Medical Humanities Commons^™

Rainflakes, Ripples, And The Moonlit Ocean, Saptarshi Biswas

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Raindrops, ripples, and a moonlit sky evoke not just poetic imagery but also profound physiological and psychological responses from deep inside. In a kaleidoscope of colors, rain flakes spiral down like whispers from the cosmos, each droplet a tiny universe reflecting the dreams of wandering souls. They dance upon the surface of puddles, sending ripples that shimmer like liquid silver, weaving a tapestry of sound that resonates with the heartbeat of the earth. As moonlight drips softly from the sky, each moondrop creates a symphony of luminescent echoes, cascading through the air like stardust, inviting us to lose ourselves in …

Lewy Glacier, João Guilherme Bochnia Küster

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

This poem explores the complex intersection of memory, identity and the challenges imposed by Lewy body dementia, using the metaphor of a lost expedition traversing an isolated icy landscape. A profound sense of solitude reflects the disconnection that accompanies the dementia and tremors that follow, while also highlighting the danger of memory loss with mythological sirens representing its perilous allure (with some inspiration from The Odyssey). Through vivid imagery and lyrical language, it delves into the complexities of cognitive decline, providing an artistic reflection on dementia and offering a unique view of the emotional landscape of those affected by …

Accelerated Molecular Aging In Neighborhood Poverty: A Racial/Ethnic Comparison, Jennifer Robinette, Jennifer Smith

Psychology Faculty Articles and Research

In the US, racial/ethnic health disparities are undeniable and partially stem from residing in low SES neighborhoods. Associations between neighborhood SES and health may have some underlying molecular mechanisms reflected in the epigenome. Yet, neighborhood characteristics are not always experienced the same way for all residents, and questions remain regarding whether those most exposed to low SES neighborhoods build greater resilience to, or embody greater harmful and cumulative outcomes from, such neighborhoods. The present study tested the hypothesis that greater neighborhood poverty would relate to accelerated epigenetic aging on the Horvath, Hannum, PhenoAge, and GrimAge clocks, and that these associations …

Homoeopathy During One Hundred Years Of Lmhi (1925–2025)– Part 1: Philosophical Perspectives, Josef M. Schmidt

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

The celebration of 100 years of “Liga medicorum homoeopathica internationalis” (LMHI) in 2025 gives reason to reflect on the philosophical essence of Homoeopathy as well as its historical development within a dynamic, changing world up to now.

From a philosophical perspective, in this first part, it is pointed out that Hahnemann, the founder of Homoeopathy, needs to be understood in his entirety– not only as a keen discoverer, practitioner and thinker, but also in his spiritual shape, i.e. in his ethical, religious and humanitarian attitude and conviction.

Only thus may one grasp the significance of the schism pervading Homoeopathy’s history …

Evaluating The Effect Of Ethnicity And Amyloid On Gait Speed In The Healthy Aging Brain Study-Health Disparities Study, Alexandra M. Reed, Andrew Hooyman, Edward Ofori, Sydney Y. Schaefer

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Background

Many novel Alzheimer's disease (AD) biomarkers have been studied in non-Hispanic White populations, despite Hispanic/Latino adults being 1.5 times more likely to develop AD and receiving a later diagnosis. Equitable, accessible assessments are needed to identify individuals at risk earlier. While cognitive screening monitors early AD signs, neuropsychological tests are often inequitable across ethnicity, race, and other social determinants of health. However, we have shown that performance-based motor assessments may be less susceptible to demographic factors than memory tests, and may be more equitable for screening older adults. Gait speed has been linked to elevated amyloid in non-Hispanic White …

Implementation And Evaluation Of A Wellness Program In A First-Year Medical Student Anatomy Course, Gina R. Lepore, Gavin Turner, Benjamin Abramoff, Daniel Depietro, Nicole Robinson

Journal of Wellness

Introduction: Cadaveric dissection is a central component to anatomy education. However, for many students, dissection can be emotionally taxing, highlighting a potential area for increased support. This project evaluated the implementation of a wellness program within a dissection-based anatomy course.

Methods: Throughout a 12-week first-year medical student anatomy course, two teaching assistants (TAs) served as “Wellness TAs” and implemented a structured wellness program that included weekly office hours, supportive emails to students that addressed emotionally challenging coursework, and scheduled “wellness breakfasts/snack breaks.” An anonymous survey was distributed following the course. The survey assessed demographics, perceptions of the anatomical …

Limits On Wimp Dark Matter With Nai(Tl) Crystals In Three Years Of Cosine-100 Data, G H Yu, N Carlin, J Y Cho, J J Choi, S Choi, A C Ezeribe, L E França, C Ha, I S Hahn, S J Hollick, E J Jeon, H W Joo, W G Kang, M Kauer, B H Kim, H J Kim, J Kim, K W Kim, S H Kim, S K Kim, W K Kim, Y D Kim, Y H Kim, Y J Ko, D H Lee, E K Lee, H Lee, H S Lee, H Y Lee, I S Lee, J Lee, J Y Lee, M H Lee, S H Lee, S M Lee, Y J Lee, D S Leonard, N T Luan, V H A Machado, B B Manzato, R H Maruyama, R J Neal, S L Olsen, B J Park, H K Park, H S Park, J C Park, K S Park, S D Park, R L C Pitta, H Prihtiadi, S J Ra, C Rott, K A Shin, D F F S Cavalcante, M K Son, N J C Spooner, L T Truc, L Yang, Cosine-100 Collaboration

Faculty and Staff Publications

We report limits on weakly interacting massive particle (WIMP) dark matter derived from three years of data collected by the COSINE-100 experiment with NaI(Tl) crystals, achieving an improved energy threshold of 0.7 keV. This lowered threshold enhances sensitivity in the sub-GeV mass range, extending the reach for direct detection of low-mass dark matter. Although no excess of WIMP-like events was observed, the increased sensitivity enabled a model-insensitive comparison between the expected WIMP signal rate-based on mass limits from our data-and DAMA's reported modulation amplitude. Our findings strongly disfavor the DAMA signal as originating from WIMP interactions, fully excluding DAMA/LIBRA 3σ …

Associations Between County-Level E-Cigarette-Inclusive Tobacco 21 Law Population Coverage And E-Cigarette Use Behaviors Among United States Adolescents In Monitoring The Future, James H. Buszkiewicz, Catherine A. Vander Woude, Yanmei Xie, Steven Cook, Bukola Usidame, Megan E. Patrick, Michael R. Elliott, James F. Thrasher, Nancy L. Fleischer

Department of Health and Kinesiology Faculty Publications

Background and aims

In the United States (US), Tobacco 21 (T21) laws set the minimum legal sale age for all tobacco products to 21 years. This study aimed to examine whether e-cigarette-inclusive T21 laws were associated with e-cigarette use behaviors and related disparities among US adolescents.

Design

We used nationally representative, repeated cross-sectional Monitoring the Future data to compare self-reported current e-cigarette use (2014–2022) and first e-cigarette initiation (2015–2022) among adolescents in counties with 100% ('full') versus < 100% ('partial or no') e-cigarette-inclusive T21 law population coverage using modified Poisson regression, examining differences by sex, race and ethnicity, parental educational attainment and college educational expectations through interactions.

Setting

United States.

Participants

8th, 10th and 12th graders.

Measurements

County-level e-cigarette-inclusive T21 law population coverage was determined using Tobacco 21 Population Coverage …

Bridging Disability Studies And Nursing Education: A Curricular Intervention, Serena Karim

2025 Fall Honors Capstones Projects - Archive

Although one in four Americans experience disability in their lifetimes, the majority of nurses and other healthcare professionals feel ill-prepared to care for patients with disabilities (PWD). Factors such as inaccessible healthcare facilities, insufficient clinical knowledge, and biases about the quality of life of PWD contribute to mounting health inequities between PWD and non-disabled people. To further understand how education can impact nursing students’ comfortability and confidence toward caring for PWD, a 30-minute disability studies lesson was implemented for junior-level nursing students. 51 students who attended the lecture provided anonymous pre- and post-lecture surveys, which contained Likert scale and free …

A Subdural Hemorrhage, Marianne Koleng

be Still

This piece attempts to weave together an understanding of medicine, healing, trauma, and neuroscience through an exploration of past injury and how pivotal moments as such can influence a future career pursuing medicine. This piece also demonstrates how seeking attention can lead to deleterious health impacts and investigates the importance of tempering pride with humility.

Attention - Volume 10

be Still

No abstract provided.

Abstract Attention, Colorized, Marianne Koleng

be Still

This vibrant abstract painting that explores the fluidity of human feelings through bold, sweeping brushstrokes and a contrasting color palette. Bursts of red and orange suggest intensity and passion, while cooler blues and grays add a sense of introspection and calm. The lack of defined forms invites viewers to project their own interpretations, making the piece a dynamic reflection of chaos and beauty in the search for attention.

I Want You To Want Me, Marianne Koleng

be Still

This piece calls to the theme of "attention" through a mixed media piece incorporating collage, ink, and colored pencil. It embraces the nuances of both anatomy and popular music, rock-and-roll, to be specific. The title is taken from the popular song by Cheap Trick, of the same name in an effort to elude to the desire for human attention in a human form.

Even Flow, Marianne Koleng

be Still

This piece attempts to connect the "ebb and flow" of music and art with the sometimes strict interpretation of anatomy. It calls to attention what often seem as opposites - the cold nature of medicine and science with the seemingly warm and free nature of music and art. While many see them as opposites, this piece attempts to convey they are really two sides of the same coin.

Pick & Choose, Sana Lulu

be Still

To me, attention goes hand in hand with patience and is a core part of my creative process. When it comes to my art, I generally ride inconsistent waves of inspiration, meaning I often churn out pieces all in one session, finessing a piece until I am satisfied. In that span of time, all that matters to me is getting my piece as close to how I picture it in my mind as possible, giving it my full undivided attention. I tend to fixate on projects and have a hard time revisiting them once I decide to end the session. …

Anne-Katrine, Tiffany Tran

be Still

I wrote “Anne-Katrine” in memory of my late cousin. The poem explores how our attention lingers on those who have shaped us, reflecting the quiet, persistent act of remembering someone across time and space. It examines how mindful attention allows us to honor the past and keep cherished moments alive, even when we cannot hold them.

Book Review On Joan Didion's "The Year Of Magical Thinking", Antea Garo

be Still

This essay and review explores how Joan Didion's memoir The Year of Magical Thinking connects mourning with attention, and analyzes how the healthcare system struggles to deal with grief.

Listening Beyond The Stethoscope, Lia M. Smerina, Priya Darbhanga

be Still

No abstract provided.

"Sees" The Day, Angelica M. Ruiz

be Still

No abstract provided.

What The Stethoscope Can’T Hear: A Book Review Of Every Patient Tells A Story, Faith Abraham

be Still

My love for reading has always shaped the way I see people and stories. Through books, I’ve learned to listen deeply to characters, voices, and emotions. That same curiosity drives how I approach medicine and the humanities. Reading reminds me that every person carries a story worth understanding, and that healing often begins with paying attention.

More Than Medicine: The Quiet Power Of Attention, Eleni Geletu

be Still

This short reflection is based on my experience as a Patient Advocacy Representative. It tells the story of a phone call with a patient in distress and shows how simply paying attention and showing care can make a real difference. The piece reminds us that healing often begins with compassion, not just medicine. It highlights the importance of listening, empathy, and human connection in healthcare.

Keywords: compassion, patient care, attention, empathy, narrative medicine, advocacy, healing

The Crystal House Of The Valley, Melissa Gonzalez

be Still

No abstract provided.

Reflections On Paying Attention, Cyril Blavo

be Still

This is a reflection on attentiveness in communiciation.

More Of, Maxwell Corrigan

be Still

More of is an album I produced and released in my second year of medical school. Writing music can be a way to process, much like journaling or other forms of artwork. In this way, my albums reflect many personal experiences, thoughts, and other innerworkings. My songwriting process is done in a free association style, as I find my music is most meaningful when it comes from a deeper consciousness. While many of the songs in More of resonate with classic imbalances of attention and care within relationships, my music functionally acts to draw out the things I often need …

Stillness, Fatima Bawaney

be Still

No abstract provided.

The Cost Of Having Everything, Aaron E. Lamont

be Still

This essay explores how our attention is shaped and often scattered by the digital world, especially within the environment of medical school. I hope it can help to encourage others to think more carefully about what really deserves their focus.

Continuing On, Stephanie Singer

be Still

No abstract provided.

A Gaze That Lingers, Vidhi Raval, Naman Gupta

be Still

No abstract provided.

The Gift Of Attention, Ahron J. Petrillo

be Still

This poem explores the shifting rhythms of attention as both a challenge and a gift in the life of a student of medicine. It illuminates the path toward knowledge and healing. Woven into its lines is the tension between effort and rest, intellect and care, science and humanity. The imagery of fire and thread reflects how learning is not only about the consumption of information, but also the shaping of character. Ultimately, the poem affirms that rest, presence, and attention are not distractions from becoming a healer, but integral to the art of it.

Curating Serenity, Archana Banda

be Still

Attention to me is appreciating the simplest things amidst the joys and hardships of life. Throughout my medical school journey, I have rediscovered the importance of practicing self-care, gratitude, and embracing an abundance mindset. Being self-aware about our own health and optimizing it allows us to care for patients with the utmost compassion and generosity. Paying attention as future physicians means empathizing with patients at their most vulnerable moments and restoring hope in a brighter future. Attention and generosity are inherently interconnected because when providers are attentive to their patients’ health concerns, they can be generous with their time and …