UCLA Journal of Radiation Oncology APRIL 2023 - Flipbook - Page 39
UCLA RADIATION ONCOLOGY JOURNAL
stories, some of which I am quite proud of while
others are in terrible states of disrepair. I am
trying to revise them, so we’ll see how they turn
out!
perspectives, and share their writing with a
wider audience.
I think creative writing and the arts play a
big role in medicine. At least they have for
me. Burnout is high among medical students,
residents, and attending physicians. There is
evidence, including specifically in the field of
radiation oncology, that the ability to identify
and describe emotions is linked to lower levels
of burnout. If the arts allow us to explore
and process our emotions related to health
and medicine, perhaps job satisfaction can
be bolstered and patient connections can be
strengthened.
What wisdom can you impart to medical
students interested in Radiation Oncology?
M: I won’t go so far as to call it wisdom, but I
want to highlight the diversity of opportunities
available in radiation oncology, from basic
science and clinical research to technology
and industry to storytelling and the arts.
Some medical students may not have heard
much about the field and may think of it as
a highly technical specialty best suited for
former physics majors. While the technology
of radiation therapy is incredible, there are so
many other aspects of the field in which one
can become absorbed. With my background in
the humanities, what drew me to the specialty
was the stories of people with cancer. Radiation
oncology provides the time and space to connect
with patients and help them through frightening
times.
When I first started in the creative writing MFA
program, I remember being surprised when one
of the professors told me, “You didn’t come here
to learn how to write. You came here to learn
how to read.” After briefly wondering whether
the professor doubted that I did, in fact, know
how to read, I realized what he meant: becoming
a better writer, at its heart, involved learning
how to pay close attention to the world around
us. I think this lesson has served me well in
medicine, reminding me of the importance of
paying attention to the details in patients’ lives.
If any medical students are reading this, I
encourage you to maintain your passions,
continue your hobbies, and explore activities
that bring excitement and meaning to your life.
Whatever your interests are, I think there is
room for you in radiation oncology.
What projects/research/publications are you
currently working on?
What is your best piece of advice for incoming
residents?
M: I’m working on several projects I’m
excited about, centering on racial disparities
in colorectal cancer with Dr. Raldow,
brachytherapy for recurrent endometrial cancer
with Dr. Chang, glioma pseudoprogression with
Dr. Lai, and narrative medicine with Dr. Venkat.
I’m trying to write more narrative medicine
pieces, including one on unsolicited grammar
lessons for physicians, which, I fear, no one will
want to read. I’m also tinkering with a few fiction
pieces unrelated to medicine. For my thesis in
the MFA program, I wrote a collection of short
M: Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need
it. Your co-residents are here for you. ☐
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