Honoring our first patients
From our first week of medical school, we began the journey of learning about the human body in the anatomy lab. Although our exams focused on identifying and classifying anatomical structures and functions, we never quite lost sight of what a privilege it was to be learning about the body from a fellow human. Each year at the completion of our anatomy course, the lives of those who willed their bodies to our anatomy program were honored through our Anatomy Candlelight Vigil.
The following pieces were illustrated to reflect on some of the lessons from this journey and to express thanks for the invaluable gifts shared with us.
A candlelit moment of reflection.
The individuals who willed their bodies to our anatomy program gave us gifts that transcended their own lifetime. This piece was drawn to honor those gifts. It was used for the official Anatomy Candlelight Vigil programs at the ceremony. Thanks to my wonderful classmate Alyssa Chen for supporting the incorporation of these illustrations into our program materials.
Hands of gratitude.
This piece was illustrated to remember the human touch at the heart of anatomy. The lessons we learned from these individuals - our “first patients” - will be carried with us for many years to come. For all that and more, we thank you.
Small pauses for reflection.
The “Hands of Gratitude” piece was featured in our Student Center after the vigil ended, as a way to encourage a small moment of pause and reflection amidst our hectic medical school schedules.