Resident Physician Contributing Writer
University of Washington School of Medicine
Brandon Peplinski is a current PGY-2 internal medicine resident at the University of Washington where he is a University of Washington Housestaff Association board member. Originally from the Twin Cities, Minnesota, he has lived in Maryland, Washington DC, Argentina, Southern California, and Seattle. His interests include epidemiology, socioeconomic determinants of health, and advocacy.
On September 25, we participated in a 15-minute unity break (effectively a walk-out) with over 450 residents and fellows at the University of Washington in protest of UW’s dismal contract proposals during our negotiations. It was led by the University of Washington Housestaff Association (UWHA), one of the few unions of resident doctors in the United States.
On September 25, the resident physicians and fellows at the University of Washington (UW) participated in a “strike.” It lasted only 15 minutes, because above all else, they are physicians putting patient care first. So, why are they striking?
I am very pleased to welcome you all to a new academic year at the esteemed institution at which you find yourself, perhaps somewhat unexpectedly, thanks to the Match. Late June is always somewhat bittersweet, but it is a simultaneously exciting time in the academic year.
My wife and I were preparing to move overseas so I could begin medical school in Israel. We both wanted children young. I grew up as one of five siblings, and we looked forward to a big family. I knew that having kids would change my medical education experience, but I had no idea how grateful I would be for the advice I received that sunny spring day in Alabama.
In 2019, sexual harassment and discrimination in medicine prevent patients from receiving the best possible care. We all deserve better. Not only do all who practice medicine and care for patients deserve an equitable workplace, patients deserve optimal care provided by medical teams in which all members are respected and valued. This is why I’m proud to be a founding member of TIME’S UP Healthcare.
Last May, Evan matched into a fellowship that will take him across the country for a year, beginning in August. Because he’s a little bit off in the head, he chose subspecialty training that will likely entail even longer hours than residency at the same pay scale.
Two months ago, I woke up one morning at 5:30 a.m., as usual. I played my gym motivation playlist in the shower, ate oatmeal for breakfast, and headed out the door, as usual. I swore at the car that swerved into the lane in front of me without signaling, as usual. An hour later, I pre-rounded on one of my favorite patients, a man with wide, childlike eyes who had a great deal of difficulty expressing his feelings.
On March 11, an invitation-only meeting will determine the future of the United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE) Step 1 exam. The results will profoundly affect how all future American doctors are taught.
We coded the woman for forty minutes. She was forty-two, and had two kids, and was perfectly fine yesterday. Now she was gone, or going, her family in the lobby, and no one with any answers.
Resident Physician Contributing Writer
New York University, Langone
Katharine Lawrence is an Internal Medicine resident at New York University School of Medicine, specializing in primary care. She received her BA in Anthropology from Vassar College, and her MPH from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine. She attended FIU Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine (HWCOM) in Miami, FL. As an advocate for the LGBT community, Katharine has spoken at the local, regional, and national level on the importance of incorporating LGBT health in medical education. Katharine’s writing has been featured in a number of publications and blogs, including Hektoen International, the AAMC AM Rounds, KevinMD, and In-Training.
