A paramedic ponders the blues. “Understanding what affects our mood and causes a lack of energy or a feeling of unease or turmoil allows us to think about the solutions that can be put in place to get better. Some factors can be easily resolved, but others require a lot of introspection and external support—and sometimes, just acceptance.”
Read moreDesensitization to the Face of Death: A reflection by poet and medical student Catherine Read
A medical student examines the desensitization that imbues the study and practice of medicine—and advocates against it.
Read moreOn Brian Ascalon Roley’s "Caregiving"
A pediatric emergency physician reflects on the burning intensity found at the heart of caregiving.
Read moreLeading Change in Healthcare Through a Healing Nature
A pharmacist fiercely advocates for lasting change via a healing framework.
Read moreA Moment of Intimacy
A writer questions the dynamics that shape—as well as disguise—not only the clinical encounter, but also personhood, identity, and intimacy.
Read moreRepeat After Me: Questions about the brain in transition by writer Nancy Huggett
A caregiver reflects on the orienting power of repetition. and how such repetition allows us to anchor ourselves within our lived narratives.
Read moreHow Patients Teach Us by Catalina Flores
A nurse contemplates how and why patients are made to feel like burdens—simply for having several needs.
Read moreThe Tyranny of "Normal" in healthcare and healing by Dr. Kate Otto Chebly
A physician grapples with the tyranny of “normalcy” and how its unbending dictates can stifle the clinical encounter as well as patient care.
Read moreDescribing Cancer with Imagery and Metaphors by Sarah Smith, MD
A family physician considers the importance of metaphors and imagery when grappling with life-threatening, unimaginable illness.
Read moreWhen Visuals Become Verbal: The Art of Communicating Emotional States of Mind by Barbara West
© Blue Pajama Series - Crowd by Rachel Wyman Fall 2021 Intima
A writer and hospice nurse explores the parallels between one of her essays published in Intima and a studio art series previously published in this journal.
Read moreThe Importance of Touch in Medicine (and Beyond) by neonatologist Katherine C. White
A retired neonatologist recalls her time in the NICU when the specter of HIV loomed large—and laments the precautions against touch that have returned with the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read moreThe Lost Patient Narrative in our era of "EHR-Centered" Medicine: A Reflection by family medicine physicianJacqueline Redmer
A family medicine physician reflects on the true costs for the patient and the clinician of the increasing digitization of modern medicine.
Read moreOn "Where Are You, Mary Oliver?" A pediatric ER doctor contemplates what two poets taught her about healing
A pediatric emergency physician reflects on the enduring power and comfort of Mary Oliver’s poetry during difficult times.
Read moreThe Luxury of Walking Away: An MS4 meditates on time, isolation and the comforts of home
A medical student contemplates her roles as a physician-in-training and learns to appreciate the privilege she possesses—unlike her patients—in walking away from the clinical space.
Read moreWhere do you turn for comfort? A reflection on Popsicles, Tater Tots and hospital gift shops by internist Ben Goldenberg
“Sometimes the job we do isn’t about fixing what’s wrong but rather helping each other survive within the confines of our brokenness.” Artwork: The Art of Being Here by Kirilee West Spring 2022 Intima
Read moreSurprising Behavior in the Pandemic
A palliative care nurse analyzes poetry and studio art created in response to the ongoing pandemic—and appreciates how these different pieces generate surprising parallels.
Read moreOn Imagined Boundaries: A reflection on "the body as a narrative instrument" by Tony Errichetti
A medical educator reflects on studio art recently published in the Intima and examines the boundaries—real or imagined?—often constructed between mind and body.
Read moreWaiting: A reflection on anticipating a diagnosis by poet RN Amy Haddad
A nurse, poet, and educator ponders the lot of patients—one that often includes loss of identity, dislocation in time and space, and of course, waiting.
Read moreThe Chance to Say Goodbye... or Not: Thoughts about being prepared—or surprised— by death by end-of-life doula Virginia Chang
An end-of-life doula reflects on their experiences with dying patients and concludes by offering three life lessons.
Read moreExploring End-of-Life themes in "Nay Nay's Rebirth," a short story by Sara Lynne Wright
A retired surgeon reflects on a short story published in this journal—and in doing so, also contemplates how a comfortable and humane death can be fulfilled at the end of life.
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