Medical Humanities Commons^™

Balance, Nafisa Choudhury

be Still

As the COVID-19 pandemic grew into a frightening monster to be reckoned with, medical professionals throughout the world had to address a question within themselves: where does the balance lie between our duty to heal and our personal obligations for our individual health and safety?

As personal protective equipment shortages, long work hours, and hospital overflow wreaked havoc on the medical systems nationwide, doctors, nurses, and other medical personnel were plunged into uncertainty and were almost wholly unsupported in this ethical dilemma. Our duty to treat and our obligation to treat the community around us does not often directly conflict …

Restoring Balance, Daniel R. Villanueva Toby

be Still

As a medical student who has received half of their education during the COVID-19 pandemic, I wanted to portray the internal struggle of medical providers in trying to care for the sick and disabled. A great deal is expected of doctors in this day and age. That stress of expectations versus the innate desire to help others led me to write this poem.

For We Sought Perfection In Their Divinity, Ligia Pinto

be Still

Medical school is a tiring and arduous challenge that feels like it asks for more than one can give sometimes. And with this past year, the pandemic has left its mark on all. This poem is both a warning and a kind reminder, to myself and those who need it, that while we strive towards our "sun", we have to give ourselves time to breathe, time to rest.