At the onset of the pandemic last Spring, medical school too was quickly impacted by COVID-19. Adjustment and adaptation was and continues to be important. The College of Human Medicine took quick action in identifying ways to keep our students, patients, and communities safe. By fall 2020, the College of Human Medicine was full-steam ahead in contributing to health measures across the state of Michigan in a number of ways. The college led groundbreaking testing programs and university initiatives to manage the pandemic. With national advocates/leaders in education and public health, college faculty and staff have led successful efforts to reduce racial disparities in Michigan COVID-19 cases. Through rising political tensions and pandemic crescendos leading into Spring 2021, we've carried on continuing to care for the sick and dying in the pandemic. We have served the people in ways we never before imagined. Our faculty continue to save lives, staff keep the wheels turning, and students continue to learn medicine while caring for patients as part of real health teams. A few of those students—Ada Pariser, Corydon Wilson, and Aldana Garcia—contribute to this edition of CHM Student COVID Diaries to recap their winter medical school experiences and beyond.
Ada Pariser
Third-Year, Late Clinical Experience
The COVID fatigue has definitely settled in at times over this past year, but my MSU CHM family has been a tremendous support system. Being able to care for patients during this time has reinforced just how fortunate I am to have my health and a steady routine.
As an out-of-state student from the southeastern United States spending my first winter in northern Michigan with the Leadership in Rural Medicine Certificate Program, I have been amazed not only by the snowfall, but in the community’s ability to function despite it. Instead of viewing snow as something that shuts a community down temporarily, I have learned to embrace the opportunity it provides for outdoor socializing during a time where indoor gathering is not safe. Although I have yet to attempt downhill skiing, I have fallen enough times learning to cross country ski that I can say I am definitely on my way to becoming a professional.
One of the coolest parts of learning medicine in northern Michigan is the opportunity to amass clinical service hours working as a ski patrol medic. While it will be safer for all involved if I provide my services in the medic tent, my classmates who are more seasoned on the slopes enjoy spending time working with ski poles in hand. Outdoor snow activities give us a chance to spend time together safely outside of the hospital while also getting quite the workout.
Like many people, I was unable to be with my family this holiday season. I missed cooking with my mom and playing games with my cousins. I missed the roaring laughter of loved ones and the enthusiasm of the family dog when I came down the stairs each morning. Since I did not travel to be with family I decided to spend some extra time doing shifts in the hospital to work towards the requirements of the rural certificate program.
First, I spent several days in the medical oncology clinic in Alpena, MI. My dad, a physical therapist, once told me that in healthcare if you are ever feeling sorry for yourself you need only to go into work for your attitude to change. I imagine that statement has never been more true than during a global pandemic.
My dad, a physical therapist, once told me that in healthcare if you are ever feeling sorry for yourself you need only to go into work for your attitude to change. I imagine that statement has never been more true than during a global pandemic.
In my few days in oncology I was humbled and honored to be present to people in the best and worst moments of their lives. I sat with a woman coming to terms with the finality of her terminal diagnosis. After all, no family members or visitors were allowed in the hospital to be with her at the time she received the news. I imagined the pressures and pain she and her family would feel as they navigated their last holiday together amidst the dangers of a deadly virus. Once I left her exam room I entered the hallway to the sound of the bell signaling that a patient had finished chemotherapy and was finally cancer-free.
He, of course, also had no loved ones present to witness this moment. I tried to smile as wide as I possibly could so that even if he couldn’t see my smile he might catch the smallest fraction of it radiating to the creases around my eyes. I left the clinic feeling thankful for my own health and humbled by the gravity of the circumstances I had witnessed that day. On my way home I smiled while thinking about the kindness of strangers I had met that day and was reminded of the strength of people in rural communities that is found in their interdependence on one another.
At the community medical student house that evening I checked in with classmates. We cried over patients we had lost and laughed over the wealth of jokes provided to us by three-to-six year old patients. We asked about each other's families and provided updates on when our Christmas cookie boxes would be reaching each others' doors. We celebrated getting vaccinated and ended our conversation with a sense of hope about the future. I went to bed feeling, once again, overwhelmed with gratitude for my circumstance, my patients, my colleagues, and my loved ones.
Corydon Wilson
Third-Year, Late Clinical Experience
There was no way I could have been prepared for what 2020 brought us as a campus, community, and nation.
At first, most of my concerns were simply about one of my exams moving around or if I would have to be on zoom for a specific lecture. Soon however, those concerns would go from the individual perspective—worried about Step I or if my matriculation would be delayed—to a greater anxiety about my family being safe and the losses other families experienced. In the middle of that somehow was concern about, of course, toilet paper.
I had to find a way to cope, thankfully for me, I invested some time into creating a study “oasis” at home. This worked…for the first two months, at least.
As things got worse with the pandemic, it became almost impossible to focus on studying. "How could I still be productive?" I thought.
How could I remain focused during such a trying time? Was it even safe to leave and get a coffee? It is amazing how much we take for granted, like being able to grab that coffee. As the fall and winter arrived, I realized this period could take longer than any of us assumed, requiring me to find a way to combat feelings of uneasiness and anxiety. Once I added that on top of the baseline stress of being a Black man in medicine, I was as confused and stressed as ever.
One of my mentors Italo Brown, M.D. put it best “I have never been a fan of complacency. Sometimes that movement just beyond the margin is enough to catalyze a windfall. In those moments we discover something special about ourselves, our walk and purpose, our commitment to greatness, and our desire to build legacies.”
Getting started was the hardest part, but once I had that, I kept building every day to improve from yesterday.
Using that first step is what got me out of bed to study, what kept me focused, and what I used to stay dedicated during a period that made everything feel like chaos at times. Getting started was the hardest part, but once I had that, I kept building every day to improve from yesterday. That is how I was able to get through this pandemic—by just realizing I need to take that first step and eventually oscillating between motivation and dedication until I saw myself at the end of that tunnel. And while that part of the race is done, the marathon continues.
Aldana Garcia
First-Year, Early Clinical Experience
Starting medical school has been a life-changing experience. After so many years of post-baccalaureate classes, taking the MCAT twice, working multiple jobs, my dream finally came true!
What I never imagined was to start my first year of medical school during a pandemic. COVID-19 has definitely impacted numerous aspects of our lives, especially for the most vulnerable, underserved populations.
In August 2020, I moved from Santa Ana in Southern California to East Lansing, Michigan to commence my medical education. At first, I was anxious about moving across the country because I was not sure what medical school would be like during the COVID-19 pandemic. Especially moving to a new state where I only knew very few people. Fortunately, I found amazing roommates who I currently live with. We are all MSU CHM first-year students, therefore it has been wonderful to have a group of girls with who I can share my frustration, successes, and all of medical school rollercoaster of emotions.
Therapy, hot yoga classes, and exercise have also been my best friend during the pandemic – they have kept me emotionally and physically great! With very limited social interaction, I knew I had to find ways to de-stress. A simple walk outside, especially if it’s sunny, makes my day! After spending long hours sitting at my desk, the best therapy is just getting outside, although the cold, winter months do make this more difficult. I also FaceTime my family as much as I can. I am very close to my family, therefore I knew that keeping in touch and maintaining daily communication with them is something I truly value.
The most challenging part was adjusting to the real winters in Michigan. This past 2020-2021 winter was the first real winter in my life! As you can imagine, I equipped myself with snow boots, tons of layers, and parkas. Some of the biggest changes included getting used to waking up about 30 minutes earlier to warm up my car and remove the snow from the windshield.
Luckily, I was able to ask my classmates from Michigan about the tips and tricks of surviving the Michigan winter. My biggest suggestions would be to definitely layer a lot of clothing and to drive slow! Winter was a fun adventure and the snow was truly beautiful!
Spring in Michigan is also beautiful! The snow is gone and we have some warm days. I am surprised at the variability in temperature during the spring. But I must admit that I am tremendously happy that the snow is gone. I’m also super happy to be able to go on walks again!
In summary, despite experiencing my first “real” winter, my transition from California to Michigan has not been very challenging because I always found multiple ways to stay connected and de-stress during medical school.
Most of my first year of medical school consisted of virtual classes via Zoom. This was definitely a new experience for me since I had only minimal experience with online classes. To my surprise, I have learned that I enjoy virtual classes. I enjoy the flexibility of being able to attend classes from home. Although, certain classes like anatomy, for example, would have been a lot more meaningful in person. Luckily, MSU CHM has offered in-person anatomy classes during their third intersession in May 2021, so I do not feel like I missed out too much.
On the other hand, one of the most challenging aspects of virtual medical school is not getting to know your classmates. I still have not met all of my fellow classmates because we have very few in-person components. I hope that during my second year of medical school, I will be able to meet more of my classmates and be able to create more friendships. Despite the barriers that the COVID-19 pandemic has created, I am extremely grateful to have started medical school.
Overcoming the challenges of the pandemic has reassured me that I am capable of adjusting and finding the right resources to help me succeed. I am excited to see what the second year of medical school has in store for me!
Also check out our first (Spring 2020) and second (Summer/Fall 2020) editions of the CHM Student COVID Diaries, featuring students from throughout the college recapping the student experience in several different phases of the pandemic.
Credits:
Created with an image by JillWellington - "deep snow winter michigan"