A Reminder of My Purpose

In the midst of studying for our first HHD exam, I am reminded of the Stanford Affirmation that we recited at our ceremony way back in August:

"On my admission to the Practice of Medicine I pledge to devote my life to the service of humanity. The care of my patients will be my first consideration.....I will hold all life dear, and let knowledge, wisdom, courage and compassion guide my therapy. I will use my medical knowledge to promote human rights, social justice, and civil liberties."

More knowledge now = better doctor later = better care for my future patients.

My head is clear, my heart is full, I feel that my actions are aligned with my values, and I'm doing the best I can.  I go to bed restful, peaceful, and recharged, truly thankful for all that I have been given and all the wonderful people in my life.

Jasper Ridge

Jasper Ridge is Stanford's private nature preserve. Several of us were luckily enough to go on a hike with Bob Siegel, one of our Health and Human Disease professors, who is a docent at Jasper Ridge. I really loved the area because it was so diverse, open areas, lakes, creeks, redwood groves. Really wonderful!

Neil and Peggy from The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down

Neil and Peggy impressed me so much. They are the physicians depicted in Ann Fadiman's book The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down. The book focuses on the medical care of a young Hmong girl named Lia, and chronicles both sides of the story, it is a sad story, full of examples of how it can be so hard to truly understand another person's, another culture's perspective at times. Taking care of Lia was the hardest thing Neil and Peggy have done in their professional careers, and what they learned the most from. I was so impressed with their humility and respect for their patients and the practice of medicine. I only hope to be as thoughtful and reflective during my career as they are. I was overwhelmed with how much I respected and appreciated their professionalism and approach to their careers. Truly an honor to meet both of them.

ZooBorns

ZooBorns.com is the cutest website ever, it has pictures of newborn animals from zoos around the world. Just look at this baby elephant -how cute!