A Second Home (2019)
Zarir Ahmed, DO (2019)
acrylic paint on canvas
We had the knowledge, but we needed direction
Patient by patient, note after note, we grew as clinicians
Through the muck, our attendings and co-interns were there
And became mentors and companions — friends who have become family
As I walk through the doors of this tower
I realize it is my home
This manuscript was submitted to the April 2019 Arts in Medicine theme issue.
Resident Physician Contributing Writer
Saint Louis University School of Medicine
Dr Zarir Ahmed is currently a third-year Internal Medicine at Saint Louis University, his alma mater where he earned his degree in biology with a minor in studio art. He went on to the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine to pursue his Doctor of Osteopathy degree. Zarir is a resident by day and an artist, aspiring chef, and a curious traveler by night. Motivated by the opportunity to heal and teach others, he looks forward to serving as Chief of Internal Medicine at SLU in this coming year.