Thursday, August 24, 2023

What is Flourishing?

From the August 25, 2023 issue of the Transformational Times - Medical school pipeline programs


What is
Flourishing?
 

 Rakshya Bhatta, SPARCC Scholar '23 


 

 
This summer, Rakshya Bhatta was a scholar in MCW’s Student-Centered Pipeline to Advance Research in Cancer Careers (SPARCC) – an eight-week program that immerses undergraduate students from backgrounds underrepresented in biomedical research in the complexities of clinical cancer research. Rakshya shares how this experience influenced her journey toward a medical career and her understanding of the concept of flourishing” … 

 


My engagement with SPARCC has been an enlightening journey that has deeply influenced my perspective on personal growth and fulfillment. SPARCC, tailored to advance research in cancer-related careers, has not only imparted knowledge and skills but ignited profound introspection. 

 

Through workshops, engaging discussions, practicum rotations, and hands-on experiences, SPARCC has encouraged me to reflect on the intricate facets of personal flourishing. 

 

It has shed light on the fact that flourishing encompasses far more than mere success; it encapsulates holistic well-being, meaningful connections, and a sense of purpose. In particular, the SPARCC program’s emphasis on mentorship and collaborative learning provided invaluable insights, connecting me with individuals who have thrived both personally and professionally. 

 

Furthermore, my exposure to clinical research and cancer-related fields has served as a microcosm of life's challenges and triumphs. Witnessing the dedication of researchers and professionals, their resilience in the face of obstacles, and their unwavering commitment to advancing human health has been inspiring. This has reinforced the notion that flourishing is often intertwined with the pursuit of noble and meaningful endeavors. 


 

SPARCC added perspective to a prior, transformative experience 

 

This past winter, I had another transformative opportunity -- to study abroad in Uganda and learn about their healthcare systems. It was an adventure that expanded my worldview, challenged my preconceptions, and left an indelible mark on my heart and mind. 

 

It shattered any remnants of naivety I held regarding the complexities of the world. It served as a stark reminder of the immense hardships that exist beyond my immediate surroundings, unmasking the harsh realities faced by many individuals whose voices often remain unheard. 


Uganda, often called the "Pearl of Africa," is a diverse nation filled with vibrant cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and warm-hearted people. Yet, beneath this surface beauty lies a profound social and economic disparity that affects vulnerable populations, particularly teenage mothers. Their dire circumstances, often driven by poverty, limited education, and societal pressures, push them into compromising situations, including trading sexual favors for necessities like food and housing.  

 

I was especially touched and in utter disbelief when I saw an eight-year-old pregnant woman. At that time, my brother was eight and I could not fathom imagining him as a dad. The stark contrast between the innocence of childhood and the immense responsibility of parenthood was both shocking and heart-wrenching to comprehend 

 

This experience forced me to confront my privileges and challenged the assumptions I had unknowingly harbored. It propelled me to critically examine the structural inequalities that perpetuate such circumstances and motivated me to question societal norms and engage in meaningful conversations. 

 

Furthermore, it ignited a fierce desire within me to advocate for social change and amplify the voices of the marginalized. Witnessing the strength and resilience of these young mothers in adversity inspired me to act. I realized that empathy alone was not enough; it must be coupled with active efforts to address systemic issues and empower those in need. 

 

I hope to go back to Uganda one day and actively advocate for free education for these young people. 



My experience with the children in Uganda will always stick with me -- the kids running up to my group and calling us mzungu or white people,’ and noting the sheer joy on their faces when coming to meet us. While there, I had the privilege of engaging in conversations with very young mothers who were compelled to exchange sex for food, which shed light on the stark realities faced by marginalized communities. I had the opportunity to visit various organizations dedicated to improving the lives of teenage mothers and talk to some of them one on one. 

As someone who likes to find happiness in the smallest things, but also strives for validation from others, flourishing encapsulates the harmonious intertwining of happiness, fulfillment, and personal development.  

It means to live a balanced life with little to no regrets. It means taking risks for your happiness and spending time with your loved ones. It means working hard to achieve your dreams and not letting obstacles deter you. It means putting yourself first and being okay with failure, as long as you learn from those experiences.  

 

Reflecting on this definition, I don’t think I am currently flourishing, at least not to my full potential. I am a people pleaser to the core, so I find it difficult to say no to people or put my own needs first. I am not doing the most to achieve my dreams. For example, I am studying for the MCAT but am constantly distracted by other responsibilities and struggle to permit myself to take a break. This mindset of pushing myself and fearing that with any deviation from studying, I will fail, adds to my self-criticism.  

 

Thinking back to Spring 2023, it was undoubtedly a transformative and flourishing period in my life. The combination of the roughest college semester and relationship problems served as a catalyst for my change in perspective. I decided to use this time for personal growth and exploration of my inner self. I spent a lot of time hanging out with my friends, studying until 2:00 AM at the library (with study buddies of course), exploring Madison, spending time with family, and traveling. At its core, this journey was an exploration of unfamiliar realms, driven by a desire to foster holistic development. This critical point in my life was not merely an isolated decision but rather a resolute pivot toward a more balanced and fulfilling existence.  

 

Looking back, I now realize that Flourishing means taking time to enjoy every experience in life, even those outside my comfort zone. I mean, the Rakshya back in 2020 would not even go to Florida without her parents, but the Rakshya in 2023 went to Paris and Uganda by herself. Each opportunity pushed me outside of my comfort zone and taught me valuable lessons about adaptability, resilience, and the beauty of embracing the unknown.  

Sometimes, we overlook the little moments that can add immense meaning to our lives. 

Taking forward what I learned in SPARCC this summer about flourishing, if I were to help a mentee or peers flourish in their life, I would ask them to first define their version of flourishing.  

 

While forming this definition, I would gently nudge them to look beyond external expectations and societal norms, enabling them to identify what truly ignites their spirit and brings them joy. I would also ask them to take a pause so that they can step back and identify the experiences that bring them genuine happiness.  

 

Whether it's enjoying a cup of tea in the morning, taking a walk, spending time with loved ones, or pursuing a hobby, every small act of happiness can contribute to a flourishing life.  

 

I would encourage them to cherish these moments and integrate them into their daily routines. Finally, I would remind them that flourishing takes time. No one can do it overnight and it’s okay to experience obstacles along the way 

 


For further reading: 


 

 


Rakshya Bhatta is originally from Nepal and will complete her education at University of Wisconsin-Madison in May 2024. She joined the SPARCC program due to her interest in clinical research and a career as a physician, with potential next steps of applying to medical school. She enjoys playing tennis, watching movies, shopping, and hanging out with friends and family in her free time.  

Monday, August 21, 2023

Reflections from SPARCC: Witnessing Humanistic Care in Medicine

 From the August 18, 2023 issue of the Transformational Times - SPARCC and AIM focus



Reflections from SPARCCWitnessing Humanistic Care in Medicine 

 

 

Don Mai, 2023 SPARCC Participant

 

Student-centered Pipeline to Advance Research in Cancer Careers (SPARCC) is a program designed to prepare underrepresented minority students to pursue medicine and biomedical research, and ultimately, pursue careers in clinical cancer research ...


 

(Hospitals) are no place to live and die. BJ Miller, palliative care specialist from his TED2015 talk, What Really Matters at the End of Life  

 


As a recent college graduate, I was thrilled to be a part of the fifth cohort of the Student-centered Pipeline to Advance Research in Cancer Careers (SPARCC) program. The immersive, eight-week summer experience introduced me to a plethora of medical specialties and health care-related topics. Each of SPARCC’s three components have shaped my perspective on medicine.  

 

From learning about cancer biology to palliative care, the professional workshops taught me the importance of treating the person and not just the disease. After watching the film Wit (2001), and palliative care specialist BJ Miller’s TED speech (2015), Dr. Wendy Peltier, professor of medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin, walked us through the process of end-of-life care. 

 

Patients suffer from their diseases and they suffer from the treatment. “We ask too much of our hospitals. They are places for acute trauma and treatable illness. They are no place to live and die; that's not what they were designed for, Miller said during his TED speech. This changed my perspective on how we can provide dignity in end-of-life care. Whether it is eating an unhealthy meal or skydiving, we should not deny patients the pleasures of life that bring fulfillment for fear that it will hurt them. We should empower patients to live when facing death.  

 

Taking the insights from the workshops, we began our practicum rotations through various specialties. Witnessing the strength and resilience of patients while grappling with multiple co-morbidities moved me. One remarkable individual was a young woman about my age. Against challenges with her central line and raising children while receiving treatment, she carried a light within her and shared her positivity with smiles. It warmed my heart to see that little things make a difference. Because individuals with iron deficiency experience enhanced thirst, and ice helps, Patrick Foy, MD, a hematologist, offering a cup of ice sparked her smile. Witnessing this interaction helped me appreciate the humanistic care of medicine.  

 

The final enriching experience was the independent research project with Sarah White, MD MS FSIR, from the Division of Vascular & Interventional Radiology. 

 

Learning about central line usage in cancer patients, I became aware of the variables affecting care. This project evoked a personal memory of my father’s experience with receiving a central line for dialysis. I vividly recall the fear that overcame our family when his catheter developed an infection after two weeks. This connection made the project more significant and motivated me to learn more about how the field is transforming lives.  

 

I was inspired by Dr. White’s dedication to address every individual catheter-associated infection through policy implementation and raising awareness. She both cares for her patients and helps to shape the future of health care. She is the kind of physician I aspire to be, and I am grateful to witness my mentor’s work 

 


Graduating from SPARCC, I am filled with a fresh perspective and motivation toward a career in medicine. I am grateful for the transformative experiences that SPARCC and our mentors offered. With new insights, I am eager to continue my journey in health care for the upcoming enrichment year and apply to medical schools in the near future 

 


Don Mai was born in Vietnam and immigrated to Milwaukee when he was 12. He graduated from Ronald Reagan High School and then obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Neurobiology and Psychology from the University of Wisconsin in Madison. He enjoys practicing Taekwondo and Jiu-jitsu in his free time.