a constant in changing times janhavi patel

A Constant in CHANGING Times

CHANGING

Our lives have changed. And we have started giving it interesting names: “The New Normal”, “The Trying Times”, “Uncertain Terrain”. Despite what happens, life goes on. The current pandemic has created different challenges for everyone. For me, a budding medical student, it has drastically altered my view of medical education. One of the most important parts of the medical school experience is being part of the hospital environment and interacting with patients and staff. However, amidst all the changes that happened in response to the pandemic, our clinical work was completely put on hold for the past 7 months. It was not only time that passed by; we were also losing significant opportunities to gain clinical skills, interact with patients, explore medicine, and medical specialties. Although daunting at first, we soon recognized the need to be silent supporters in the battle against this virus. So we (im)patiently waited for the time when we were called back to the frontlines (more like just allowed to be back in the clinical environment). Now, after 7 months, we have returned to the clinical space. I stand confused, smack dab in the middle of the emergency department. There is a weird sense of swiftness; hearts beating, machines beeping, people screaming. I hear the sounds of both agony and joy, uncertainty and relief. Everyone is busy and everything is moving. Meanwhile, I stare into space, hoping that someone will snap their fingers and freeze time for a moment so that I can see and take it all in! The months themselves are quickly passing by, nearing the day when I will have to pick a medical specialty. I feel anxious, confused, excited and scared all together. But the longer I stay, the more I realize that those hearts will continue to beat, machines will continue to beep, and that people will have to move fast to keep up with time. And I cannot stop it. All I can do is be here, and embrace it. x

WORDS & ART by JANHAVI PATEL