Medical Humanities Commons^™

From The Dean

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No abstract provided.

From The Editor

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No abstract provided.

Timeless Review Of Into The Woods And The Perks Of Being A Wallflower, Anjali Shah

be Still

This essay is a review of the musical, Into the Woods, and the book, The Perks of Being a Wallflower. This personal reflection is an overview of how both works of art navigate the theme of "the web of life."

Burnout, Amanda Almeida

be Still

I loved writing since I was 12. I learned putting words on paper solidifies the human experience, whether it be through poetry, music, stories, or simply free-writing one's thoughts. Attending medical school has broadened my experience with other realities to an unexpected degree. I realize that wanting to save lives through healthcare comes at a great cost to the person pursuing a career in medicine. Writing about the intensity of medical school helped me cope and I hope that my future patients will come to understand, sometimes, the only way out is through, and coping by using the things we …

Turning The Bend: A Poem For My Mother And Those Grieving Loved Ones, Leah Simon

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No abstract provided.

From Didactic To Healing Hands, Jashkumar Choudhari

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As the creator of the poem "From Didactic to Healing Hands," I am delighted to share my perspective on the inspiration and intent behind this piece.

The poem serves as a heartfelt exploration of the evolution that occurs as we transition from the theoretical world of classrooms and lectures to the practical, human-centered realm of healthcare. It's a journey that demands not only the accumulation of knowledge but the nurturing of empathy, compassion, and the courage to step into the role of healing with confidence.

I wanted to convey the interconnectedness of science and the art of medicine, emphasizing that …

Our Web, Alia Abdullah

be Still

Alia would like to acknowledge Ingmar Bergman's film, Through a Glass Darkly.

Reclaimation Of Self, Sophia Hernandez

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My inspiration for this piece comes from contemplation about the expression of self and the ways in which traditional institutions can limit complete creative control. The allusions to Earth's creations are used to create a comparison to the divine right to imagine spontaneously. When I create art, it is my goal to inspire others to do the same.

To Which We Return, Marianne Koleng

be Still

This work is an attempt to reconcile the vibrance of life as evidenced by the colorful collage and bismuth crystal with death, which is portrayed by a somber skull emerging from an aorta and ventricles of a human heart. Understanding the temporal nature of our existence is key to subtle references to beauty and imperfection latent in the background of this image to cue the idea of beauty in life and death to the viewer.

Going Under, Marianne Koleng

be Still

This paper is a meditation on a journey through the humanities and the pages of the works of the German philosopher, Friedrich Nietzsche, and the eventual conclusion to a pursuit of a medical career. It identifies that while not all paths to a similar endpoint are identical, but each has its own rich merits, twists, and turns.

Transcending Fear: The Power Of Mindful Affirmations And Purposeful Action, Andrew Bouras

be Still

My work explores themes of fear, an unavoidable emotion that confronts us all throughout our respective journeys. Inspired by many, my writing reflects my personal journey up until this point. I believe that we are all going to achieve that which we are meant to achieve, and I will continue to share that vision with audiences as opportunities arise.

Recruiting Transgender Men In The Southeastern United States For Genital Microbiome Research: Lessons Learned, Olivia Van Gerwen, Z. Alex Sherman, Emma Sophia Kay, Jay Wall, Joy Lewis, Isaac Eastlund, Keonte J. Graves, Saralyn Richter, Angela Pontius, Kristal J. Aaron, Krishmita Siwakoti, Ben Rogers, Evelyn Toh, Jacob H. Elnaggar, Christopher M. Taylor, Nicholas J. Van Wagoner, Christina A. Muzny

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Background Transgender men (TGM) are underrepresented in genital microbiome research. Our prospective study in Birmingham, AL investigated genital microbiota changes over time in TGM initiating testosterone, including the development of incident bacterial vaginosis (iBV). Here, we present lessons learned from recruitment challenges encountered during the conduct of this study. Methods Inclusion criteria were assigned female sex at birth, TGM or non-binary identity, age ≥18 years, interested in injectable testosterone but willing to wait 7 days after enrollment before starting, and engaged with a testosterone-prescribing provider. Exclusion criteria were recent antibiotic use, HIV/STI infection, current vaginal infection, pregnancy, or past 6 …

Unveiling Healthcare Disparities By Addressing Historical Traumas To Build Inclusive Spaces For Marginalized Communities: An Autoethnographic Study, Helena Humphreys

Theses and Graduate Projects

This paper delves into the pervasive disparities within the healthcare system, rooted in historical injustices that are perpetuated by systemic biases, particularly affecting Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities, as well as the LGBTQIA2S+ community. Through a comprehensive literature review and autoethnographic study, the paper examines the deep-seated issues faced by these marginalized groups, including access barriers, discrimination, mistrust of healthcare providers, and the enduring impact these have on health outcomes. Historical traumas such as the Tuskegee Syphilis Study and the use of HeLa cells underscore the enduring impact of past injustices on present-day healthcare experiences. Moreover, the …

The Impact Of Sense Of Loneliness On Geriatric Depression: The Mediating Role Of Sense Of Mattering And Psychological Adjustment Download Pdf, Haya K. Aman Ms.

psychology

Background

Depression is a highly prevalent mental disorder in older adults, and among its highest risk factors is loneliness. Although this relationship is commonly evident, the mechanisms underlying it, such as sense of mattering and psychological adjustment, lack exploration. The current research aims to examine the relationship between loneliness and geriatric depression and explore the mediating roles of sense of mattering and psychological adjustment.

Methods

A sample of 200 older adults (63.5% females; mean age = 75.6; SD = 8.806) were recruited from 24 geriatric homes in Cairo, Egypt. Participants responded to the Arabic versions of the Mini-Mental State Examination …

Medical Graphic Novels: Comic Art And Medicine, Leesha Coleman

University Faculty and Staff Publications

Leesha Coleman, USA Biomedical Librarian, gave a presentation at the West Regional Library of the Mobile Public Library. She discussed the use of medical graphic novels and the incorporation of art in science degrees.

Turmoil, Derek Kent

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

I painted this picture after tearing up over the phone with her parents. "I think she's passing away," I had told them, "You'd better come up to the hospital." Inexperienced as a brand new physician, I felt like I was drowning in my responsibility over the care of my patients. Real people, with real lives, with real consequences to my decisions. It has gotten easier to feel okay while helping other humans pass away. And it sounds a little dramatic, but I've found ways to help myself cope without being stranded by the waves.

A Resident Led Newsletter Is A Powerful Communication Tool, Jonathan Brown, Zuhair Ali, An Dao, Mike Wong, Rajeev Raghavan

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Background

Communication with stakeholders for a graduate medical education (GME) program depends on shared visual and written content. Residency training programs are embracing social media as a communication channel. However, curated information that may only be viewed by subscribers or followers is difficult to archive and may appear overwhelming to novice users. An electronic, printable newsletter may be a unique communication tool for training programs to share information among residents, faculty, and hospital administration.

Methods

We published a monthly electronic newsletter sent to all residents, teaching faculty, and additional stakeholders in our internal medicine residency program. We conducted an electronic …

المقصد الأسمى في شرح حديث لا عدوى, Fathi Bikai

Al Jinan الجنان

This research is a study of the articulation «no infection» contained in the Hadith, as it deals with the following: the verbal context, and especially the character of negation (no) which can hold the meaning of exclusion or prohibition, and exclusion is likely to banish existence and potentially deny the effect of the disease itself without God’s will. In addition, what may appear in the Hadith as a conflict or allocation. Did our Prophet- peace be upon him- want to correct pre-Islamic concepts that prevailed at the time of his mission, or is it an order to not infect others? …

Artistic Expression Of Medical Experiences Of Mothers Of Color: Perspectives Using Art Therapy, Lauren Barrett

Expressive Therapies Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to qualitatively examine perspectives of mothers of color living in the US and their experiences in the healthcare system through art therapy. The study aimed to further identify personal narrative experiences of mothers of color navigating the healthcare system, promote individual voices, and acknowledge disparities impacting those within marginalized communities. The participants in this study included a total of eight identified mothers of color (non-White) living in the US. Participants took part in four weeks of consecutive art therapy sessions either in 60-minute group or individual virtual meetings. One art therapy directive was provided …

The Dry Bloodletting: A History Of The Diagnosis And Treatment Of Posttraumatic Stress Disorders In Military Service Members, Kevin Johnson

Masters Theses, 2020-current

This work is a close look at how veterans of war have been treated medically for ailents of the mind. This work looks closely at the many therapies and pharmaceutical remedies that have been perscribed to veterans with the advent of the field of psycology at the trun of the century. Sources included the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM), multiple clinical trials and white papers, records from the VA, etc. The reader should walk away with a better understanding of how the path towards healing invisble wounds has been mired with revictimization and controversy.

Los Intérpretes Médicos Son Un Derecho, No Un Privilegio, Morgan Uesseler

World Languages and Cultures Senior Capstones

This essay explores medical interpretation as a right, not a privilege. It argues that medical interpretation is a vital service that should be required in all healthcare settings, not just in those that are funded by the government. Themes addressed include the difference between interpretation and translation, face-to-face interpretation versus telecommunication, liabilities and risks associated with untrained and uncertified medical interpreters, and the federal law Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Challenges experienced during any medical session are underscored, while giving special focus to limited English proficient Hispanic patients whose healthcare literacy is in Spanish, not English.

The Consequences Of Homophobia: Analysis Of Discriminatory Medical And Legislative Policies And Their Influence On Health Disparities, Kaiden J. Fandel

Honors Thesis

Are there specific roots that influence the introduction and incorporation of discriminatory medical policies? What are the sources of such stigma, discrimination, and prejudice, in what forms does such discrimination take place, and what negative impacts does such hatred have on health outcomes, quality of care, and health disparities? Through a review of existing literature on this topic, intertwining the examination of the evolution of discriminatory policies and other explanatory literature in the United States, this thesis aims to answer the questions above, and explain the roots of such homophobic discrimination and its prevalence in the United States. Through the …

Afterword And After The Ward: The Poetry Cure, Abriana Jette, Margarita Sverdlova

Journal of Creative Writing Studies

What impact might poetry have on an individual's psychosomatic system? This piece connects current research in occupational therapy with the acts of writing, listening, and reading poetry.

Body And Art As Message: An Experience With Chronic Pain, Writing, And The Mind-Body Connection, Mitchell R. James

Journal of Creative Writing Studies

This introduction to the special section of Volume 9, Issue 1 of the Journal of Creative Writing Studies on writing and mind-body connection uses memoir to emphasize the important relationship between writing and the management of chronic pain.

Waring Library Society Newsletter, Spring 2024, Waring Library Society, Waring Historical Library, Medical University Of South Carolina, Anna Marie Schuldt, Robert Ball, Joann Livingston Zeise, Tabitha Samuel, Kathryn Glorioso

The Waring Library Society Newsletters

The Spring 2024 issue of the Waring Library Society Newsletter is available now. In this issue, Waring Library Society President Dr. Robert Ball gives his first remarks as WLS President for the newsletter; JoAnn Zeise discusses Louis R. Agassiz’s time at the Medical College in 1849; Tabitha Samuel announces the new additions to MEDICA@MUSC; and Kathryn Glorioso provides insight into one MUSC lab intersection with history and Francis Peyre Porcher.

”To Be Or Not To Be – It’S Good”: Actor And Student Experiences In A Drama Club For People With Aphasia, Jade K. Hannan

Senior Theses

Individuals with aphasia, a disorder caused by damage to the brain’s language network, confront a variety of social and emotional struggles. While leaving their cognition largely intact, aphasia tremendously impacts a person’s ability to communicate confidently, fracturing their social network and contributing to feelings of loneliness and frustration. To address this persistent need in the chronic aphasia population, the Play on Words drama club at the University of South Carolina provides a forum for people with aphasia (PWA) to engage in dramatic exercises focused on non-verbal communication of emotions, ideas, and stories, culminating the production of an original devised play. …

Otherization And Healthcare: A Philosophical Analysis Of Gender-Based Discrimination In Medicine, Rachel M. Beare

Honors Thesis

Healthcare interactions are a core feature of medical practice and medicine cannot function without these relationships. Moreover, the physician-patient relationship within healthcare have revealed varying problems that arise within the interpersonal interactions. These problems were even more concerning when they showed gender discrimination occurring within medical interactions, such as workplace discrimination of female physicians, higher risk of misdiagnosing and mortality of female patients, and an overall medical culture that invalidated women. Understanding the extent of these problems was achieved through analyzing philosophical structures presented within the philosophical writings of G. W. F. Hegel and Simone de Beauvoir. Application of Hegel’s …

A Historical Analysis Of Health Institutions, Professionals, And Advocates In The Civil Rights Movement In Columbia, South Carolina, Anusha Ghosh

Senior Theses

From 1900 to 1970, widespread racism severely restricted healthcare access for Black citizens in the South, leading them to establish and staff alternative healthcare institutions to support their community.

Such institutions faced debilitating issues such as chronic financial shortages and patient overflow. Despite these problems, oral histories, media, and primary written sources show that Black healthcare workers in alternative healthcare institutions demonstrated a greater ability to meet the health needs of Black patients due to cultural understanding and external community involvement.

Dr. Matilda Evans was an African-American woman physician who became a leader in medicine, public health, and education in …

Narratives Of Reproductive Control In The American Eugenics Movement, Cassandra M. Provost

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

In this paper, I will explore the eugenics movement as a pseudo-scientific political, social, and legal phenomenon which had a devastating historical impact on America’s most vulnerable women, as well as briefly discuss its residual effects on contemporary reproductive rights conversations, through the lens of literature. Using an interdisciplinary discourse and narrative analysis approach, I identify two distinct themes within the explored narratives: (1) the importance of a government’s attempt to override a person’s autonomy by destroying the person’s ability to reproduce, and (2) the impropriety of actions based on a negative attitude toward disabled or undesirable persons. In my …

Examining The Examiner: An Amicus Brief On Conflicts Between Forensic Technology And Indigenous Religious Freedoms In Favor Of Virtual Autopsies, Peyton James

The Journal of Purdue Undergraduate Research

No abstract provided.