margolis was exposed to the concept of "letting kids be kids" by one of his mentors who carried a squirt gun with him on rounds. This simple act of caring showed him that there are so many ways for a physician to incorporate compassionate care as a fabric of practicing medicine.
Dr. Dave will share examples of how he has utilized his interests and network to "let kids be kids" and provide insight from the point of view of patients and families on why caring and compassion matter.
February 24, 2022
Zoom Presentation
9:00 - 10:00 am CT
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Save the Date
March Kern Grand Rounds with Reggie Jackson, BS
Reggie Jackson is a nationally heralded independent scholar and much sought-after speaker, researcher, writer, and consultant to the media on race relations.
As a Milwaukee native, he will bring a unique perspective on not only the national, but more importantly, the local impact of how race relations shape the health of our city, and in turn how it impacts the patients we care for and the communities we serve.
Please save the date and watch for more information to come.
March 17, 20221
Zoom Presentation
9:00 - 10:00 am CT
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Save the Date
2022 Well-Being Summit
Proudly Sponsored by the Kern Institute
Save the date and plan to join us for the 2022 Well-Being Summit!
This event is open to all and anyone interested is welcome and encouraged to attend. Be on the lookout for details to come!
April 5, 2022
Virtual via Zoom
9:00 am - 12:00 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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