Today we became experts in posing for photographers. We indulged ourselves in selfies and group photos after a long climb to Bear Creek Falls. Every possible angle and view to capture such a singular moment was explored.

I was reminded in these moments of the “Shirtless Dancing Guy” video we watched the first day. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fW8amMCVAJQ  One person has an idea, and others jump in, sparking a movement. It’s our way of saying to each other, “Hey I like your idea, let me try it out.” One of my peers would creatively pose in a rock garden and I would want to try it out. I would adopt a meditative pose in front of the falls and some others would follow suit.

We are already starting to practice what we are being taught: respecting each other and adopting ideas. (Not just photo poses of course).

 

Today I have to… Continue reading →

Today we are settling into a rhythm and telling more stories. There are short and long stories, educational stories and moving stories. One in particular saddened and angered me in a way that I know I will carry forward with me through my journey in healthcare for the better.

Stories of patient safety are not just being told here, but at hospitals nationwide. Executives at hospitals send out “Good Catch Monday” e-mails broadcasting news of staff who prevented a medical error. Employees are surprised by hospital leaders and rewarded for utilizing “Stop the Line” regardless of whether an error was imminent or not.

As humans we will always want to rationalize and find a concrete answer upon which we can place our finger. Unfortunately in healthcare this translates to placing blame on a single individual when a medical error is involved. It was the nurse’s fault, he didn’t read the… Continue reading →

I meditated on my balcony this morning at roughly 9500 feet above sea level. I love moments where I can quiet my mind and feel connected to the present. The sun was just starting to illuminate two twin peaks in front of me and the rest of the mountains still cradled the valley below in dusky shadow. Not opening my eyes to take in the view was a struggle to say the least, but I reminded myself I needed tune myself for the day to come.

The rest of my first day at Marseille was more of a whirlwind compared to those quiet ten minutes, but now nestled back in my room, I am starting to comb through my thoughts. So many insightful ideas were posited that I cannot possibly touch on them all, but below is one quote that resonated with me. It is connected to the bigger picture… Continue reading →