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The Guardian
7 hours ago
- General
- The Guardian
My mentor and friend died suddenly while I was at work. The memory of his kindness kept me going
We are going through the list of overnight admissions when my phone beeps. Expecting a medical request to do something or see someone, my chest cramps at the message. I must be sufficiently distracted for the trainee to ask, 'All OK?' It's a split-second decision. My instinct is to blurt out that an old friend has died and I need time out. But this would inevitably incur an explanation causing the ward round to be consumed by sympathy for me instead of care for our patients. So, I muster the pretence to say, 'Just keep going', convincing myself this is what Mike would have wanted. Mike and I met more than 30 years ago. Medical student admissions are a multifaceted thing but I like to think that he was the administrator who 'let' me in. More accurately, he was the one who told me years later that after several rounds of offers, there was just one remaining spot and many deserving students but maybe the universe had spoken and I squeezed in. Getting into medicine would turn out to be the most consequential event of my life. The next year, Mike gave me my first job, the task of settling the nerves of the medical students who were appearing for their interview like I did once. It was a decidedly plum job; paid hours, free sandwiches and real orange juice. But even better was Mike introducing me to a fellow student, G. 'I think you will get along' turned out to be a singular understatement when I think about the bounties of our close friendship, which now embraces five children. Like other students, I stayed in touch with Mike because he was interested in what medical students did with their lives after the coveted degree. He attended my wedding and brought my children thoughtful gifts when he came to dinner. He was there for the celebrations and the lamentations, when they came. Fifteen years ago, driving home from a routine work day, Mike suffered a devastating stroke. I remember dashing to intensive care where he was expected to succumb. Miraculously and, in part, due to his relatively young age, he survived every complication and was discharged to the stroke unit, the place of my worst memories. Here, Mike was often insensate and when awake had no meaningful use of limb or language. The nurses were caring but the loss of his dignity was scathing. I would sit there stunned by the blow of fate, hoping he recognised me. Defying predictions, Mike not only survived his hospital ordeal but also emerged largely cognitively intact. However, his physical needs necessitated admission to a nursing home. My standout memory from the nursing home was that his only window to the outside had an opaque coating. It made him miserable and even the staff couldn't explain its existence as it was not related to privacy. Over months, Mike and I appealed to the management to allow him a glimpse of the sun, sky and trees, all in vain. After that dashed hope, I resorted to simpler ways of 'helping' by asking what kind of sushi he wanted. At least, that was always under our control. But we never stopped talking about his desire to get out of the nursing home. In service of his dream, he was diligent with physiotherapy and continued to train his brain. I knew plenty of people who yearned to leave residential care but none successfully. It took the best part of two years and a mountain of paperwork and advocacy from his valiant sister to get Mike back into his own home. That was a remarkable day. With sophisticated modifications and dutiful caregivers, Mike's life was again illuminated by friends, theatre, and current affairs. When we visited him and found him content, I told my children that Mike's transformation was also a testament to a society which had painstakingly restored dignity to an individual in circumstances where it would have been far easier to let him languish in residential care. This really was exemplary disability care in the community. I found it especially instructive to witness the loyalty of his childhood friends whose interest in him seemed unaffected by his limitations. They were a living reminder of the adage that if you have one true friend you have more than your fair share. As Mike acquired a social life, our interactions slowed. But I was always delighted when he couldn't see me because he had other plans – there had been many intervening years of drought. Some weeks ago, I sent him an email proposing lunch, never imagining that it would only be read by his sister undertaking the heartache of posthumously sifting through his affairs. Now she tells me that Mike, after enjoying a holiday, presented to hospital with sudden and fatal deterioration. There had been no time to let anyone know that he was dying. It is difficult for me to absorb the shock all at once but Mike's sister says something very generous – that in his years of greatest need, I was like a daughter to him. I will never know it for sure, but the thought itself is a lovely consolation. Mike was one of the people who derived personal satisfaction from my enjoyment of medicine. My friend, G, became a role model for honouring our relationships despite the demands of life. Who would understand the significance of this sudden loss? G is the first person I text. I picture Mike's satisfaction that the two of us, brought together by him, stop to reflect on a life and legacy that couldn't have been scripted, at least not by two doctors. Ranjana Srivastava is an Australian oncologist, award-winning author and Fulbright scholar. Her latest book is called A Better Death
CBS News
a day ago
- Health
- CBS News
Stanford professor turns his terminal cancer diagnosis into a class on life, death and hope
Dr. Bryant Lin thought his lingering cough was just allergies. Six weeks later, the Stanford University professor received devastating news: stage 4 lung cancer. The irony wasn't lost on Lin, who had spent years researching and teaching about non-smoker lung cancer. "I become the poster child for the disease," he said. Lin, who never smoked and wasn't exposed to secondhand smoke, represents a growing demographic. For Asians, the odds are higher. Asian women have twice the rate of non-smoker lung cancer than non-Asian women, according to Lin and recent studies. Rather than retreat from his diagnosis, the 50-year-old Lin made an unprecedented decision: He created a Stanford course centered around his cancer journey, giving medical students an unfiltered view of terminal illness from a patient's perspective. "I have stage four lung cancer, which is not curable," Lin told his class. "I will likely die of this cancer or something related to this cancer. It may be one year, it may be two years, it may be five years, I really don't know." The course aimed to rebalance medical education by showing students what patients truly experience. "Even though I knew what a patient goes through as a doctor, I didn't really know," Lin explained. By week three, Lin was documenting his chemotherapy treatments for students, sharing both physical symptoms and emotional struggles. "Feeling nauseous. Avoided the Chipotle today because of that," he told his class. Despite his terminal prognosis, Lin remains focused on living rather than preparing for death. His priorities center on family time with his wife, Christine, and their two sons, 17-year-old Dominic and 13-year-old Atticus. The family has been candid about Lin's diagnosis and prognosis. Lin has written letters to his sons for when he's no longer there, telling them: "Whether I'm here or not, I want you to know I love you. Of the many things I've done that have given my life meaning, being your daddy is the greatest of all." Lin's teaching philosophy extends beyond medical knowledge and also focuses on kindness and the power of hope. "It's easy to forget to be kind when you're sick," he said. "It's easy to forget to be kind when you're not feeling well, when you're busy, when life has got you down." The course opened with a letter from a former patient who wrote: "You treated me like you would treat your own father." The patient died two weeks after writing the letter. "He spent time writing a letter for me during his last hours, days of life," Lin said emotionally. "And in a way, this class is part of my letter, my way of giving back to my community." At the course's conclusion, Lin channeled Lou Gehrig's famous farewell speech, telling his students: "I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of this earth. I know I had a tough break, but I have an awful lot to live for." David Begnaud loves uncovering the heart of every story and will continue to do so, highlighting everyday heroes and proving that there is good news in the news with his exclusive "CBS Mornings" series, "Beg-Knows America." Every Monday, get ready for moments that will make you smile or even shed a tear. Do you have a story about an ordinary person doing something extraordinary for someone else? Email David and his team at DearDavid@
Forbes
3 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
The 4+4 Blueprint: Inside The Hofstra BS/MD Experience
Choosing to become a doctor is more than just selecting a job—it's a lifelong commitment to healing, educating, and positively impacting patients' lives. As anyone who dreams of donning a white coat understands, the journey to become a doctor is long and complex but immensely rewarding in the end. The Hofstra 4+4 Program: BS-BA/MD offers a transformative opportunity for students who have already chosen their path and are eager to dedicate themselves to their medical career from the start. Facilitated by the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, being a student in this program does not prove a shortcut; rather, it delivers a carefully designed and immersive experience that prepares students for the challenges and rewards of being a physician today. The Hofstra 4+4 Program gives students early access to clinical opportunities and a strong support ... More system to help them through the process. The eight-year program emphasizes mentorship as it balances academic challenges with personal development and practical experiences. This program carves the path to transform its matriculants from a high school senior into an empathetic, well-rounded physician ready to make an impact. The Hofstra 4+4 Program: BS-BA/MD consists of four years of undergraduate education followed by four years of medical school training, seamlessly integrated into a single pathway. What distinguishes this program is not only the efficient process but also the underlying philosophy of cultivating outstanding physicians who are technically and empathetically skilled. Graduates emerge as leaders who grasp the humanistic impact of their work in medicine. Entry into this program is highly competitive. Each year, nearly 2,000 driven students from all over the country submit applications, yet only 10 to 15 are offered this coveted position. This results in a 0.5% acceptance rate, making it one of the most competitive routes to medicine available. Here's a rundown of what was required for students applying in 2025/26: In addition to these quantitative prerequisites, competitive applicants must also have enthusiasm, perseverance and a well-defined vision for their medical career ahead. The application process for the Hofstra 4+4 Program: BS-BA/MD consists of multiple steps. It's a comprehensive system to get to know the candidates as personally as individuals and academically. The program's aim is to choose students who are genuinely prepared for this commitment. Here is a general timeline, with the dates and requirements subject to change from year-to-year: This is a challenging process to say the least, but each phase is a checkpoint to guarantee that the program is choosing not only the brightest students but also the most dedicated to the core values of medicine. One of the most compelling features of the Hofstra 4+4 Program: BS-BA/MD is the level of flexibility it offers. Unlike students in traditional pre-med programs who feel restricted in the classes outside of the core sciences they are required to take, students in this program are encouraged to pursue outside interests. With 165 majors available, students can choose whatever sparks their interest, whether it's biology, psychology, economics or even dance. Previous students have used this flexibility to explore areas they never thought they would take a class in, let alone major in. This program facilitates this freedom of academic discovery while also making sure students fulfill all the medical school requirements. However, the benefits don't end there. The program encourages students to: These initiatives all go beyond academics; they focus on developing well-rounded individuals who can contribute their distinct thoughts and experiences to the medical field. Taking on the requirements of the BS/MD program may seem daunting at first, but the students in this program are never alone in the process. From the first day on campus, students are assigned a compatible medical school advisor to navigate coursework, research opportunities and extracurricular activities. The advisors will also provide guidance on MCAT preparation and medical school readiness. Beyond providing logistical support, the advisor will also serve as a support system throughout the med school journey as they help find opportunities that align with the student's individual passions and goals. Additionally, the community of peers will provide invaluable support. Upperclassmen often mentor under students, offering tips and establishing an open support network. The program organizes group bonding activities, such as bowling and ice skating, where participants can unwind and make lifelong friendships. Another major benefit of the Hofstra 4+4 Program: BS-BA/MD is its affiliation with Northwell Health, one of the largest healthcare providers in New York. This paves the way for a plethora of opportunities, including research at the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research and clinical experiences at Northwell's hospitals and outpatient centers. With early exposure to shadowing and research opportunities, it gives its students an advantage by allowing them to be present and work in the setting they will become so familiar with later in their career. After the students matriculate to the Zucker School of Medicine, they will immerse themselves in the unique, case-oriented curriculum that combines scientific knowledge with clinical application. Students will engage in experiential learning via small-group discussions, training in procedures like ultrasound and participate in clinical rotations. To remain in the program and have a smooth transition into medical school, students must uphold certain standards, which might change from year-to-year: It's a high standard to reach, but these expectations ensure students are ready for the rigors of medical school. The Hofstra 4+4 Program: BS-BA/MD focuses on education, but it also prioritizes developing compassionate and cultured humans. Students will have the opportunity to engage in extracurricular activities like sports, community service and study abroad. These experiences will foster students' emotional and ethical development, preparing them to be the best doctor they can for their future patients. Many students talk about how the most fulfilling part of the program is the balance built into the curriculum, with challenging academic courses combined with the opportunity to have an enriching college experience. If you are ready to dedicate yourself to a career in medicine, the Hofstra 4+4 Program: BS-BA/MD provides a direct and rewarding journey. It integrates the stability of a secured medical school position with the freedom to develop and pursue your passions and gain the skills essential for success as a doctor.
CTV News
4 days ago
- General
- CTV News
Medical students learn in small communities
A sign for the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry at Western University in London, Ont. is seen Tuesday, March 16, 2021. (Jordyn Read / CTV News) Medical students are partaking in the 27th annual Discovery Week, learning the field in parts of rural Ontario. Almost 200 first year students at Western University's Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry are doing work placements in 30 small communities from Strathroy to Owen Sound, and beyond. In nearly 30 years, 3,700 students have partaken in Discovery Week.
CTV News
27-05-2025
- General
- CTV News
Medical students train at ESHC for Discovery Week
The Oncology and Outpatient Care Clinic at Erie Shores HealthCare opened in Leamington, Ont. on Sept. 13, 2023. (Sanjay Maru/CTV News Windsor) Students from Western University's Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry have begun their learning at Erie Shores HealthCare (ESHC) for Discovery Week. First-year medical students at Western are given the opportunity to have a one-week placement in healthcare settings across the province, getting an immersive learning experience. 'Discovery Week is an invaluable experience for both medical students and our community,' said Dr. Kenneth Ogah, chief of staff at ESHC. 'By participating in hands-on learning within a rural setting, students see the real impact they can have on patients' lives. We hope this week inspires them to consider practicing in communities like Essex County in the future.' Discovery week began Monday, continuing until June 6. 'We are incredibly grateful for the continued collaboration with partners who welcome our medical students into their communities and provide them with unparallelled first-hand experiences,' said Dr. Victor Ng, assistant dean of distributed education at Schulich Medicine and Dentistry. 'Together, we're training and inspiring a cohort of physicians who are eager and prepared to practice in small and mid-sized communities across Ontario.'
