MedEx Day 21

Once again, today was a great day! We started it off by training on QPR, which I remember from tier one. As someone who has struggled with mental health, specifically anxiety and panic attacks, I recognize the importance of helping others who face mental health struggles, especially if they are planning suicide. In fact, I think it is extremely special that I could be potentially saving a life without having a medical degree just through talking to them in a way that convinces them to seek help through others rather than choosing a permanent solution to a temporary problem. The presenters made the process very engaging through playing games/activities in order to practice the QPR technique, which was really helpful! When we were practicing different scenarios concerning friends/coworkers that showcased signs of planning suicide, it was actually quite difficult. In a situation where your friend is blunt about ending their life, I feel as though it may be hard to come up with a response as it is quite shocking in the moment. However, as we practiced the question, persuade, and refer process more, it became a lot easier!

After we received our QPR certifications, we started to write uplifting notes of positivity and kindness to each of our tier mates and interns. Everyone that I have met this tier have been the most inspiring, kind, genuine people, and it felt amazing to be able to tell them that (anonymously of course). I really feel like this activity continued to bring us closer! After this, the M2s came back, and we split into groups of three to talk one on one to a medical student. It was extremely helpful to ask specific questions to them in a more private setting, and we received lots of good tips for how to get into medical school! They did warn about the complicatedness of the MCAT, but also encouraged us that we could do it, and we don't have to get a "perfect" score!

After lunch, the theatre group for people on the spectrum came to meet and talk to us, which was super inspiring and incredible! I have talked to people on the autism spectrum before in high school, and I always enjoy talking to them! They have so much life and personality, and I truly enjoy talking to them! This experience also truly opened my eyes to the struggles and tribulations they face in their life just because of their neurodevelopmental disorder, and I feel as though that it not fair. I truly feel as though there should be more done to help them, make them feel comfortable, and make them feel welcome and loved within a harsh world. In fact, I think this program did an INCREDIBLE job doing this, and I hope I can find an organization such as the theatre group that I can join and aid that helps people on the spectrum. I especially thought it was amazing that they gave us all the book that they wrote, and it was such a cool experience to hear them read the things that they wrote! After this, we completed our highs and lows for the tier, and to be honest these past two days have been incredible! I had no lows, and I have truly felt so connected to everybody in this tier! It was so great to reflect how far we've come so far, and I am so sad that it is all about to be over! We also were able to hear some "Teach Me Something" presentations from students who are leaving soon, such as Courtney, which was so fun, especially since she was discussing how to make the perfect grilled cheese!