7/29/2019 "Reflections of a Rising MSIV" by Zach Jarou, EM Resident, August/September 2013

1/1August/September 2013 | EM Residen

The darkest year?

Arecent article inSlate

magazine describes the

transition from preclinical

to clinical medical education as

the darkest year of medical

school. It is a year in which the

disorientation of rapidly changing

clinical environments prevents the

formation of lasting relationships,

of emotions goes largely unack-

nowledged; a year in which the

altruistic and empathetic qualities

of medical students are threatened

with destruction.

Many, but not all, medical students

are negatively affected by the

unguided plunge into clinical

longitudinal mentors which helps

with this transition period. Several

schools are also now investigating

structured curricular for students

to digest their experiences and

Finding a mentorFor those of us interested in

emergency medicine, there are a

number of sources available for

medicine residency program, dont

REFLECTIONSof aRISING MSIV

Zach Jarou, MSIVEMRA MSGC ChairMichigan State University

College of Human Medicine

Lansing, MI

MEDICAL SCHOOL LIFE

overlook the core academic faculty. Their

considerable experience can help guide

you on your way to the residency program

of your dreams. You may have met thesepotential mentors through your emergency

medicine interest group (EMIG) or during

your home emergency medicine rotation.

your top pick, dont be shy in seeking advice

from these folks on how to land the most

competitive position you can.

If youre looking for a mentor who has

been in your shoes more recently, Id also

highly recommend applying to EMRAs

Student-Resident Mentorship Program

(www.emra.org/mentorship.aspx). Residents

from all walks of life are completing their

training in top-notch programs across

the country and are eager to share their

knowledge and experiences with you.

Building these types of longitudinal

relationships can help provide some

continuity to your otherwise disjointed

medical school experience.

Loving your patientsI have been lucky enough to meet Dr. Patch

Adams twice during my medical school

career. Both times he greeted me with anenormous hug. For those who arent aware

that he is a real person or only know of him

from the popular Robin Williams movie,

theres a fantastic video of him on YouTube

speaking at the Mayo Clinic that will paint

a much more accurate picture of his world

his ideas too radical to implement in the

real world, I hope the one aspect of his

philosophy that we can all embrace is

his thrill of loving people.

Anyone can be taught to take a history,perform a physical, generate a differential

diagnosis, or formulate a treatment plan,

care...to be compassionate. It has been very

rewarding to apply my clinical knowledge, but

when I look back over the myriad of patients I

encountered through my third year of medical

school, the most memorable experiences

were those in which I was able to make a

connection with someone during their time

of need. I remember the heartfelt thanks of a

woman whose hand I held as a blur of more

experienced care providers rushed about to

treat her contrast-induced anaphylaxis. I

remember the gratitude of a sleepless mother

massaged his aching ear. Moments like these

are what I will treasure.

The importance of self-reflectionWith all that we are forced to endure as

physicians-in-training, some days it

journey at all. My challenge to those of you

your own most meaningful patient encounters

andbuild a library of these memories

to help fuel you through these periods

of doubt. While cynicism is an expedient

response to our daily challenges and may

appear to be the path of least resistance, this

career dedicated to serving others. Take the

time to acknowledge your emotions and

remember what a privilege it is to serve others

during their times of greatest need.

patient care.