Regardless of how difficult medicine is, each small step we take to listen, be compassionate, have patience, and advocate is meaningful, even if we must start over and do it again tomorrow, and the next day, and the day after that.

Lisa Gong reflects on a patient who helped her to see the value in normalcy and routine.

The essay read in this episode was published in the Teaching and Learning Moments column in the July 2025 issue of Academic Medicine. Read the essay at academicmedicine.org.

Artists Rachel Mindrup, MFA, and Tuyet-Minh Tran, MD, discuss their artwork that was featured on the cover of Academic Medicine. They explore the inspiration and creative process behind their pieces and how medicine has influenced their art and how art has influenced how they experience medicine. They also reflect on the role of the arts and humanities in medicine and medical education and how art can foster reflection and perspective taking in physicians.

Check out the artwork discussed, read the artists’ accompanying essays, and access the episode transcript at academicmedicineblog.org.

I, like others in medical education, had the misconception that wellness could solely be achieved by separating work from “real life.” I thought I needed to find wellness and restoration outside of medicine to be able to then empty myself again and again into this career. Jessica proved me wrong.

L. Elizabeth Moreno reflects on a student who reignited her commitment as an educator.

The essay read in this episode was published in the Teaching and Learning Moments column in the June 2025 issue of Academic Medicine. Read the essay at academicmedicine.org.